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- The Best CBD Beauty Products You Can *Actually* Buy In Australia Right Now
The Best CBD Beauty Products You Can *Actually* Buy In Australia Right Now
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CBD is one of the fastest-growing categories in the beauty and wellness industry. In fact, it’s projected to grow by 31.5 percent between 2023 and 2030, according to Grand View Research. Why? CBD (cannabidiol) has been found to be beneficial for pretty much everything. We’re talking inflammatory skin disorders like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, the management of chronic pain, and even sexual health.
The 2018 Farm Bill recognised hemp as distinct from other cannabis sativa strains. This made it legal for industrial, medicinal, and cosmetic use. Since then, there has been an explosion in production and demand for CBD beauty products.
In the US, retailers like Sephora and Ulta Beauty are dedicating entire sections of their e-commerce platforms to CBD skincare. Indie beauty beauty brands like Saint Jane and Lord Jones are taking off, and putting CBD in the spotlight.
In Australia, though, the FDA has not formally legalised CBD for use in cosmetics. It’s safe to say attitudes to CBD in America — where over 30 states have legalised cannabis — are markedly different to those in Australia.
So, Are CBD Beauty Products Legal In Australia, Or Aren’t They?
Let’s clarify. In Australia, CBD oil is technically legal, but it’s complicated. CBD is classified as a Schedule 4 drug. This means medicinal CBD, used for the treatment of physical and psychological conditions, requires a doctor’s prescription. With growing interest in CBD, the Australian Therapeutic Good Administration seems to be reviewing its approach to the ingredient.
In December 2020, the TGA announced the “down scheduling” of some CBD products containing low-dose cannabidiol to “Schedule 3”. Theoretically, this makes them legal for over-the-counter purchase. The one issue? As noted by Australian Access Clinics, no products that meet the TGA requirements for Schedule 3 actually exist. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find CBD in your beauty products yet.
Hemp-Derived CBD Beauty Products in Australia
Beauty products with hemp-derived CBD are accessible on Australian shores, which can cause confusion.
There are two strains of cannabis sativa being referred to when we talk about CBD: one is hemp and the other is cannabis. Both are technically cannabis sativa, but they contain different levels of CBD and THC. Furthermore, both strains are subject to very different legal restrictions, depending on where you are in the world.
The hemp strain commonly referred to as “industrial hemp” has higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC. In Australia, only CBD that is naturally occurring in hemp oil is permitted in cosmetics, which is an amount lower than 0.0005%. This is in stark contrast to the United States. There, the only requirement for cannabis sativa derivatives is that they contain less than 0.3 percent THC.
So, CBD derived from cannabis is still a no-go for brands. On the other hand, hemp-derived CBD beauty and skincare products are available.
When it comes to skincare, hemp-derived CBD beauty still has plenty of benefits. Hemp seed oil is packed with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, is a potent antioxidant and is anti-inflammatory. All of this is good news for your skin.
While we wait for other forms of CBD to become available in Australia, there are plenty of good-for-your-skin, hemp-derived CBD beauty products hitting shelves. There’s also cannabis sativa-rich skincare products (which have been available for some time!).
We’ve rounded up the best.
BodyBlendz Hemp Hero Bundle
Use the Hemp Hero Bundle ($99.97) from BodyBlendz on those “everything shower” days.
It includes a deeply hydrating AHA Lotion ($49.99), nourishing Body Wash ($29.99) and Coffee Scrub ($19.99). The hemp oil inclusion is moisturising and great for soothing dry and flaky skin.
Mecca Cosmetica Sunless Goddess Self-Tanning Drops
The inclusion of hemp seed oil in the Mecca Cosmetica, Sunless Goddess Self-Tanning Drops ($34) is a nifty stroke of genius. Hemp seed oil is intensely hydrating while being non-comedogenic, making it perfect for balancing out the potentially drying effects of tanning agents.
Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate
Designed with blemished, sensitised, cranky skin in mind, Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate ($76) will, very simply, help your complexion chill-the-f-out. With soothing and hydrating cannabis sativa seed oil and purifying oregano extracts, this oil is a non-comedogenic wonder elixir.
Dope Skin.Co, AHA/BHA Resurfacing Serum
As potent as it is pretty, the sapphire blue Dope Skin.Co, AHA/BHA Resurfacing Serum ($40) packs a punch.
With five powerfully resurfacing AHA exfoliants, including glycolic, citric, lactic, malic, and tartaric acid, it smooths texture and lifts dark spots, while oil-soluble salicylic acid busts blemishes and polishes blocked pores.
You might expect some skin irritation with this many exfoliants but, fortunately, anti-inflammatory blue tansy, niacinamide, and hemp are included to address irritation while hyaluronic acid provides a non-comedogenic hydration injection. Consider it your secret weapon against blemishes, texture, and uneven skin tone.
Revive CBD Roll-On
While CBD containing THC is recommended for chronic pain conditions, the gentle anti-inflammatory benefits of hemp-derived CBD are perfect for short term, too-ambitious-with-a-headstand-at-Pilates-induced injuries.
Created by and for athletes Revive, CBD Roll-On ($80) provides immediate relief with numbing menthol crystals, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils, while delivering deeper anti-inflammatory action with hemp-derived CBD, all in one easy-to-use roll-on applicator.
If post-workout muscle pain is earning you mounting late-cancelled pilates class fees, this product could save you some money while helping you hit your #workoutgoals.
The Cannabis Company Lip Balm
Lips chapped? Get some hemp on them, stat. The Cannabis Company, Hemp Lip Balm, ($7) softens and hydrates lips with 100 percent organic hemp and a smoothing, never sticky texture. With four flavours to choose from — mango, vanilla, pomegranate, and spearmint — simply pick your poison and pucker up.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
Dry, cracked cuticles bumming you out? Formulated with hemp seed oil, which is known for its hydrating properties, The Body Shop, Hemp Hand Protectant, ($12) smooths and softens with essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, while providing an anti-ageing boost with vitamin A and E.
Want the same benefits for your bod? Pick up The Body Shop, Hemp Nourishing & Protecting Dry Body Oil ($30) for gleaming, glowy limbs.
Cannabella Hemp Jelly
This “swiss army knife” product Cannabella, Hemp Jelly ($30-62) is a multipurpose wonder balm designed to be used as an overnight mask, lip salve, cleansing balm, or spot treatment for skin that’s been roughed up by the elements (think windburn, sunburn, or stress). Consider this your bedside table staple.
Cosmetics 27, Recovery 27
The ultimate soothing treatment serum Cosmetics 27, Recovery 27 ($162) is the perfect complexion reset.
The biomimetic (that’s close to skin-identical) formula contains anti-inflammatory Centella Asiatica and complexion-boosting cannabis Sativa seed, extract as well as sodium hyaluronate to address dehydration.
Eve Lom, Radiance Face Oil
Looking for a soothing oil that doubles as a makeup primer? The Eve Lom, Radiance Face Oil ($119) is one of our favourites.
Along with fatty, acid-rich hemp seed oil, this luxurious elixir contains smoothing and softening avocado oil, Abyssinian oil, and stabilised vitamin C for a brightening boost.
This oil provides 12 hours of hydration, making it a perfect primer if you have dry or dehydrated skin that “cannibalises” your foundation by end of day.
Naturecan, CBD Sheet Masks
In need of a refresh but no time for a facial? Consider the Naturecan, CBD Sheet Masks ($35).
Perfect for chilling out on the couch, each biodegradable sheet mask (they’re sourced from 100 percent sustainably sourced woodpulp) is soaked in organic hemp oil, CBD extract, antioxidant-rich oils, and glycerin for those moments when you need an immediate moisture injection. An instant and eco complexion enhancer.
Khus + Khus, Sen Face Serum
From cult US brand Khus + Khus, Sen Face Serum ($119) contains eco-certified hemp extract, black current seed, and burriti oil along with plenty of soothing and protective antioxidants. Founded by ayurvedic specialist Kristi Blustein, Khus + Khus is all about holistic beauty, and their formulas are designed to be mentally — as well as cosmetically — therapeutic.
“Sen” contains wild harvested Nepalese rhododendron, believed to address stress and fatigue, wild French lavender, which is both anti-inflammatory and zen-instilling, and frankincense. Cheaper and faster than a three-week silent meditation retreat, this is the perfect serum to take to bed.
Olixa, Centella Asiatica Facial Mask
As you would expect, Centella asiatica is the hero ingredient in Olixa, Centella Asiatica Facial Mask ($45). The ingredient is naturally rich in triterpenes, molecules considered beneficial for wound healing, along with antioxidant-packed polyphenols.
The rich, soothing formula also contains azelaic acid and chia seed extract, along with hemp seed, strawberry seed, and camellia seed oil for a super hydrating “skin reset” moment.
Edible Beauty, Green Goddess Lip Oil
Packed with hemp, avocado and broccoli seed oil, the Edible Beauty, Green Goddess Lip Oil ($16) is an anti-ageing treatment full of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as an instant fix for raw, chapped lips in need of extra care.
We love this lip treatment’s rollerball applicator, which ensures every inch of your pout is covered. Plump, juicy lips are one swipe away.
Kypris, Puff of Love
Treat yourself like a queen with Kyrpis, Puff of Love Nurturing Anytime Moisturiser ($245), a clever, lightweight “goldilocks” moisturiser, suitable for dry and oily complexions.
The golden emulsion contains some clever ingredients like coconut alkaline, a humectant extracted from the fatty acids found in coconut oil which gives all of the hydration, and none of the grease. It also contains skin identical squalene, along with soothing hemp oil and ocean ferments for even skin tone and instant glow. Soak your skin with hydration this summer, your face will thank you for it.
No Vacancy
Switch up your signature scent with the new SSAINT, No Vacancy Parfum($139). Hints of vanilla and amber mingle with intoxicating cannabis notes and labdanum base.
It’s sexy, gender-neutral and comforting. Love that.
CBD Face Oil
Nourishing and calming Australian CBD Oil, CBD Face Oil ($101) will make a nourishing addition to your skincare routine.
Soothing and packed with hemp, rosehip and jojoba oils, this is the perfect concoction for the cooler months.