What CBD Is and How It Relates to Skin
Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating compound derived from hemp or marijuana plants. In the United States, hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, though state rules vary. The global CBD market was valued at roughly $5.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to exceed $16 billion by 2030, with skincare and topicals representing a fast-growing segment. Major consumer brands now sell CBD oils, creams, and serums, and some publicly traded companies have entered the space through acquisitions or partnerships. For stretch marks, CBD is marketed as a moisturizer and anti-inflammatory agent that may support skin elasticity and reduce redness during healing.
Research on CBD for skin is still early. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD may help regulate oil production and reduce inflammation in human sebocytes. Other studies have focused on conditions like eczema and psoriasis, not specifically on stretch marks. Most evidence for stretch marks comes from anecdotal user reports and small manufacturer-funded trials. No large-scale randomized controlled trial has yet proven CBD alone can remove or fully fade stretch marks.
How CBD Topicals Are Used for Stretch Marks
CBD topicals for stretch marks include creams, balms, oils, and serums applied directly to affected skin. Products typically list CBD or hemp extract as an active ingredient alongside moisturizers such as shea butter, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin E. Common application guidance is to massage a thin layer into clean skin once or twice daily, focusing on areas with visible stretch marks. Some brands combine CBD with retinoids, peptides, or centella asiatica to target collagen remodeling and skin texture.
Types of CBD Used in Topicals
Products use full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate. Full-spectrum contains trace THC and other cannabinoids, while broad-spectrum removes THC. CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol. The choice affects pricing and regulatory status. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved over-the-counter CBD drugs, but it has approved Epidiolex, a prescription CBD medication for epilepsy. Consumers should check third-party lab reports, often called certificates of analysis, to verify CBD content and the absence of contaminants.
Market Leaders, Brands, and Regulatory Context
Several companies dominate the CBD skincare space, including Charlotte's Web, Medterra, Lazarus Naturals, and cbdMD, which sell topicals marketed for skin repair and stretch marks. Forbes has reported on the rapid growth of the CBD industry and the role of celebrity endorsements in driving consumer interest. Major retailers such as Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon carry CBD skincare products, though Amazon's policies on CBD are inconsistent and enforcement varies. The FDA has issued warning letters to companies making unproven health claims about CBD products, including those implying they can treat skin conditions like stretch marks.
Regulation remains fragmented. The FDA has not established a specific CBD skincare regulatory pathway, so product quality and labeling can vary widely. The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks state-level CBD laws, which can impose stricter rules than federal law. Investors and consumers should verify whether a CBD brand uses U.S.-grown hemp, follows Good Manufacturing Practices, and provides transparent test results. For financial analysis of publicly traded cannabis and CBD companies, the Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR database offers filings and risk disclosures.