The Savvy Shopper’s Definitive Guide to CBD (And Why You Should Add It To Your Beauty Regime)

Chances are, if you don’t live under a rock, you’ve seen CBD like, everywhere. In lotion, bath bombs, in olive oil and chocolate, in tinctures and oils and capsules and oh my god, is there anything CBD is not in these days?

You’ve probably wondered if CBD is just the latest wellness fad, or if it’s really the miracle elixir so many people claim it is. And you would be right in wondering this.

Sure, CBD is everywhere, but that doesn’t mean that all CBD is made equal. Or that all the information out there is correct (screw you, potheads). Or that everyone looking to get into the hopping CBD game is doing it for the right reasons (eye roll).

Which is pretty unfortunate, since this compound is one of the oldest medicinals humans have used. It literally is magic–that is, if you know how to navigate the CBD scene, like the super savvy shopper you are.

Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. Fear not, Ms. Confused-But-Curious-CBD-Novice. Here’s everything you need to know about CBD. The good, the bad–and why you should absolutely incorporate a high-quality CBD product into your daily personal care regimen.

It just may change your life. And we’re all about living our best lives, no bullshit allowed.

What the heck is CBD anyway?

Great question. How much time do you have?

Yeah, not much (you’re a busy lady–and we totally get you). So, here’s the lowdown. Aka, everything you need to know so that when the nosy-neighbor-with-too-much-time-on-her-hands asks you why your skin is glooooowing (which it will be after adding a CBD-infused face cream into your regime) you can toss your shiny locks (see: CBD shampoo) and say with utter confidence, “Oh honey, let me tell you.”

First things first: CBD actually stands for Cannabidiol. It’s part of the cannabis family–no, not that kind of cannabis, but close. CBD is derived from hemp, which is what we call a cannabis plant with a THC level of 0.3% or less.

THC (aka the thing that gets you stoned) is the same plant, just with a THC level higher than 0.3%. If you’re a houseplant person (and aren’t we all secretly house plant people?), it’s like having two types of succulents on your windowsill (whether or not you can actually keep them alive, that’s another story). Hemp and cannabis: kinda related, but not the same thing.

The biggest difference between CBD and THC is that CBD is non-psychoactive. Meaning it will not get you high. It might make you really freaking calm and chill…but no high here.

So What’s The Deal With CBD Stigma?

This is where you’re probably thinking, “So if CBD is different from pot…and it doesn’t get you high…then why do so many people (read: the Karens of the world) think that CBD is the devil’s plant of choice?”

The answer to that is simple–and pretty sucky. Politics, profit, agricultural wars, and a lot of other fucked up stuff we don’t have time to go into except to say that poor old CBD has gotten the short end of the stick in the cannabis world (or flower, as the case may be). Big time.

And if you take anything away from this little rundown, it should be that CBD is your friend, not your enemy. In fact, it’s really your friend. Ready to have your mind blown?

Why CBD Is So Good for Humans

We all have something called cannabinoid receptors in our brains, which means that our bodies are literally programmed to ingest–and respond positively–to CBD. Whaaaat?

Apparently Queen Victoria even used CBD for PMS (and who doesn’t want to be a queen?).

It’s true. And scientists are only just beginning to find out just how beneficial CBD can be.

Here’s a list of some of CBD’s health benefits:

• Stress reduction
• Anti-inflammatory
• Digestive disorders
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Chronic pain
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Neurological disorders
• Skin problems

And So. Much. More.

How You Can Incorporate CBD Into Your Personal Care Routine?

Remember, CBD is oil extracted from the cannabis plant (which is really concentrated) and diluted in a carrier oil like coconut. And now that you’re (hopefully) convinced about the myriad benefits of CBD, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to get in on the CBD scene. Cause remember, there’s a million and one CBD products out there. Where to start?

For personal care, we recommend starting with either topical CBD or digestible (again, not the same thing as the kind that will get you high).

1. Topicals

Think lotions, salves, muscle rubs, serums, face creams, shampoo, conditioner, bath bombs.

• Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, soothing, hydrating, brightening….for year-round glowing skin.
• Great for: Anyone with pain close to the skin (sore muscles, anyone?), with skin problems, or just looking for a skincare routine that actually works.
• Extra extra! For a boost of va-va-voom, many CBD products are infused with everything from botanicals to adaptogens like ashwagandha to Vitamin C to squalene oil to turmeric extract. These ingredients have their own potent benefits that, when combined with CBD, pack an extra punch into your beauty routine. Mama Earth is really the ultimate medicine.

2. Digestibles

Think oils, capsules, soft gels, tinctures (taken sublingually)…basically, anything in supplement form.

• Benefits: Stress reduction, anti-anxiety, anti-depressive, insomnia, anti-inflammatory.
• Great for: Those seeking the inner calm. Also, anyone on-the-go, or looking for more potent medicinal support.

Just when you thought the list could not possibly go on …there’s more.

CBD also offers tons of amazing products for home care, especially in the kitchen (calling all cooks out there!).

3. CBD-Infused Food

Think chocolate, gummies, butter, honey, powders (to mix into coffee or other beverages), hot chocolate, olive oil, bitters (cocktails anyone?), and so much more. Hot tip: you can even melt your CBD oil onto toast or incorporate it in recipes to make your pantry staples really work for you.

• Benefits: Gut health, reducing inflammation, stress-reduction, anti-anxiety…the list goes on.
• Great for: Um, ANYONE, but especially the foodies out there.

The bottom line: you dream it, there’s probably a CBD product for you. Ah-maz-ing.

4. So, How Do You Pick the Right CBD Product?

Remember when we said not every CBD product is created equal?

When picking a CBD product, there are two things to consider:

• Benefit. Depending on your unique and individual needs–or even just curiosity–you might experiment with everything from face serum to chocolate. We say, knock yourself out.
• Quality. When it comes to quality, you have to be much more discerning, which is super, super important for anyone deciding on a CBD product.

The most important factor when talking quality is transparency. Unfortunately, some people just suck and are out to make a buck. And since CBD is not approved by the FDA and CBD laws vary by state, there isn’t an easy way to regulate products. The result: some CBD goods don’t even contain any CBD at all! Yikes. Poorly made products can also contain pesticides, fillers, artificial flavors, even toxic waste…yeah…definitely NOT what we’re going for in our wellness routine.

So how can you tell the difference? Remember: just because a CBD product is expensive and beautifully packaged, doesn’t mean it’s top-notch (although it certainly can be). Read labels. Call up the company and ask about the lifecycle of the product. Become a conscious consumer. It may take a little extra time, but the result is so worth it.

Ready to Become A CBD Goddess?

You bet you are, now that you’ve graduated from CBD 101.

So, take a deep breath, think about why you want to take CBD–better skin? Stress-reduction?–and where you could incorporate this magical plant–in the kitchen? Bathroom? Bedroom? Do your homework, then just go for it!

And let us know how it goes. There’s nothing better than a CBD love story. Make us soon.

Hope You Enjoyed the Read!