Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids and pregnancy

Caution Advised

• Absorbed into the body
• Fetal development

Cannabinoids are a class of compounds derived from cannabis or hemp plants, including CBD, CBG (cannabigerol), and CBN (cannabinol). In cosmetics, these ingredients are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While topical application results in lower systemic absorption than oral consumption, cannabinoids are lipophilic compounds that can penetrate the skin to varying degrees. The FDA and ACOG recommend that pregnant women avoid cannabis products, including cosmetics containing cannabinoids, due to insufficient safety data. While most research on pregnancy risks has focused on THC and marijuana use, the precautionary principle extends to other cannabinoids given the lack of human safety studies. Animal studies suggest that cannabinoids can cross the placental barrier and may affect fetal development, though these studies typically involved oral administration at higher doses than cosmetic exposure would provide. The concern is that cannabinoids may interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in fetal development. Many obstetricians advise pregnant women to postpone use of all cannabinoid-containing cosmetics until after delivery. The variable quality and composition of cannabinoid cosmetics adds additional uncertainty, as products may contain undisclosed compounds or contaminants. Women seeking anti-inflammatory skincare during pregnancy have numerous well-studied alternatives that do not carry these concerns.

Cannabinoids and breastfeeding

Caution Advised

• Passes into breast milk
• Infant exposure

Cannabinoids are fat-soluble compounds that, if absorbed systemically through the skin, could theoretically transfer into breast milk. While topical cosmetic use results in much lower absorption than oral consumption, the lipophilic nature of cannabinoids means they have potential for accumulation in fatty tissues including breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics and FDA recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid cannabinoid products due to concerns about infant exposure during critical developmental periods. While research has primarily focused on THC in breast milk, the precautionary approach extends to other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN due to limited human safety data. The concern is potential effects on infant brain development, even though amounts from topical cosmetic use would be significantly lower than from oral consumption or smoking. Most pediatricians and dermatologists advise postponing cannabinoid cosmetics until after weaning. The lack of regulation and standardization in the cannabinoid cosmetics industry raises additional concerns about product purity and the presence of unexpected compounds. Breastfeeding mothers have access to many well-researched anti-inflammatory skincare alternatives with established safety profiles.

Cannabinoids and postpartum

Safe to Use

For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, cannabinoids in cosmetics pose minimal concerns. The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties may help address postpartum skin issues such as sensitivity, inflammation, or stress-related skin changes that can occur during the hormonal transition. Without the concern of infant exposure through breast milk, topical cannabinoids can be used safely. However, product quality remains variable across the industry, so choosing reputable brands with third-party testing is advisable. The ingredients may provide beneficial effects for skin recovering from pregnancy-related changes.

Cannabinoids and trying to conceive

Safe to Use

For women trying to conceive, concerns about topical cannabinoids are primarily precautionary. There is no evidence that cosmetic cannabinoid use affects fertility, ovulation, or conception. However, some medical professionals suggest minimizing cannabinoid exposure when planning pregnancy due to limited safety data. Topical absorption of cannabinoids from cosmetics is minimal compared to oral or inhalation routes, and there is no documented impact on reproductive function. Some women choose to discontinue cannabinoid products when actively trying to conceive to eliminate any theoretical risk, though this is a personal decision based on individual risk tolerance and medical guidance.

Cannabinoids and PCOS

Safe to Use

Cannabinoids show promise for addressing PCOS-related skin concerns, particularly acne and inflammation. Emerging research suggests that certain cannabinoids may help regulate sebum production through interaction with sebaceous gland cells, which could benefit women with PCOS who frequently experience excess oil and acne. Cannabinoids do not appear to directly affect the androgen or insulin pathways that are dysregulated in PCOS. Instead, they work through anti-inflammatory and potentially sebum-regulating mechanisms. Some preliminary studies indicate that cannabinoids have antibacterial properties against acne-causing bacteria, though more research is needed specific to PCOS populations. Dermatologists note that while cannabinoids have theoretical benefits for inflammatory skin conditions, clinical evidence specific to PCOS remains limited. Women with PCOS can safely incorporate cannabinoid cosmetics into their skincare routine, though established anti-acne treatments have more robust research supporting their efficacy. Cannabinoids may be most useful as complementary ingredients for calming inflamed skin.

Cannabinoids and general use

Safe to Use

For the general population, topical cannabinoids are considered relatively safe with a low risk profile. These compounds are non-psychoactive (unlike THC, which is not used in cosmetics) and have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties in preliminary research. Many users find them helpful for sensitive or reactive skin conditions. The primary concerns relate to product quality and regulation rather than the ingredients themselves. The lack of comprehensive FDA oversight means cannabinoid cosmetics may have inconsistent concentrations, contaminants, or undisclosed ingredients. Dermatologists recommend selecting products from reputable manufacturers that provide third-party lab testing and clear ingredient disclosure. Topical cannabinoids have a generally good safety profile for most users, with minimal side effects beyond occasional mild irritation. Research into their dermatological benefits is ongoing, with promising early results for inflammatory conditions, though more rigorous clinical trials are needed. They do not cause psychoactive effects and are well-tolerated by most skin types.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy
• Flagged in breastfeeding

Related ingredients

Ingredients suggested in place of Cannabinoids, each one with its own page here.

• Niacinamide
• Colloidal Oatmeal
• Bisabolol
• Azelaic Acid
• Panthenol
• Allantoin

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Cocamide MEAFetal development, Infant exposure, Passes into breast milk
• Benzophenone-4Fetal development, Infant exposure, Passes into breast milk
• Benzophenone-3Fetal development, Infant exposure, Passes into breast milk
• ButylparabenFetal development, Infant exposure, Passes into breast milk
• CamphorFetal development, Infant exposure, Passes into breast milk
• Symphytum Officinale Leaf ExtractFetal development, Infant exposure, Passes into breast milk

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 15 September 2026.