CBD Oil and the Skin: Research and Side Effects

CBD oil is showing up more and more often in creams, ointments and serums. We look at what it can do for the skin and which side effects are known, all in one place.

By: cbd.school editorial teamUpdated: October 20, 202612 sources

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The ligand-binding part of the PPARγ nuclear receptor, two copies (crystal structure, each atom shown as a sphere); one of the targets of CBD studied in the lab — Image: cbd.com.tr · RCSB PDB 2PRG (Nolte et al., Nature 1998) · CC BY 4.0: you may use it with a link back

CBD oil no longer comes only in dropper bottles; we now see it in creams, ointments and face serums too. It is easy to think, "It's plant-based, so it can't have side effects," but like any product we put on our skin, CBD products have known and unknown sides. In this article, we briefly summarize the research on how CBD oil affects the skin, and focus mainly on the side effects that can show up on the skin and the points to watch for.

What’s in this article?9 sections

How does CBD affect the skin?

Our skin also has a system made up of cannabinoid-like substances the body produces itself and the receptors they bind to (the endocannabinoid system). This system is thought to play a role in both healthy and diseased skin, and its disruption may be linked to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis (Río 2018). CBD (cannabidiol) can act on this system and on other receptors in skin cells; in the lab, it showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These findings are a good starting point for research, but on their own they do not show that a cream has the same effect on the skin.

What does the research say?

In an analysis that combined 17 studies of cannabis and cannabinoid products in skin conditions (a meta-analysis), a small reduction in itching was seen; there was no clear difference in dryness, redness, quality of life or eczema scores. Most of the products were not CBD-only (Sermsaksasithorn 2025). Some examples from controlled studies of CBD-only products:

Eczema: In a two-week study, skin became clear or almost clear in 20% of people using a CBD-only cream and 15% of those using an inactive cream (placebo); this was not a clear difference (Gao 2022).
Psoriasis: In a study of 28 people, CBD oil taken by mouth did not improve the disease score; at week 8, itching decreased somewhat (Roongpisuthipong 2026).
Acne: In a study of 368 people, there was no clear difference in the number of inflamed pimples between a CBD solution and the same solution without CBD (NCT03573518).

There are very few controlled skin studies of products containing THC (the compound in cannabis that makes you high); there is not enough research on this yet. For details by condition, see our articles on topical CBD and skin conditions and acne.

Possible side effects of CBD applied to the skin

Irritation and allergy

In the 368-person acne study, the side effects seen with the CBD solutions were similar to those with the same solution without CBD (NCT03573518); in the psoriasis study with oral CBD, side effects were also mild to moderate and similar between the groups (Roongpisuthipong 2026). Still, a product is not made of CBD alone. Plant extracts, even if they seem "natural," can cause allergic skin reactions in some people; the problem may come from the plant extract itself or from the fragrances, preservatives and dyes in the product (Jack 2013). Allergic skin reactions linked to hemp seed oil and to cannabis-related essential oils have also been reported (Clark 2022; Azim 2022). This kind of reaction usually shows up as itching, redness, swelling or small blisters where you applied the product.

Passing through the skin into the blood

The idea that "it is applied to the skin, so it doesn't get into the body" is not always true. In a study with 46 healthy volunteers, five different products (a cream, a lotion, a patch, a balm and a gel) were used twice a day for 9 days. CBD from three of the products passed through the skin into the blood; the highest level was seen with the lotion, which contained the most CBD and an ingredient that increases passage through the skin (vitamin E). The products had no noticeable effect and were well tolerated (Zamarripa 2024).

In the same study, none of the urine tests came back positive; but unexpectedly, THC was measured in the saliva of 9 participants at a level that counts as positive in workplace tests in the US (Zamarripa 2024). This is an important detail for people who may face a saliva test; details are on our drug test page. There is no data on CBD products applied to the skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding (details).

CBD taken by mouth and the skin

In four women taking CBD by mouth, skin rashes thought to be caused by CBD were reported after other causes were ruled out; in two of them, no rash appeared when they used the carrier oil again without CBD (Souza 2022). This is a case series; it does not show how often this happens, but it is important for doctors to know about this possibility.

In controlled studies of CBD taken by mouth, the most common side effects were diarrhea, sleepiness and reduced appetite. Raised liver tests were seen mostly in childhood studies in which CBD was used together with certain epilepsy medicines (Chesney 2020). CBD can change the blood levels of some medicines by slowing their breakdown in the body; details are on our drug interactions page.

How was it used in studies?

Below are the forms used in studies (study doses; not a personal recommendation):

Five commercially available skin products, twice a day, 9 days (Zamarripa 2024).
Solutions containing 2.5% and 5% CBD, once or twice a day, 12 weeks (NCT03573518).
CBD oil by mouth, 60 mg per day, in people with psoriasis (Roongpisuthipong 2026).

If you are thinking about using CBD

You can talk with your doctor or pharmacist about:

The fragrances and plant extracts in the product's ingredient list, if you have sensitive skin, eczema or a known allergy.
Whether it is a good idea for you to try a new product on a small area first.
All the medicines you take and your liver tests, if you are considering CBD by mouth.
How drug testing at your workplace or in sports affects your choice of product.

If itching, redness or swelling appears on your skin after using a product, you can stop using it and see your doctor or pharmacist, taking the product with you. Unwanted effects from cosmetic products can be reported to TİTCK (Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency); how to do this is explained on our regulations page.

In Turkey, cannabis-derived products, including CBD, may be sold only in pharmacies (Law No. 7557, regulation of January 31, 2026). Those classed as medicines or health products are dispensed with a prescription; no prescription requirement is stated for supplement products with a THC content of no more than 0.3% or for cosmetics (personal care products). As of October 2026, there is no approved (licensed) CBD medicine in Turkey.

Conclusion

CBD products applied to the skin are generally well tolerated in studies, but being "plant-based" does not make them right for every skin: other ingredients can cause allergies, and CBD from some products can pass into the blood. As for benefits to the skin, there is not enough research yet; studies are ongoing. General safety information is on our safety page.

Frequently asked questions

Does CBD applied to the skin cause side effects?

It was generally well tolerated in studies, and no serious side effects were reported. Still, plant extracts, fragrances and preservatives in a product can cause irritation or an allergic skin reaction in some people; cases of allergy linked to hemp seed oil have also been reported.

Does CBD cream get into the blood?

With some products, it can. In a study of 46 healthy volunteers, CBD from three of five products passed through the skin into the blood; the highest level was seen with a lotion containing an ingredient that increases passage through the skin.

Does CBD cream affect drug tests?

In the same study, none of the urine tests came back positive. However, THC was measured in the saliva of 9 participants at a level that counts as positive in workplace tests in the US; where saliva tests are used, this possibility cannot be ruled out completely.

Can CBD oil taken by mouth cause a skin rash?

It has been reported, although rarely: in four women, rashes thought to be caused by CBD were seen after other causes were ruled out. How often it happens is unknown; if you get a rash, see your doctor and bring the product you use.

Are CBD creams sold by prescription in Turkey?

Cannabis-derived products, including CBD, may be sold only in pharmacies in Turkey (Law No. 7557, regulation of January 31, 2026). Those classed as medicines or health products are dispensed with a prescription; no prescription requirement is stated for supplement products with a THC content of no more than 0.3% or for cosmetics. As of October 2026, there is no approved (licensed) CBD medicine in Turkey.

References

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