(Beauty)
Plant People's New Skincare Line Includes A Cool CBD Alternative
Just as I was reaching my tolerance threshold for CBD product launches, a new release renewed my interest cannabinoids. Plant People’s latest crop of hemp-derived skincare formulas feature the prerequisite CBD... alongside CBC, a less-hyped but arguably more intriguing cannabis compound, especially for skincare enthusiasts. Research into the CBC cannabinoid’s benefits suggest these three little letters could have a major impact on acne.
“CBC, which stands for cannabichromene, is a different cannabinoid than CBD,” Dr. Devika Icecreamwala, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Icecreamwala Dermatology, tells The Zoe Report. “Like CBD, it is not psychoactive.” (As a refresher: That means it won’t get you high.) Also like CBD, CBC is derived from the cannabis sativa plant — AKA, hemp. “While CBD and CBC come from the same plant, each has its own functional benefits,” Gabe Kennedy, the co-founder of Plant People, tells TZR. “We at Plant People believe in showcasing the opportunity that other compounds bring to the table.” And the opportunity for CBC in skincare is definitely promising.
“Initial research has shown that it has strong topical applications, with anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties,” Kennedy says (and Dr. Icecreamwala confirms). “This may help with assisting to alleviate various concerns, as it works as an effective antiviral and antibacterial.” To be clear, regular old CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties, but CBC seems to be the stronger contender when it comes to alleviating active acne and keeping future blemishes at bay. Still, it’s doubtful CBC will ever fully replace CBD: The two actually work best when they work together.
This tag-team phenomenon is known as “the entourage effect,” the research-backed belief that the individual parts of the cannabis sativa plant (leaves, flowers, stalks, and all they contain) amplify each others’ benefits. “When people are finding the true benefits of plant medicine, it’s often not a compound in isolation — it’s all these compounds and botanicals working together in harmony,” Kennedy explains. The founder says Plant People utilizes full-spectrum hemp extract that features all the cannabis compounds that nature provides, including (but not limited to) CBD and CBC.
Technically, any CBD product made from full-spectrum or whole-plant hemp extract should include small amounts of CBC, but thanks to strategic engineering, Plant People’s Oct. 10 launches — the Nourish Botanical Body Lotion, the Restore Botanical Face Mask, and the Revive Botanical Face Serum — feature some of the highest concentrations of cannabichromene on the market. “Through our approach to plant genetics and unique extraction processes, we are able to focus on bringing specific minor cannabinoids to the forefront,” Kennedy says. “For skincare, we chose to include higher levels of CBC.”
Dr. Icecreamwala is quick to note that long-term studies on CBD and CBC have not been conducted, so at this point, the full range of risks and rewards isn’t known. “Some people have found cannabinoid-derived skincare products to be anti-inflammatory,” the dermatologist says. “But there could be a risk of irritation or allergic reaction from skincare products that contain this ingredient.” Kennedy adds you should always “consult a doctor before using any type of plant medicine.”
I mean, I’m no doctor… but my official beauty editor opinion? CBC is the most exciting thing to happen to CBD beauty in months, and I personally plan on treating my acne-prone skin to some cannabichromene ASAP.
Ahead, shop Plant People’s refreshing new addition the (over)saturated CBD space.
