CBD products for external use: what does a CBD cream really contain?

CBD creams are increasingly making their way into bathrooms, often presented as natural, soothing and full of promise. But between the well-oiled marketing and the reality of the formulation, there can be quite a gap. To help you understand what you're really applying to your skin, I'm going to decipher the labels in my own way.

To remember

• A CBD cream always contains a moisturizing cosmetic base enriched with cannabidiol.
• The best products have a clear composition, with simple, natural and recognized ingredients.
• Reading the INCI list helps you understand what you're applying to your skin.

The INCI list reveals product quality

The INCI list is that long label often printed very small on the packaging. It lists all the ingredients in the product, in descending order of quantity. This is where you can spot whether your cream contains natural active ingredients or superfluous ones.

Here are a few examples of ingredients frequently found in a good CBD cream:

• Cannabidiol: this is CBD itself. It is often placed towards the middle or end of the list, as it is present in small quantities, but is effective even at low doses.
• Hemp oil (Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil): very rich in omegas, it goes well with CBD.
• Shea butter: to nourish, without greasiness.
• Aloe vera: often used to soothe the skin.
• Extracts of pomegranate, ginseng and chamomile: plants used for their gentle, protective properties.
• Vegetable glycerin: to retain moisture.

And of course, you should avoid creams with too many chemical additives, artificial fragrances or harsh preservatives.

Each ingredient plays its part in texture and comfort

What we often forget is that a skincare product's composition doesn't just "nourish" or "protect": it also determines its texture, ease of application and the sensation it leaves on the skin.

A good CBD cream shouldspread easily without leaving a greasy film, penetrate quickly without sticking, and leave the skin soft and supple.

And it's precisely the blend of vegetable oils, butters and gentle emulsifiers that makes this possible. CBD, in this cocktail, plays a subtle but important role: it completes the formula, without taking up all the space.

For example, my 5% CBD Cream combines CBD with hemp, pomegranate and ginseng. A light but effective combination for daily use, morning and night.

I also offer a 30% CBD Balm enriched with hemp, coconut and beeswax, perfect for massaging tense or painful areas and soothing the skin.

How to recognize a well-formulated CBD cream?

Want to avoid unpleasant surprises? Here are a few simple guidelines:

• CBD is clearly mentioned (Cannabidiol) and its concentration is indicated (in mg or %).
• The INCI list is short, with identifiable natural ingredients.
• The product is dedicated to external use, clearly indicated on the packaging.
• You can easily find a laboratory analysis, or at least a detailed product sheet.
• The texture is pleasant to apply, with no greasy or sticky effect.

A little advice from the Mama: don't hesitate to test the cream on a small area at first, to see how your skin reacts. Every skin is unique, and a good cream is the one that's right for you.

A CBD cream isn't just a trend. It's a real skincare product, which must be seriously formulated, easy to read and pleasant to use. By learning to read the composition, you gain autonomy and confidence in choosing what to apply to your skin every day.