Ingredient
Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is fetal development and hormone disruptor.
- CBD
- CBD Oil
- Hemp Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 4 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 0 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cannabidiol and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Fetal development
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound extracted from hemp or cannabis plants, used topically for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While it doesn't produce the psychoactive effects of THC, CBD can interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays important roles in reproduction and fetal development. According to the FDA, CBD products should be avoided during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data and potential risks to fetal development. Animal studies have shown that cannabinoids can cross the placenta and may affect fetal brain development, though human research is limited. The endocannabinoid system is crucial for embryonic development, and external cannabinoids could theoretically disrupt this process. Additionally, CBD products may contain trace THC or contaminants depending on manufacturing quality, adding uncertainty about exposure levels. ACOG recommends against cannabis and cannabis-derived products during pregnancy. While topical absorption of CBD is generally lower than oral consumption, most obstetricians advise a precautionary approach given the lack of safety studies in pregnant populations. Women should consult their healthcare provider before using CBD products during pregnancy.
Cannabidiol and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
CBD is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound that could theoretically accumulate in breast tissue and transfer to breast milk. While research specifically on topical CBD use during breastfeeding is scarce, studies on oral CBD consumption show it does pass into breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics and ACOG recommend against CBD use while breastfeeding due to unknown effects on infant brain development. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which continues developing throughout infancy. While topical absorption is lower than oral consumption, the extent of transfer to milk from skincare products hasn't been adequately studied. Given CBD's fat-soluble nature and the high lipid content of breast milk, conservative guidance suggests avoiding it. Most lactation consultants and pediatricians advise waiting until after weaning to use CBD products. If anti-inflammatory or soothing skincare is needed, water-soluble alternatives with established safety profiles are recommended instead.
Cannabidiol and postpartum
Safe to Use
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, CBD's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may be beneficial for stressed or inflamed skin. The primary concerns during pregnancy and breastfeeding—fetal exposure and milk transfer—are not applicable in this scenario. While long-term safety data for topical CBD remains limited, there are no specific postpartum contraindications for non-breastfeeding women. As with any new skincare ingredient, patch testing is recommended, and women should ensure they're using high-quality products from reputable manufacturers with third-party testing to confirm purity and THC levels.
Cannabidiol and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
- Fertility effects
For women trying to conceive, the potential hormonal effects of CBD warrant a cautious approach. The endocannabinoid system plays roles in ovulation, implantation, and early pregnancy, and external cannabinoids could theoretically interfere with these processes. While topical CBD absorption is much lower than oral consumption, and direct evidence of fertility effects from skincare products is lacking, most reproductive endocrinologists recommend minimizing exposure to substances with uncertain hormonal impacts when actively trying to conceive. Given that CBD would need to be discontinued once pregnant anyway, many women choose to avoid it during the TTC period as well.
Cannabidiol and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Interferes with hormones
CBD shows promise for managing PCOS-related skin issues like acne and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Some preliminary research suggests CBD may help regulate sebum production, which could benefit oily, acne-prone skin common in PCOS. However, CBD's interaction with the endocannabinoid system raises theoretical concerns about hormone regulation. Some studies suggest CBD may affect cortisol and sex hormone pathways, though effects from topical application are likely minimal. For women with PCOS who are already managing hormonal imbalances, the uncertain hormonal effects of CBD warrant caution, particularly with frequent or high-concentration use. Women with PCOS interested in CBD skincare should consult their endocrinologist or dermatologist, especially if they're managing PCOS with medications like metformin or hormonal contraceptives. Better-studied anti-inflammatory alternatives may be preferable until more research clarifies CBD's hormonal effects.
Cannabidiol and general use
Safe to Use
For the general adult population not pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, topical CBD is generally well-tolerated and shows promise for various skin concerns including inflammation, acne, and oxidative stress. Its antioxidant properties may help protect skin from environmental damage. The main concerns for general consumers relate to product quality rather than the ingredient itself. The CBD market is poorly regulated, and products may contain contaminants, inaccurate CBD concentrations, or undisclosed THC. Consumers should choose products from reputable manufacturers that provide third-party testing certificates of analysis (COA). Topical CBD has a good safety profile with minimal side effects reported in clinical studies. It's non-irritating for most users and has low comedogenicity. However, as research continues to evolve, long-term safety data will provide more clarity on optimal use patterns and concentrations.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Cannabidiol, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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