Cannabidiol – Synthetically Produced: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cannabidiol – Synthetically Produced?

Cannabidiol – Synthetically Produced is a lab-created version of CBD, the well-known compound originally found in hemp and cannabis plants. Instead of being extracted from crops, chemists build the molecule from smaller building blocks, yielding a highly pure ingredient free of plant residues or trace THC. Its chemical name, 1,3-Benzenediol, 2-[(1R,6R)-3-methyl-6-(1-methylethenyl)-2-cyclohexen-1-yl]-5-pentyl-, describes the same carbon and hydrogen framework that occurs in natural CBD.

Interest in CBD for skin care took off in the late 2010s when early studies suggested it could calm redness and neutralize free radicals. Natural sourcing, however, faced issues like crop variability, pesticides and legal gray areas. Synthetic production solved these problems by offering a consistent supply that meets cosmetic regulations worldwide. The process typically starts with citral or limonene derived from citrus peels, which undergo several controlled reactions to assemble the CBD backbone. The result is a crystalline powder that blends easily into oils, creams and serums.

You will most often see synthetic CBD in soothing face masks, blemish-control spot treatments, lightweight moisturizers for oily skin, daily antioxidants serums and protective after-sun gels. Its stability and neutral scent also make it popular in anti-aging formulas where it partners with vitamins and peptides.

Cannabidiol – Synthetically Produced’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

When added to skin care formulas, this ingredient offers several valuable functions:

  • Anti-Sebum: Helps reduce excess oil on the skin surface which can lead to a fresher appearance and fewer clogged pores
  • Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals created by pollution or UV exposure, supporting a healthier looking complexion over time
  • Skin Conditioning: Contributes to a softer smoother feel by reinforcing the skin’s natural moisture balance
  • Skin Protecting: Forms a light barrier that shields against everyday environmental stressors aiding in the prevention of dryness and irritation

Who Can Use Cannabidiol – Synthetically Produced

Thanks to its lightweight non-greasy profile, synthetic CBD suits most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and mildly dry complexions. Its calming, oil-balancing nature makes it especially attractive to breakout-prone or sensitive skin that reacts to heavier ingredients. Very dry or compromised skin may still want richer lipids alongside it, as CBD itself is not a heavy occlusive.

Because the molecule is built entirely in the lab without animal by-products or testing, it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Production does not rely on bee waxes, lanolin or other common animal-derived processing aids.

For those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, available data on topical CBD looks reassuring, but research is still limited. This content is not medical advice; expecting or nursing individuals should show any prospective product to a qualified doctor before use to stay on the safe side.

Cannabidiol in skin care is not known to cause photosensitivity, so daytime wear does not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard sun protection habits still apply. People who undergo workplace drug screening generally do not need to worry about THC contamination because the synthetic route eliminates it entirely.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Cannabidiol – Synthetically Produced vary from person to person. The points below outline potential effects, yet most users experience none of these when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skins, usually short-lived
  • Dry patches if applied in high concentration without complementary moisturizers
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where an individual is specifically allergic to CBD or another formula component
  • Interaction with high-dose prescription corticosteroids may theoretically blunt CBD’s antioxidant benefits though evidence is limited

If any persistent irritation, swelling or rash develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1 (largely non comedogenic)

Cannabidiol – Synthetically Produced is a lightweight molecule that behaves more like a fast-absorbing active than a pore-coating oil. It remains fluid at skin temperature, does not crystallize in follicles and shows no tendency to trap debris which keeps it at the very bottom of the clogging scale.

It is therefore suitable for acne or breakout prone skin.

Clogging risk can rise if the finished product pairs synthetic CBD with heavy waxes or rich butters, so users with very reactive pores should assess the full formula not just the headline ingredient.

Summary

Cannabidiol – Synthetically Produced helps rein in excess oil, quenches free radicals, leaves skin feeling soft and smooth and adds a thin protective veil that guards against everyday stressors. It does this by interacting with skin cell receptors that influence sebum output, offering a stable antioxidant ring structure that sacrifices electrons to neutralize aggressors and reinforcing the lipid barrier without heavy residue.

After a surge in popularity driven by CBD headlines it has settled into a reliable niche, appearing most often in calming serums, post-sun gels and oil control moisturizers rather than trend-of-the-moment hero products.

Topical safety data is reassuring with low rates of sensitivity and no THC contamination. Even so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists synthetic CBD to be certain your skin agrees with the full blend.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search