CBD and CBG for Sensitive Skin? New Study on CBD Cream for Eczema

Could CBD oil help with dry, irritated skin? A new study hints at the potential benefits of cannabinoids like CBD and CBG - natural extracts from the hemp plant - for people living with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. If you’ve struggled with redness, itching, or flakiness and haven’t found a gentle solution that works, this article is for you.

Why CBD Cream for Eczema?

Atopic dermatitis (AD), or eczema, is more than just dry skin. It’s a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often flaring up without any warning. Typical symptoms include redness, intense itching, dryness, and skin that can crack or become infected. The condition doesn’t just affect your skin—it affects your confidence, sleep, and overall quality of life.

Traditional eczema treatments like steroid creams or antihistamines can provide relief, but they often come with limitations or side effects, especially when used long-term. That’s why researchers are exploring plant-based alternatives. One of the most exciting? Cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol).

The Study in a Nutshell

In a recent clinical pilot study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, a group of researchers set out to explore the effects of cannabis compounds on skin health. They recruited nine individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe eczema and asked them to use a specially formulated ointment every day for eight weeks. What made this ointment noteworthy was its unusually high concentration of active ingredients: 30% cannabidiol (CBD) and 5% cannabigerol (CBG), suspended in a base containing cholesterol and hemp seed oil.

Participants applied the CBD cream once daily to a targeted area of their skin—the forearms. But this wasn’t just another skincare trial based on how participants "felt". The researchers used scientific equipment to precisely measure key markers of skin health and eczema symptoms, including hydration levels, sebum production (the skin’s natural oils), transepidermal water loss (TEWL, or how much moisture escapes through the skin barrier), erythema (redness caused by inflammation), and pH levels.

This combination of a controlled setting and measurable data provided a clearer picture of what CBD may actually be doing to the skin. And the findings were more than promising.

The Results of Topical CBD 

One of the standout improvements was hydration. Many participants began the study with very dry skin, typical of those with eczema. By the end of the eight-week period, their skin showed a significant increase in moisture content. This suggests that the topical cannabinoids helped restore the skin’s ability to retain water—a critical factor in managing dryness and flakiness.

Another major shift was observed in the skin’s ability to hold onto that moisture. Normally, damaged or inflamed skin loses water too quickly through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The study found that TEWL was noticeably reduced in most participants, indicating a stronger and more resilient skin barrier.

Oil production, often overlooked in skincare conversations about eczema, also showed improvement. Many people with eczema have underactive sebaceous glands, leading to insufficient natural oils on the skin. Participants in the study exhibited more balanced sebum levels after using the ointment, helping to naturally reinforce their skin barrier and maintain softness.

Redness and visible signs of inflammation—known medically as erythema—were also reduced. This is especially relevant for anyone who struggles with visible irritation, as it points to a calming effect on inflamed skin.

Finally, skin pH moved closer to its ideal, slightly acidic state. Healthy skin maintains a pH around 4.5 to 5.5, which helps ward off harmful bacteria and maintain the protective acid mantle. In people with eczema and other skin diseases, pH levels often become too high, making the skin more vulnerable. The cannabinoid ointment appeared to help restore a healthier balance.

All of these improvements together paint a picture of skin that’s calmer, more resilient, and better equipped to defend itself against daily stressors.

CBD Topicals and the Endocannabinoid System

So what exactly are CBD and CBG, and how do they support skin health?

Both are cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, they don’t have any intoxicating effects, so they won’t make you feel “high”. Instead, they interact with something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a complex network in the human body that helps regulate key functions like mood, sleep, pain, and—yes—skin health. Your skin has its own network of cannabinoid receptors, which influence things like oil production, inflammation, and how your skin responds to stress.

CBD is best known for its calming and soothing properties. Many use CBD to help reduce redness, dryness, and support the skin’s natural repair processes.

CBG is less well-known but equally promising. It has been studied for its antibacterial properties and its ability to help calm inflammation at the source.

When used together, these two cannabinoids may work synergistically to support overall skin barrier function, hydration, and comfort.

What Makes This Study Special?

There’s no shortage of skincare trends that come and go. But what sets this study apart is that it didn’t rely on anecdotal feedback or marketing hype. It used clinical tools to quantify the effect of CBD on the skin.

The CBD ointment to treat eczema used in the study contained a very high concentration of cannabinoids (30% CBD and 5% CBG). This is much higher than what you’ll typically find in over-the-counter CBD skincare, which often contains between 0.5% and 5% CBD.

While these results are exciting, it’s important to remember that this was a small study with only nine participants. Still, it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that topical CBD is safe and that cannabinoids can play a supportive role in managing symptoms of eczema such as sensitive and reactive skin.

How to Chose the Best CBD Products for your Skin

So what does this mean for you?

If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, CBD topicals and skincare may be worth exploring as a gentle addition to your routine. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Choose products from trustworthy brands that are transparent about their CBD content, source, and testing.

• Start with patch testing, especially if you’ve had reactions to new products in the past.

• Look for complementary ingredients like hemp seed oil, which is naturally rich in essential fatty acids.

• Remember that consistency matters. Most of the improvements in the study were only visible after 8 weeks of daily use.

Final Thoughts on CBD for Eczema

This study gives us a valuable glimpse into how high-quality CBD and CBG products may support skin hydration, reduce signs of irritation, and improve overall skin barrier function.

It’s not a magic cure. And it’s not meant to replace medical treatment for severe skin conditions. But it could be a gentle, science-backed way to support your skin if you deal with chronic dryness, inflammation, or barrier damage.

As research continues to grow, CBD skincare is shifting from trend to serious consideration in the world of dermatology. And for anyone looking for natural ways to feel more comfortable in their skin, that’s good news!

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Burczyk DD, Wcisło-Dziadecka D, Olczyk P, Chełmecka E, Burczyk WK. Evaluation of Biophysical Parameters of the Skin of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis After Application of an Ointment Containing 30% Cannabidiol and 5% Cannabigerol. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2025 Mar 19;18:649-662.