Ingredient
Cannabigerol
Cannabigerol is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- CBG
- Cannabigerol Acid
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 0 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cannabigerol and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants that is increasingly used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Unlike THC, CBG does not produce a 'high,' but it does interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in various physiological processes including reproduction and fetal development. The primary concern with cannabinoids during pregnancy is the lack of comprehensive safety data for topical use. While studies on oral cannabinoid use during pregnancy have shown potential risks to fetal development, data on topical CBG specifically is very limited. The endocannabinoid system is involved in placental development and fetal neural development, raising theoretical concerns about exogenous cannabinoids even in topical form. ACOG strongly recommends against cannabis use during pregnancy, though their guidance primarily addresses inhaled or oral consumption. Some dermatologists advise pregnant women to avoid all cannabinoid-containing products as a precautionary measure due to insufficient safety data. Because CBG is a relatively new cosmetic ingredient and lacks specific pregnancy safety studies, a cautious approach is warranted. While topical absorption of CBG is likely minimal, the potential for any interaction with the endocannabinoid system during critical developmental periods suggests that many healthcare providers would recommend avoiding it until more data is available.
Cannabigerol and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
The safety of cannabigerol (CBG) during breastfeeding has not been adequately studied. While CBG is less lipophilic than THC, cannabinoids as a class are fat-soluble and can theoretically transfer into breast milk, potentially exposing the breastfed infant to these compounds. ACOG and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommend against cannabis use during breastfeeding due to concerns about cannabinoid transfer to breast milk and potential effects on infant brain development. While their guidance primarily addresses smoked or ingested cannabis, the precautionary principle extends to topical cannabinoid products, especially given the lack of safety data. The concern is heightened because infant brains are rapidly developing and the effects of exogenous cannabinoids on this process are not well understood. Most pediatricians and lactation consultants would advise avoiding CBG-containing skincare products during breastfeeding until more research establishes safety. The limited data available suggests a conservative approach is most appropriate.
Cannabigerol and postpartum
Safe to Use
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, cannabigerol may offer anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits for skin that experienced changes during pregnancy. Since there is no concern about transfer to an infant, the primary consideration is the ingredient's general safety profile and skin compatibility. CBG appears to be well-tolerated topically with minimal irritation. For women dealing with postpartum skin issues such as inflammation, sensitivity, or hormonal acne, CBG's anti-inflammatory properties could be beneficial. The lack of long-term safety data is less concerning in this population compared to pregnancy or breastfeeding scenarios.
Cannabigerol and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
For women trying to conceive, the limited safety data on cannabigerol creates uncertainty. While topical CBG is unlikely to have significant systemic effects, the endocannabinoid system plays a role in fertility, implantation, and early pregnancy, which raises theoretical concerns about exogenous cannabinoid use. Some fertility specialists recommend avoiding all cannabinoid products when actively trying to conceive, especially given research showing that cannabis use may affect fertility parameters. While this research primarily involves THC and whole cannabis use, the precautionary principle suggests limiting exposure to all cannabinoids until conception occurs. The good news is that once discontinued, CBG from topical use would clear quickly due to minimal systemic accumulation.
Cannabigerol and PCOS
Safe to Use
Cannabigerol shows promise for PCOS-related skin concerns, particularly inflammatory acne and excess sebum production. Emerging research suggests that CBG may have sebostatic (oil-controlling) properties and can reduce inflammation, both of which are relevant for women with PCOS who often struggle with hormonal acne. There is no evidence that topical CBG interferes with hormone levels or exacerbates PCOS symptoms. In fact, some preliminary research suggests cannabinoids may have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial for PCOS-related systemic inflammation, though more research is needed to confirm these effects. For women with PCOS, CBG appears to be safe and potentially beneficial for managing acne and oily skin. It does not have androgenic properties and should not worsen hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS.
Cannabigerol and general use
Safe to Use
Cannabigerol is an emerging ingredient in cosmetics, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential sebum-regulating properties. For the general public, topical CBG appears to be well-tolerated with a low risk of irritation or adverse effects. The primary limitation is the relatively new nature of CBG in cosmetics, meaning long-term safety data is still being established. Current evidence suggests CBG is safe for topical use in healthy adults. It does not have psychoactive effects and appears to have a favorable safety profile compared to other cannabinoids. CBG is legal in most jurisdictions when derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC. Allergic reactions are rare, and the ingredient is generally suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin. Those with concerns about drug testing should note that some cannabinoid products may theoretically trigger false positives, though this is more commonly an issue with CBD than CBG.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Cannabigerol, 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.
Download on theApp Store