Skin Moisture and Cosmetic Products Containing CBD

Skin that feels tight, flaky and itchy in the winter months, when the heating is on or after a hot shower, is a very familiar feeling. For some people this dryness is always there, whatever the season. When you look for a moisturizer, CBD lotions and creams often turn up too. In this article we explain what actually moisturizes the skin, what research shows about CBD here, and what you can look out for when choosing a product.

Why does skin get dry?

The outermost layer of the skin works like a barrier that holds water in and protects against outside factors. When this barrier weakens, more water evaporates through the skin; the skin feels tight and rough, itches, and small cracks can form. Cold, dry air, heated indoor spaces, long hot showers, soaps that strip away too much oil, and skin conditions such as eczema are the main things that strain this barrier.

How do moisturizers work?

Moisturizers either reduce water loss by forming a thin layer on the skin (oils, petroleum jelly–like substances) or draw water to themselves (glycerin, urea). The benefit of these simple products has been well studied. In a Cochrane review (a report from an international network that assesses studies independently and systematically) of 77 studies covering 6,603 people with eczema, people who used a moisturizer had less severe disease, fewer flares and needed less steroid cream. The review found no reliable evidence that one moisturizer is better than another (van Zuuren 2017).

So if a CBD cream moisturizes your skin, much of that most likely comes from the oils and humectants (moisture-holding ingredients) in the cream. The real question is whether CBD adds anything to it.

Why are people curious about CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating substance obtained from cannabis. In laboratory and animal studies it has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; some studies have also reported moisture-related effects on skin cells. A review of CBD's place in cosmetic dermatology summarizes these findings but stresses that very few clinical studies have been done in humans (Kuzumi 2024).

What does the research say?

An analysis pooling the studies

An analysis published in 2025 that pooled 17 studies (3,359 people) of cannabis and cannabinoid products in skin conditions (a meta-analysis) found a small reduction in itching. For skin dryness, redness and water loss through the skin, however, there was no clear difference between people who used the products and those who did not. Most of the products in these studies were not CBD alone; they also contained cannabis extract, similar substances found naturally in the body, or lab-made cannabinoids (Sermsaksasithorn 2025).

Individual studies

• CBD ointment, 20 people: People with psoriasis, eczema or scars used the ointment twice a day for 3 months; improvements in skin moisture, water loss and elasticity were reported. However, there was no comparison group and the results were collected retrospectively (Palmieri 2019).
• Ointment containing 30% CBD and 5% CBG (another cannabinoid in cannabis), 9 people: Improvements in moisture and water loss were reported in people with eczema. The ointment also contained hemp seed oil and cholesterol, and there was no comparison group (Burczyk 2025).
• Cream containing ginger extract and CBD, 44 people: It was studied in people with eczema alongside a comparison product; improvements in symptoms and itching were reported within 5 days. Because the product also contained ginger extract, the effect cannot be attributed to CBD on its own (Neubauer 2024).

These studies share a common problem: the products contain other active ingredients besides CBD, and they are not compared with the same cream without CBD. So it is impossible to tell how much of the improvement comes from CBD and how much from the cream itself.

Studies that would answer the question directly

In a study in Thailand on itching in people living with systemic sclerosis (a connective tissue disease), participants use a 10% urea lotion on its own for one period and with 1% CBD added for another; neither the participants nor the researchers know which one they are using in which period (NCT07245238). The study is planned to be completed at the end of 2027. Studies like this can show whether CBD adds anything to the cream itself.

Products containing THC

We found no human study looking at the effect of products containing THC (the intoxicating substance in cannabis) on skin moisture.

Possible side effects and drug interactions

As with any moisturizer, the fragrances, preservatives and plant extracts in CBD products can cause redness or allergy; an allergic skin reaction to hemp seed oil has also been reported (Clark 2022). In addition, the amount of CBD on the label is not always accurate: in a study of cosmetic, personal care and food products sold in the US, only 9 of the 71 products that stated a CBD amount had an accurate label (Dowd 2025). We cover the side effects of products applied to the skin in detail in our article CBD oil and the skin: side effects.

How was it used in studies?

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

• CBD ointment, twice a day, 3 months (Palmieri 2019; the CBD concentration is not stated in the abstract).
• Ointment containing 30% CBD and 5% CBG (Burczyk 2025).
• 1% CBD added to a 10% urea lotion, 2-week assessment (NCT07245238, ongoing).

If you are thinking about using CBD

If the dryness lasts a long time, is widespread, or the itching disturbs your sleep, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist; there may be an underlying condition such as eczema that needs treatment. You can talk with your doctor or pharmacist about:

• The type of moisturizer that suits your skin (oil-based, with urea, with glycerin) and how often to apply it.
• Whether a fragrance-free product with few ingredients would suit you better.
• Whether there is any problem with using a CBD product together with steroid or other creams you use.

In Turkey, products obtained from cannabis, including CBD, can be sold only in pharmacies (Law No. 7557, regulation of January 31, 2026). Those in the medicine and health product category are dispensed with a prescription; no prescription requirement is stated for support products and cosmetics (personal care products) with a THC content of no more than 0.3%. As of October 2026, there is no approved (licensed) CBD medicine in Turkey. Details are on our regulation page, and what to check on the label is on our label reading page.

Conclusion

For dry skin and eczema, one of the best-studied aids is a moisturizer used regularly. Whether CBD adds anything to this is not yet known; the existing studies are small, had no comparison group, or used products that also contained other substances. We will be able to say more once studies comparing the same cream with and without CBD report their results. The overall summary of the evidence in skin conditions is on our Skin Conditions and CBD page.

Frequently asked questions

References