CBD SKINCARE AND THE BEST CBD SERUMS FOR FACE FROM PAULA'S CHOICE, BALM LABS, JOSIE MARAN & MORE!
I can’t believe I’m about the say this: this week, things got back to normal! I went back into the City to work for the first time since the beginning of March. And I didn’t bake anything. Who has time to bake? Hah!
It felt good. It felt liberating. It felt empowering. I felt alive again. (And not as bloated!)
It also felt like the new post-pandemic world has permanently transformed reality. Everyone, everywhere is in masks. And every morning, I’m on a yoga mat with Orpheus.
I said throughout the last three months that when things returned to normal, I wanted to look back on this period and see that some positivity came out of it. I’ve got my yoga, I’ve honed my baking skills — and I feel closer to family than I’ve ever been.
Last weekend, I went up to see my father and his sister, my Aunt Theresa, who threw something of a family reunion for me. I saw aunts, uncles and cousins that I hadn’t seen in 25 years. It was like a time warp!
Time sure flies. And while it’s fleeting, time is also deep, profound. Yesterday, I returned to Connecticut for lunch with my mother and one of my oldest friends, John, who was visiting from LA. Funny, John and I met my first day of college in 1987. He was one of the first people I introduced myself to as Carmine.
Yes, I’ve always been Carmine, but my name wasn’t pronounced as “Car-mine” when I was growing up. It was pronounced “Car-men” in a weird, old-school Italian kinda way. I hated it throughout my entire childhood.
So, things are feeling a bit more normal for sure. But what does that even mean, normal? It’s all relative. Life changes. Circumstances change. And we change with them. That’s the flow of life. And with that, the one thing that remains constant in my life through thick and thin…skincare!
The skincare stuff starts here.
About two years ago now, I started to really pay attention to the budding CBD (cannabidiol) market.
At the time, CBD wasn’t exactly legal in the US. It was closely (and irrationally!) linked to marijuana, the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant also referred to as THC — you know, the stuff that gets you high.
It was around the time that I started working on a new brand in the copywriting side of my career.
The brand, High Falls Extracts, was created by a tiny, niche company from a small town in Upstate New York called High Falls. They were growing, extracting, and distilling their own cannabidiol — and producing their own branded CBD-infused products.
The whole introduction of CBD is a fascinating frontier in health and health care — a new natural solution for treating sleeplessness, minor aches and pains, and even anxiety.
The company from High Falls, New York had sought out the creative agency where I work (and where I went last week!) for help with refining their brand messaging, product packaging and market strategy. The creative team and I began by renaming the brand High Falls Hemp.
We then crafted new brand positioning and mission statements — and spent the better part of a year re-naming and re-designing all of their products.
And just around the time that High Falls Hemp came to life with their New York born and bred oral CBD tinctures, the market for CBD skin care began to blossom. Suddenly, the shelves at Sephora were lined with CBD face oils, face moisturizers with CBD, anti-aging serums with CBD, and more — all from brands that were savvy enough to see it all coming.
Over the last 18 months, established brands like Paula’s Choice, Herbivore, and Josie Maran began to offer CBD facial skin care.
Last spring, the beauty gurus at Allure published an article titled, The 17 Best CBD Skin-Care Products to Try Right Now.
Right at the top of Allure’s list? The Herbivore Botanicals Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil — which I reviewed on my blog here.
Beyond the established brands, new entrants founded entirely around CBD products emerged — among them Saint Jane Beauty, Balm Labs and relative newcomer, Prima.
Seriously, what’s the deal with CBD in skincare?
Of course, for the answer, I have to turn to the trusted experts on the Paula’s Choice Research Team, as I so often do. I wanted to see what they have to say about CBD in facial skincare — and whether or not all the hype is real.
According to the Paula’s Choice Research Team:
“Cannabidiol has been shown to offer numerous benefits related to calming skin. Skin has specific receptor sites for cannabinoids (referred to as its endocannabinoid system). It seems CBD can “talk” to these receptor sites on skin, sending unique signals to stop firing the wrong messages, which in turn leads to healthier, better-looking skin. This benefit makes cannabidiol an intriguing ingredient for interrupting the progression of damage within skin’s uppermost layers that can lead to visible problems; however, more research needs to be done to gain a greater understanding of how CBD works on skin.
Research has also shown, though isn’t entirely clear on how this works, that CBD seems to visibly reduce oily skin. It’s also a very good antioxidant, on par with vitamins C and E.”
For more, there’s a fantastic article about CBD in skin care in the Skincare Advice section on the Paula’s Choice website titled, CBD Oil's Benefits for Skin: Can it Help With Acne, Anti-Aging, & Other Skin Issues?
With that, let’s take a look at some of the CBD-infused products that have impressed me most in the last few months…
Paula’s Choice | CBD Oil + Retinol
I first reviewed the Paula’s Choice CBD Oil + Retinol in a fun blog article I wrote at the outset of the pandemic titled, Three of the Best Facial Skincare Products I Want with Me in the Skinpocalypse!
In the shower one morning in early April, I was imagining what I would do if I suddenly had to grab Orpheus and a few skin care products and leave — as so many of my fellow New Yorkers had done to escape the coming scourge. (Most of them still haven’t returned!)
I referred to this imaginary circumstance as the Skinpocalypse. Naturally, I’d need a moisturizer of some kind and wanted one that also had anti-aging, soothing and reparative properties. Something super versatile. So, Paula’s newish CBD Oil + Retinol seemed like the perfect option.
The CBD Oil + Retinol is a 98% natural formula that the team at Paula’s Choice says “targets multiple triggers of aging.”
It’s formulated with 150mg of Cannabidiol and a 0.5% concentration of Retinol — just enough to get the job done gently, without irritation.
It’s such a fascinating facial oil. The interesting thing is that the legit level of CBD in the formula actually helps to calm and defend against potential irritation — as alluded to earlier. I think it’s kind of brilliant to pair the two potent actives in one treatment and I love that Paula and the team thought of it first. I have yet to come across anything that comes close.
About the power pair that are Retinol and CBD:
“CBD and retinol complement one another to help prevent and repair visible signs of aging. CBD works by telling key surface cells to stop firing signals that lead to stressed, compromised skin — the underlying cause of aging. At the same time, retinol uniquely communicates with skin, telling it to look younger, smoother and more refined.”
The CBD Oil + Retinol has a medium weight oil texture. It’s not a dry oil, at one end of the spectrum, and not a rich, heavy facial oil on the other. It’s somewhere in between.
I love using it in my PM routine and generally incorporate it twice or even thrice weekly — never experiencing any irritation whatsoever.
In addition to both Cannabidiol and Retinol, the formula contains numerous nourishing non-fragrant plant oils. In fact, the very first ingredient, likely 60-70% of the formula is Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil.
Also known as Hemp Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is rated among the best actives for the skin by the PC team. It’s rich in the omega fatty acids that skin needs to replenish itself and to strengthen the skin barrier against trans-epidermal water loss. This facial oil with CBD is also packed with phospholipids, plant sterols, amino acids and antioxidant vitamin E. Ingredients two and three are Meadowfoam Seed Oil and bio-compatible Squalane.
Paula’s CBD Oil + Retinol is seriously good, pro-skin health stuff. Plus, a little goes a long way — enough to last a solid 3-4 months with nearly daily use.
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Paula’s Choice CBD Oil + Retinol for $54 here.
**WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW OF CBD SKINCARE AND THE BEST CBD SERUMS FOR FACE ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE.**
Balm Labs | Clear Balm Serum Hydrator
I only recently discovered Balm Labs and their system of CBD-powered skincare, which includes a cleansing foam, AHA exfoliating treatment and the Balm Labs Clear Balm Serum Hydrator.
I immersed myself in the Balm Labs trio and was immediately struck by how this unique skincare routine with CBD instantly lit up my complexion.
If you missed my IGTV video for that particular #selfcaresunday, you can catch it here. I featured the entire Balm Labs regimen — a collection of 100% plant-based skin care powered by naturally derived AHAs.
Both the Clear Balm Serum Hydrator and Power Elixir contain 300mg of CBD to help sooth irritation and restore skin’s equilibrium. Personally, I really noticed the difference. The Serum Hydrator, in particular, is a wonderful formula with a terrific blend of antioxidant botanical extracts, non-fragrant plant oils and brightening Niacinamide.
It has a light, milky texture and it’s natural, deeply nourishing and such a pleasure to use. As a great serum should be, it’s also easily layered into any skincare routine in place of your humectant or Hyaluronic Acid step, immediately following the application a hydrating toner.
Such good stuff! And, that #balmlabsbombglow? Priceless!
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Balm Labs Clear Balm Serum Hydrator for $84 here.
Josie Maran | Skin Dope 100mg CBD Recovery Face Moisturizer
I’m a big fan of Josie Maran’s Skin Dope collection — and particularly the CBD Recovery Face Moisturizer. I have to admit, I appreciative its extraordinarily rich texture when I opened the lid the first time; but, I was leery of the texture. I thought it would be too much for this time of year — when temps hover in the high 60s at night here in New York City.
I was wrong — and pleasantly so.
Josie Maran’s CBD Recovery Face Moisturizer is a clean, rich cream powered by a blend of superb non-fragrant plant oils — some of them really unique in skin care.
Of course, Josie included her signature pure Argan Oil in addition to the 100mg of skin-rebooting, soothing cannabidiol.
But wait, there’s more! There just had to be more. And it had to be intriguing or it wouldn’t have caught my attention. (Orpheus isn’t the only curious cat in the place ya know.)
Right there at ingredient number four is Solanum Tuberosum — something I have never, in all my days, seen in a skincare INCI. What is Solanum Tuberosum? Potatoes! Well, more like Potato Pulp Extract to be exact. It’s used as a thickener and texture enhancer in skin care. I feel like I solved the mystery of Josie Maran’s magnificent, otherworldly texture.
Add to the Potato Pulp Extract both Cucumber Fruit Water and Watermelon Seed Oil.
As I pored over the INCI, I wondered if I were in a fresh juice shop. Nope, I was at the bathroom sink in my Brooklyn apartment!
By my count there are about a dozen replenishing plant oils in the CBD Recovery Face Moisturizer formula. But what I find most unique — and classic Josie Maran — is that surprising texture. It has the consistency of a rich custard pudding! Unlike custard, it’s not the least bit sticky and actually feels like a velvet veil on the skin.
One night a few weeks ago was the warmest night of the year, hovering around 72-73 degrees in the apartment. I thought it was the perfect night to really put the CBD Recovery Face Moisturizer to the test.
I wanted to know if such a rich moisturizer would feel uncomfortable on my skin. I’m happy to report it did not and I woke up looking (and feeling!) fresh AF.
Over the course of the past few weeks, the Skin Dope 100mg CBD Recovery Face Moisturizer has done wonders for my skin. My complexion looks and feels so balanced and calm.
I know it’s a result of the all the CBD I’ve been using. I really can’t get over that potato pulp in this one, though…
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Josie Maran Skin Dope 100mg CBD Recovery Face Moisturizer for $68 here.
The Ohm Beauty Box
You know a new skincare category has arrived when a subscription box comes onto the scene. As I said, the really smart brands are at the forefront of the CBD craze — and a few genius founders are getting in the game at just the right time.
Meet OHM and the OHM Beauty Box! It’s pure genius. Founded by influencer April Mattin, the tri-monthly subscription box delivers some of the finest and most intriguing CBD-infused products right to your door.
It’s a real treat for mind, body, soul and skin — the perfect opportunity to sample a few of April’s discoveries of the best face moisturizers with CBD, CBD body creams — and even oral CBD tinctures for overall health and wellness.
A recent OHM box included four oral tinctures with cannabidiol from Treaty; the luxurious Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Beauty Serum, one of the best anti-aging face oils with CBD; and a wonderful body salve from Lily Pearl Beauty — a topical treatment infused with cannabidiol for alleviating aches and inflammation. I’ve been using it on my aching neck and love the results!
“The OHM Beauty Box is really an extension of everything founder April Mattin has been doing in the CBD space. After learning about the incredible benefits of CBD and the need for education and product quality testing to ensure public wellbeing, April began researching and testing different products on herself and has built a network of trusted brands. She also wants to help support these indie beauty brands, many of them owned by women and women of color.”
I’m so honored that April agreed to collab with me to give one fortunate member of the Skincarma community the opportunity to win their very own OHM Beauty Box! It contains four Treaty tinctures, a deluxe mini of the Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Beauty Serum and a full-size Salve-ation multi-purpose salve from Lily Pearl Beauty. Entry details are just below.
When you subscribe to the OHM Beauty Box, you receive a whole selection of CBD-infused skin care and wellness products every three months — a curated collection of luxurious treats valued at more than $150 per box! And it’s just $69.95 per box.
SHOP THE BLOG: Subscribe to the OHM Beauty Box for $69.95 here.
SKINCARMA….
GIVEAWAY!
Enter to win your very own OHM Beauty Box — a superb collection of four oral CBD tinctures, a luxurious facial oil with CBD and a dope CBD body salve for aches and pains. ($185 value!)
Share why you want to win in the comments below. Then, return to the Skincarma IG page and comment “Done”. Giveaway ends Sunday 06/28/2020.
It’s a wrap guys! I hope you learned a bit more about cannabidiol and the new, exciting market for CBD skin care. Consider incorporating one of the many excellent new CBD products into your routine and watch how calm your skin becomes.
I’ve found a new way to chill in the new normal.
💟 SKINCARMA
The Ingredient List of the Paula’s Choice CBD Oil + Retinol:
emo, Squalane (Plant-Derived Emollient/Skin-Replenishing) sii|emo 0 1, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Skin-Replenishing) emo, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (Non-Fragrant Antioxidant Plant Oil) emo|perf 0 3, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (Non-Fragrant Antioxidant Plant Oil) so|emo, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Oil (Non-Fragrant Antioxidant Plant Oil) emo, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil (Flax/Non-Fragrant Antioxidant Plant Oil) emo|perf, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Non-Fragrant Antioxidant Plant Oil) emo 0 0, Cannabidiol (Skin-Restoring) aox, Retinol (Skin-Restoring) 
cci, Centella Asiatica Extract (Skin-Soothing) so|aox|h|surf, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil (Non-Fragrant Antioxidant And Omega Plant Oil), Tocopherol (Vitamin E/Antioxidant) aox 0-3 0-3, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E/Antioxidant) aox 0 0, Water (Aqua) solvThe Ingredient List of the Skin Dope 100mg CBD Recovery Face Moisturizer:
Water/Aqua/Eau**, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride**, Triethylhexanoin, Glycerin**, Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract**, Diisooctyl Succinate, Squalane**, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d'abeille**, C12-16 Alcohols, C14-22 Alcohols, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes**, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables**, Palmitic Acid**, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter**, Isopentyldiol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Lecithin**, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil**, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water**, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil**, Hydrolyzed Furcellaran**, Cannabis Sativa (Hempseed) Seed Oil, Phenethyl Alcohol, Biosaccharide Gum-4**, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Symphytum.
The Ingredient List of the Balm Labs Clear Balm Serum Hydrator:
Water (Aqua), Squalane, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Lecithin, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Phenoxyethanol, Yeast Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Cannabidiol, Caprylyl Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Maltodextrin, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid.
