Trendy, controversial, cure-all – CBD Oil has been described countless ways as it’s made its way into doctors offices, health food stores, beauty products and even pet shops. CBD Oil has reached an all time high (pun intended 😉 ) and the hype around this hemp-derived oil is also sweeping the skincare industry so we’ve been digging deep to uncover the facts. Our founder, Bethany, even traveled across the country to visit one of the world’s *best* CBD distributors to get a behind the scenes look at CBD.
We can’t wait to share what we discovered.
We’re breaking down what CBD oil actually is, the reality of THC (the part of the plant that gives it its bad rap), how the extraction method makes a BIG difference and the real reasons why CBD has become so much more than just a trend – but a truly transformative ingredient.
WHAT IS CBD
These days, everyone and their dog has heard about Cannabis – but what is it exactly? Cannabis is a flowering plant family with several different species, one being Cannabis Sativa, and has been used since ancient times for its medicinal benefits. Just like several plant varieties, Cannabis Sativa contains active compounds called cannabinoids. While the plant contains over a hundred different cannabinoids, two of the most common are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – more about THC later. 🙂
CBD is one of the most prominent + popular compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant and contains powerful, beneficial properties for a plethora of health + skin concerns – all without the psychoactive side effects that are experienced from THC (but more about that later!). Those mind-altering side effects seem to be a concern for several people, so simply put, CBD infuses the skin and body with nutrient-dense goodness but without any worries of getting high.
THE METHOD MATTERS
Because of its rich medicinal and therapeutic benefits, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your CBD Oil. Just like with any natural skincare ingredient, the way it’s grown, sourced, and processed impacts the efficacy of the final product. So we’re about to explain why the method of extraction can make or break your CBD experience.
The majority of extraction methods for CBD Oil use high temperatures for long periods of time. What’s the problem with that process? For the same reasons we want to drink cold-pressed juices and why we don’t want to cook with EVOO. More heat means more breakdown of delicate molecules – and less goodness on your skin + in your body. It completely strips the plant of its potent compounds and significantly diminishes its effectiveness.
Not only do these industrial methods incorporate high heat, they often use solvents (such as propane, butane and ethanol – yikes) which are dangerous, highly flammable and risk leaving behind residual chemicals and contaminating the purity of the CBD Oil. No, thanks.
Another downside to many CBD products on the market (in our personal skincare opinion!) is that they include CBD Isolate. With a more transparent, thinner consistency, CBD Isolate is exactly what it sounds like: isolating CBD from the rest of the plant compounds – it’s refined until only pure CBD remains. Sure, pure CBD oil sounds great, but ultimately, your skin is missing out on all of the other beneficial properties found in the plant.
So what exactly are these potent compounds in CBD oil that we want to protect?
- Terpenes: You might be familiar with terpenes if you’ve ever used essential oils! There are hundreds of these naturally occurring compounds found in Cannabis and they’re what gives the plant its unique scent + specific effects and helps to boost absorption of other beneficial components of the plant.
- Flavonoids: Found in various foods + flowers, flavonoids are what create their vivid colors (think: raspberries, roses and yes, wine!). They are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and when partnered with terpenes + cannabinoids, the therapeutic properties are seriously enhanced.
- Cannabinoids: While cannabinoids can be found in several plant species, there are over 100 of these beneficial compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant specifically that bind to receptors in the body. Our favorite cannabinoid and the one we’re focusing on today, CBD, primarily impacts the immune system and skin (unlike THC, which binds to receptors in the brain – hence, it’s mind-altering effects) to powerfully support health + homeostasis.
So what if there was a way to extract CBD oil in a natural way that keeps its powerful, terpene-rich profile intact? Well, there is – and it’s how our Soothing Serum +CBD Oil is extracted!
Before we dive into this unique, natural distillation process, we need to talk plant quality which is something we really care about at Primally Pure. Organically grown hemp is the only way to go. We want to stay far away from pesticides on our plate and in our skincare products. Our CBD Oil is sourced from hemp grown on organic farms in the U.S. and the quality control is taken a step further as it’s triple tested for any traces of toxins, harmful pesticides, and heavy metals.
Once the organic hemp plants are harvested + tested, it’s time to extract the CBD oil.
Using only heated air for a few, short seconds (no chemicals or solvents needed), vapor distillation is the only method in the world – yup, in the whole wide world – that ensures there are no traces of toxic chemicals (i.e. hexane, butane, propane), protects the fragile plant material and maintains the full-spectrum of beneficial compounds (like cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc).
They call this: flash activation + flash extraction.
The quick burst of heat (instead of hours exposed to high temperatures) captures all of the delicate, beneficial compounds of the plant without damaging or compromising the CBD in any way.
With a greenish/brownish hue + thicker consistency, this hemp-derived, full-spectrum oil is something experts like to refer to as the Entourage Effect. It contains the broadest + most beneficial variety of plant compounds in their specific ratios to optimize the effects of CBD oil. Studies have even shown that the synergy of phytonutrients has a greater capacity to contribute to skin health, homeostasis + your overall sense of wellness. When it comes to CBD and its compounds, they’re better together.
To sum it all up, why is the CBD extraction process such a big deal? You get more of the good stuff and less of the bad. The full plant profile is in the final product and your skin will reap the benefits.
THE TRUTH ABOUT THC
So by now, you may be thinking, “Okay cool, the full plant profile – I’m all about it. But that must mean THC is still present?” Yup, it’s time to talk THC.
One of the most common questions + concerns about CBD Oil is: “Will it make me high?” Short answer: Nope.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is another naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the Cannabis Sativa plant and is most famous for its psychoactive properties (aka that “stoned” feeling). Part of the controversy with THC, and even CBD, is due to the confusion surrounding the verbiage being used about the topic: weed, hemp, marijuana, cannabis, CBD… what’s what?
While we’re not going to get into the nitty-gritty of ganja, here’s a simple guideline to help explain. Not to be confused as the exact same plant, think of Hemp and Marijuana more like cousins. While they’re in the same Cannabis family, their functions are slightly different.
One of the main differences between the two is their THC content. Marijuana is higher in THC and lower in CBD, while Hemp is higher in CBD but lower in THC. To keep things legal (and sober), distributors extract CBD oil from Hemp – not Marijuana – so there are only trace amounts of THC (staying well below the less than .3% guidelines set for CBD Oil products).
But while THC may have a bad rap, there is actually some good that comes from this cannabinoid. In minimal amounts, THC helps to contribute to that Entourage Effect we explained earlier. By maintaining the full plant profile, instead of isolating a specific component of the plant (like with CBD Isolate), your skin is fed the full range of benefits found in that ingredient.
All full-spectrum CBD Oils are going to have trace amounts of THC – keeping the synergistic benefits intact but without altering your state of mind or leaving you with the munchies. It simply creates a more potent, transformative CBD oil and offers significantly more therapeutic + medicinal support for skin and overall wellness.
Starting to understand CBD oil a bit better? Good! Because we’ve got even more CBD goodness to share with you – and specifically, how it will seriously transform your skin.
BENEFITS OF CBD OIL FOR SKIN
While people have been taking CBD Oil internally to help relieve issues like anxiety, pain, depression, inflammation and insomnia for centuries, it’s just recently become a buzz word in the beauty world. And for GOOD reason. Just like the benefits that CBD Oil offers when ingested (a more quiet mind, calm mood + balanced state of being), research is showing that it has a similar effect when applied topically to the skin.
The visible improvements in the skin are why this natural ingredient is starting to saturate the skincare market. This beauty botanical is most well known for its potent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. So for sensitive skin, acne-prone complexions, and inflammatory conditions, CBD is a dream.
When you think CBD, think skin superfood.
- It contains a variety of vitamins (like Vitamin A, D + E), minerals and multiple amino acids (the building blocks of our body) to strengthen the skin, create a more resilient complexion and optimize collagen production.
- It has the perfect ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy appearance and more GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid a.k.a. a strong anti-inflammatory compound) than any other plant, helping to relieve painful skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
- Plus, by helping to inhibit the buildup of dead skin cells and minimize inflammation, it’s an effective natural acne treatment.
Okay, we might sound like a broken record, but quality really matters when it comes to the CBD Oil in your skincare.
Be sure your hemp-derived, whole-plant CBD Oil is sourced from organically grown plants so the product (and your skin!) is free from pesticides and harmful chemicals. And remember, full-spectrum ensures the Entourage Effect is in full force and unlocks the plant’s full power to maintain its rich profile of terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids to create the highest level of efficacy available.
As a powerful skin soother for puffy, red, stressed, irritated, damaged, inflamed (should we go on?) complexions, CBD’s presence in the skincare world will only continue to expand because of its power to truly transform the skin. And we cannot wait for you to experience it.
While conversations (and even laws) surrounding CBD may still seem unclear or controversial and research is still uncovering the full impact CBD can have on the skin, we hope this post helps to clear the air about Cannabis and why we’re sold on its transformative benefits – for skin, mind and body.
Shop our Soothing Serum +CBD with our hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD Oil here! Or you can shop our herb-infused Soothing Serum if you prefer a calm complexion sans CBD. And be sure to leave a comment below with any more CBD questions or stories about how this ingredient has supported your beauty + well-being.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The CBD Oil in our Soothing Serum is for topical use only, do not ingest. Cannabidiol (CBD) has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, CBD may not be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or health problem. If you have any health concerns/questions, please consult your medical professional before using any product.
I’ve had excellent results with CBD oil used for inflammation and pain. Would it be giving away a trade secret if you divulged the source of your CBD oil? If they are also a retail distributor, I’d like to see what other products they carry.
Hi Barb, thanks so much for leaving your feedback + sharing your positive experience with CBD Oil! Our CBD distributor only provides raw materials to manufacturing companies (like PP!) and doesn’t offer any type of retail products. We’re SO excited to be able to offer the highest quality + whole plant CBD Oil in our Soothing Serum and hope you’ll experience the benefits. 🙂 XO
Others have already said it, but this is the best explanation of CBD I have ever read. I’ve been taking CBD for general wellness for about 6 months and I constantly get questioned about it. I’m going to keep this article handy to refer back to and share! I will definitely be trying your new oil when available..
Thank you SO much, Lisa! We’re so thankful to hear this post was helpful in painting a clearer picture of CBD Oil and that you’ve already been experiencing the benefits! We hope it will continue to be a source of helpful information for others in your life as well 🙂 XO
I’d like to try the serum! I’m always looking for natural ways to support my body.
This article was very informative and helps me understand why some products “work” and others “don’t”. I’ve not used CBD oils for anything but family members have and I’ve heard mixed reviews.
Hi Andrea! We definitley understand that dilema which is why our founder, Bethany, even visited the farms + distillation plant to get a behind the scenes experience to ensure the CBD Oil we include in our Soothing Serum is the most effective. We can’t wait for you to try it! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to find out when it’s available later this month – which you can do that here: https://primallypure.com/pages/newsletter-signup 🙂
I’m IN!! I’ve been using CBD supplements, salve & massage oil for joint pain for over a year. From Complete Body Daily online. Definitely helps relieve pain and inflammation.
Please put me on the wait list; however, hurry!
Thank you for the info.
Hi Gayle, thanks SO much for sharing your experience + positive words with us! We love hearing stories that support CBD’s benefits. Our Soothing Serum should be available mid-late July, stay tuned! 🙂 XO
I must say that this was beautifully written. It was extremely informative, where other companies have been EXTREMELY lacking in their description of CBD vs THC etc.
After reading your post, it actually makes me willing to try it, where other articles made me decide I didn’t think it was for me.
Thank you, and great work!
Hi Rachel! Thanks SO much for sharing your feedback + kind words with us, we’re so grateful to hear this post was helpful! Our hope was to help paint a clearer picture about the benefits of this natural ingredient and we can’t wait for you to try out our Soothing Serum with our full-spectrum CBD Oil. XO
This is a well written article thoroughly researched. I have been doing quite a bit of study on CBD for non opioid pain relief and this explains so much to help dispel misconceptions surrounding CBD oil. Thank you!
Hi Christina, thank you for leaving your feedback! We’re SO grateful this post was helpful in providing a bit more info on CBD Oil and its benefits. We’re thankful for your support and wish you all the best on your own wellness journey! XO
Does it help with dark spots on your face?
My question is that I have heard once oxygen hits the product that the efficacy diminishes quickly. Is this true or will its potency remain strong? I have tried a few products and have liked some and others I felt not as pleased with. I am excited to try yours, as I love everything I have tried of PP!
Hi Lynda, great question! Typically, the need to protect ingredients from oxygen exposure by using air-tight packaging with pumps is often only needed when unstable ingredients are included in the product (such as pure Vitamin C, retinols or peptides). We do suggest using our serums within 12 months for the most potent product since we don’t incorporate any preservatives. Plus, how the ingredients are grown, sourced and processed (as we mentioned in the post above!) make a big difference on the efficacy of the final product. We’re SO happy to hear you’ve been enjoying your PP products and can’t wait for you to try our brand new facial serums! 🙂 XO
I use your face cleansing oil to clean my face daily and also your lavender deodorant. Love them both and would definitely like to be on your wait list to try your new cbd oil product
Hi Dee Dee! We’re so grateful for your kind feedback and that you’re loving your PP products. 🙂 Our Soothing Serum +CBD is actually now available and you can shop it here! We can’t wait to hear what you think. XO
Hi Kris! We believe the main skincare benefits of CBD Oil are to soothe inflammatory conditions, however, its rich Vitamin A and E content does help to repair hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Plus, with the other botanicals + oil blends in our Soothing Serum, it supports an overall clear, balanced and even complexion. If you’re really wanting to target discoloration and dark spots, we suggest giving our Clarifying Serum a try! You can learn more here: https://primallypure.com/products/clarifying-serum Enjoy! XO
Courtney?
You are FABULOUS!
Your article, so well-penned, helps me to feel confident and informed about CBD oil, Hemp, etc.
I am so very grateful for you!
Thank you for sharing this valuable information.
I’m looking forward to learning more!
Peace,
Paula
Thank you so, so much for your kind + encouraging feedback, Paula!! That was definitely my hope in putting this post together and I’m so thankful it was a valuable source of info for you. We’re hooked on CBD over here at PP 😉 Grateful for you! XO
Hello Courtney, This article is probably the best breakdown of CBD I have ever read. I applaud your explanation and Bethany’s continued search for the truth and the best ingredients to use in Primarily Pure Products. I have friends who make their own products using CBD oil they extract themselves from organically grown Hemp and Marijuana and the Sativa variety is what most of them use. Although I am not a fan of the “scent” I know the benefits of the oil and how it helps my husband who has MS, my friend who has severe pain from knee surgery and others who have symptoms from various ailments. I am looking forward to trying Primarily Pure Skin Care products and see how it my skin looks and feels now that you’ve explained it’s benefits so well. Thank you and the entire Primarily Pure team. Have a Great Day!
Hi Debra! Your comment just made our day, thank you for your positive feedback about our CBD post. We’re deeply grateful to hear how it’s impacted the health of your family and friends, thank you for sharing! We can’t wait for you to try our brand new Soothing Serum and stay tuned for its launch in mid-late July. 🙂 XO
Will this new serum be safe in pregnancy?
Hi Kimberly! We believe our products are safe to use during pregnancy, however, we always recommend double-checking with your personal health practitioner. XO
Really great article! Broken down into very understandable verbiage. I have not actually used a Primally Pure product yet. Maybe this should be my first. Your emails are always so informative and helpful. Thank you for continuing to help pave the roads to safer, more beautiful and effective skincare!!
Thank you SO much, Amanda!! We’re so thankful our CBD post was helpful for you – that was definitely our hope in putting this information together. We’re so thankful to hear that our content (whether via email or blog post) has helped to support your own natural skincare + wellness journey. We hope you’ll give our products a try soon and we can’t wait to hear what you think! 🙂 XO
I do not understand why you are saying your cbd is not for internal use. If it is organic and free from chemicals often used in processing, this is counterintuitive.
Also please explain how we verify your plants are organic and that you do indeed use this flash process.
Thanks for the info.
Hi Lisa! Since we include full-spectrum CBD Oil in our Soothing Serum, it’s among several other natural skincare ingredients and essential oils which we don’t want you ingesting 🙂 On it’s own, of course, it’s an incredible natural ingredient to support internal wellness – but for skincare purposes, our Soothing Serum is only meant to be applied topically. You can check out our Soothing Serum product page for all of the specific ingredients we include! In regards to verifying our processes, our founder, Bethany, actually took a trip out to the farms + distillation plant to get a behind the scenes experience but please feel free to reach out to our Customer Experience Team at hello@primallypure.com for futher details. Hope that’s helpful, thanks Lisa!
Please let me know when your new cbd oil arrives.
I have been taking cbd for pain of arthritis and it has helped tremendously.
Hi Sissy! We’re so happy to hear that and we’re planning on having our CBD oil Soothing Serum available later this month, but please be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get the news first! You can do that here: https://primallypure.com/pages/newsletter-signup XO
Thanks For Sharing Such type of Information!
Thanks for your kind feedback! XO
I want to thanks for your time for this wonderful Article!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
Hi Jennifer! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your kind feedback, it means so much to us – and we’re so grateful you found it to be so helpful! 🙂 XO
I completely agree with the “Method matter” thing. It can make you experience a different way depending upon how it extracts. By the way, your writing is good and much appreciated. Thanks for the info.