Have you heard of CBD? By now, you must have heard of the non-psychoactive cousin of THC that is found in cannabis plants. It has been widely touted that CBD helps manage various health conditions, especially those related to pain, anxiety, and depression. Since this compound does not produce a high THC, people are vaping it using Magic Vaporisers, consuming it in the form of gummies or CBD oil, or applying it to their skin. From lotions to lattes, manufacturers are not holding themselves back when it comes to putting CBD in their products.
In the realm of cosmetics and skincare, CBD or cannabidiol is a trending ingredient because of its impressive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-aging properties. Owing to its amazing properties, CBD-infused skincare and cosmetic products, including lip balms, serums, and moisturizers, are popping up everywhere.
However, just because CBD is popular and more and more are adopting its use, it doesn’t mean that navigating the world of CBD skincare and cosmetics is easy. Instead, it is fraught with challenges and complexities. The rapidly evolving and changing regulations across the globe are adding to this complexity, and the legal maze is, frankly, too much to handle. So, without wasting much time, let’s briefly look at the evolving CBD regulations and their impact on the skincare and cosmetics industry.
CBD Regulations (In Terms Of The Cosmetics And Skincare Industry)
In the USA, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-driven CBD as long as the THC content is less than 0.3%. This opened the door for CBD to be used in the skincare and cosmetics industry, provided it complies with the FDA regulations. The catch? The FDA doesn’t currently recognize CBD as an approved ingredient. Hence, it is a gray area, and the FDA has the right to intervene whenever it wants if the product is making specific claims about the benefits of CBD.
Compared to the United States of America, Europe has a more fragmented approach. Within the EU, CBD has not been considered a drug since 2020, and several cannabidiol species are listed in an official decade-old record that is held by the European Commission and European Parliament. Only the species mentioned can be used. The EU and UK cosmetics regulations refer to this convention, and hence, these standards apply to cosmetics in the EU and UK.
Although the EU allows hemp-derived CBD with a THC content of less than 0.2%, individual member states have set their unique restrictions. For instance, France intends to ban the use of CBD in cosmetic products.
In Canada, CBD was legalized in 2018 for recreational use, and this includes CBD cosmetics. Even Uruguay legalized recreational CBD in 2013, and this has paved the way for a burgeoning CBD cosmetics market.
In Australia, cannabidiol beauty products are considered Therapeutic Goods. Hence, the legal requirements to import these products are much more challenging than in the USA and result in higher investments. Additionally, the manufacturing is strictly monitored and must adhere to the PIC/S GMP compliance rules.
Please note that even in the countries where CBD is legal, the regulations are constantly changing. The regulatory bodies are constantly grappling with labeling requirements, safety concerns, and the validity of the health claims associated with cannabidiol. Hence, the legal landscape for the use of CBD in cosmetics and skincare remains fluid. Brands must stay adaptable and agile and update themselves on the latest regulations.
What is The Impact of CBD Regulations on Skincare And Cosmetics?
In recent years, more and more countries have been in favor of legalizing the use of CBD. This means that the demand for CBD skincare and cosmetics is going to continue to grow. However, the THC levels must be kept at a minimum or below the specific levels so that the products get approved.
Also, manufacturers must take steps to define the source of CBD, the part of the plant, the plant species, and processing and extraction methods. Transparency is key when it comes to meeting local requirements.
Cosmetic brands promoting their products by making therapeutic claims must ensure their claims are supported by scientific evidence. Also, the products must be manufactured in accordance with the quality standards for cosmetics.
What Are The Things Cosmetic Brands Must Remember if They Use CBD?
Even if CBD is accepted in a country, there are some regulations that cosmetic brands must adhere to if they are promoting CBD cosmetic products.
The label and formula of the product must adhere to the regulations of the countries they are targeting. For this, you must keep in mind the following:
- The toxicology evaluation of the ingredient
- The individual provisions of the particular countries or member states
- Understand the clear distinction between THC and CBD
- Adhere to any additional requirements that might be implemented by the country you are targeting
In summation, stay vigilant and follow the news to track changes in CBD regulations in skincare and cosmetic products. You must stay a step ahead to dominate the market. All the best!
Also Read: Here Are 6 Things To Remember Before Purchasing CBD Gummies
