CBD burst onto the UK health and beauty scene this year in well, a puff of (green) smoke. Prepare to see a whole lot more of it, as the new must-have ingredient appears in everything, from shampoos to face creams, topical ointments to calming elixirs. But what is the hype all about? And, most importantly, what’s the difference between a beauty buzz and one that’s going to get us arrested?

What is CBD?

Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike the part of the plant that’s harvested for cannabis as we traditionally know it, CBD is the non-psychoactive part.

What are the benefits of CBD?

The benefits that have got the beauty brands excited include a rich source of antioxidants and beneficial amino acids and anti-inflammatory (ergo anti-ageing) properties. Although hemp and CBD are made from the same plant, hemp oil doesn't contain cannabinoids like CBD oil, although it heralds its own beauty-boosting benefits as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for hydration. From a wellbeing perspective, although medical research is in its infancy, users report that use of full-spectrum CBD can help with anxiety, chronic pain and insomnia.

Whether you are looking for something to ease your worries or rid you of wrinkles, here are our 7 top CBD-infused beauty and wellbeing products:

Cannabis Candle, MALIN + GOETZ, £42
The green, herbaceous scent of Malin + Goetz’s bestselling Cannabis Candle doesn’t smell quite like you’d expect. With top notes of lemon and orange, middle notes of fig and pepper and earthy base notes of oakmoss, sandalwood, amber and patchouli, it’s the perfect autumnal scent to fill your home.

Radiance Face Cream, Ambience CBD Apothecary, £50
The first CBD-infused skincare range to be stocked at Boots, Ambience CBD Apothecary has bought CBD to the masses. It’s packed with all the good stuff: turmeric and ginger for radiance and 300mg of cannabidiol oil, rich in vitamin E to protect and soothe, plus an antioxidant-rich rosemary and blackcurrant seed too. A great rich option to nourish winter skin.

Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil, Herbivore, £43
If you’re looking to imbue your complexion with a little glow naturally, Herbivore’s delightfully green-hued Emerald deep moisture glow oil is packed with omega-rich cannabis sativa seed oil to soothe, while squalene (harvested from olives) gives an inner glow and meadowfoam seed oil delivers a dewy, youthful finish. A powerful botanical formula that will put life back into tired skin.

1% CBD Anti-Teardrops, Ohne, £27
Ohne has teamed up with Graces London (pioneers in the field, it has been producing CBD-oils for six years) to create Anti-Teardrops, formulated with full-spectrum CBD, essential oils of lavender, lemon and evening primrose oils and hemp extract to help relieve cramps and PMT symptoms during your period.

CBD Roll Away Rollerball, £17.99
If you’re looking for some on-the-go stress-relief, try this easy-to-apply rollerball applicator from CBD Lifestyle Store, The Hugg Shop, which stocks everything from CBD-infused coffee to bath salts. Blending 50mg of CBD with lavender to de-stress and mint to bring clarity, it’s a little shot of calm when you need it most.

Cannabis Hydrating face mask, Milk, £21
If your skin is feeling dehydrated and clogged after the summer (sun and sun-cream are the usual suspects), try this Cannabis Face Mask from Milk. Formulated with hemp-derived cannabis seed oil, kaolin clay and glycerin, it will hydrate, sooth sensitivity and keep pores clear.

Calm the Frizz, Aussie, £3.99
Harnessing the omega-3 rich properties of hemp seed oil, Australian haircare brand, Aussie has launched the ‘Calm the Frizz’ range, perfect for curly, frizzy, dehydrated locks that need deeply nourishing with a hydrating oil. There’s a shampoo, conditioner and an intense oil treatment, too.

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By Lydia Mansi