CBG for Skin: A Guide to Its Benefits and Uses

 For decades, most research exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis focused on the dominant cannabinoids in hemp and marijuana, CBD and THC – plant elements that have different effects but similar origins. But we wouldn't have CBD or THC without the "mother" of them all, CBG (cannabigerol) – a minor cannabinoid that binds with the same receptors as THC but is non-intoxicating.    

Although CBG is not as well-researched as CBD, a growing body of evidence suggests the cannabinoid could be considerably more potent than its popular offspring – an observation that has the health and beauty sector conducting research and publishing peer-reviewed studies of their own. Whether you've been using cannabinoid-infused skincare products for years or simply curious, we thought you might appreciate the following overview of CBG's potential skin benefits and possible uses. 

The Matriarchy Explained: Why CBG is Called the "Mother" of All Cannabinoids  

Although many skincare and wellness brands introduce CBG as the "mother" of all cannabinoids in product descriptions, that distinction technically belongs to CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) – the first of 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids to develop in cannabis. As crops mature, plant enzymes convert CBGA to CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), and CBCA (cannabichromenic acid). Over time, heat and sunlight convert CBGA, CBDA, CBCA, and THCA to CBG, CBD, CBC, and THC.¹ 

By the time hemp crops are harvested, dried, and their cannabinoid-rich oil extracted, CBD is the dominant cannabinoid. The rest are called minor cannabinoids because they're present in exceptionally small amounts. Full spectrum hemp flower extract typically contains less than 1% CBG. Our industry has responded to the steadily increasing demand for products with enhanced concentrations by planting strains that yield more CBG and investing in technology that maximizes CBG extraction. 

CBG vs CBD: How the Cannabinoids Assert Their Influence on the Body  

Like CBD, CBG works by interacting with the receptors of the largest regulatory system in the human body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors CB1 and CB2. CBD's indirect effect on dermal cell receptors inhibits the breakdown of the ECS messenger anandamide, modulates receptor activity, and also activates peroxisome proliferator-activation receptors (PPAR) – targets that play a significant role in skin cell proliferation.^2,3   

In studies comparing CBG and CBD on human skin models, the "mother" of all cannabinoids outperformed its offspring in several key areas that researchers credit to its direct impact on ECS receptors. Instead of modulating a broad range of mechanisms impacting moisture retention, CBG's ability to bind with CB1 and CB2 appears to produce more potent and highly targeted effects.   

Exploring the Science:  Why Beauty Brands Are Creating CBG-Infused Skincare Lines  

Skin is a remarkably complex structure made up of organ systems responsible for specific tasks. Within its many layers are sweat glands, oil glands, and an immune system that reacts to irritation, inflammation, and oxidation. As time passes, free radical damage causes uneven pigmentation and the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers – the structures that keep skin looking vibrant and youthful. 

When the collective focus of CBD users expanded to minor cannabinoids, skincare brands offering CBD-infused products were paying attention. There was little data to support anecdotal evidence suggesting benefits for skin health and appearance. That changed with a two-part report detailing in vitro results and a clinical evaluation – the first-ever clinical study comparing the effects of CBD and CBG on human skin. CBG appears more impactful in three key areas.⁴ 

Could CBG Be the Key to Enhancing Your Skincare Routine?  

After reviewing some of the impressive properties detailed in lab tests and small-scale trials, it's easy to see why so many beauty brands are adding CBG to creams, lotions, and serums. But before taking your chances on the first CBG-infused skincare line you find, take a closer look. Some skincare brands fortify their premium-priced products with low-quality, untested CBG powder; others sell anti-aging treatments infused with an undisclosed amount of biosynthetic CBG – a substance made from genetically modified fermented yeast. We don't recommend buying any cannabinoid-infused product – natural or not – from brands that don't specify how many milligrams of CBG you're paying for.   

With CBDistillery® ommm distilled CBG + CBD Oil Tincture, you get 500mg of CBG and 500mg of CBD in every 30ml bottle. Tinctures can be stirred into your coffee, blended with creams and lotions, added to your favorite recipes, or held beneath your tongue for 45-60 seconds before swallowing. 

Research suggests that enriching the cannabinoid profile of hemp extract to achieve a 1:1 CBD to CBG ratio enhances the total contribution of each cannabinoid⁵ – meaning you get an enhanced entourage effect. If you need help finding the best hemp-derived product to support your wellness goals, consider taking our 3-minute CBD Product Quiz or scheduling a Personal Consultation. 

References 

1. Toth J, Smart L, et al. (2021) Limited Effect of Environmental Stress on Cannabinoid Profiles in High-Cannabidiol Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) 13(10) GCB-Bioenergy 1666-74. 

2. Morales P, Reggio P. (2019) CBD: A New Hope? 10(5) ACS Med. Chem. Lett. 694-95. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00127 

3. Baswan B, Klosner A, et al. (2020) Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. 13 Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 927-42. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411 

4. Perez E, Fernandez J, et al. (2022) In Vitro and Clinical Evaluation of Cannabigerol (CBG) Produced via Yeast Biosynthesis: A Cannabinoid with a Broad Range of Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Health-Boosting Properties. 27(2) Molecules 491. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8778347/ 

5. Mammana S, Cavalli E, et al. Could the Combination of Two Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoids Counteract Neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Associated with Cannabigerol. 55(11) Medicina 747. https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/55/11/747/htm