Local companies target skin woes, muscle aches, and sleep issues.
By Samantha Durbin
Published:
Hemp, a nonintoxicating variety of the cannabis plant, contains several cannabinoids. One of these is cannabidiol—aka CBD. Not to be confused with THC, a different cannabinoid with psychoactive effects, CBD will not get you high. What does it do? When applied topically, it can lessen inflammation in the skin and muscles and potentially repair cells, balance hormones, and regulate oil production. Here are some locally made products that incorporate CBD and are third-party tested for purity and quality.
Super Serum
With CBD, collagen, apple stem cells, vitamin C, and more, Indigo Rose Glow Gelée by the Oakland company Undefined Beauty is packed with powerhouse natural ingredients that help tone, tighten, and minimize the appearance of pores. The serum’s unique jelly texture has a cooling effect (especially if you keep it in the fridge) and is best layered as a treatment under your day and night moisturizers. $48, un-definedbeauty.com.
Sleep Dreams
Berkeley-based Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics—founded by integrative chiropractor Andrew Kerklaan—makes CBD topicals including Natural Sleep Cream, which contains CBD, melatonin, and the essential oils lavender and vanilla. As Dr. Kerklaan explains, “Cannabinoids have the potential to reduce tension, restlessness, headaches, stress, and anxiety to help attain a sound sleep.” After a busy day, massage some onto your temples, neck, and shoulders, and relax. $65, drkerklaan.com.
Salt of the Earth
CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory and magnesium salts draw lactic acid from muscles, with the two components working together to speed up recovery, in OM Wellness’s Athletic CBD Epsom Salts. The brand, which is headquartered in Berkeley, adds essential oils such as peppermint, camphor, and eucalyptus to the double-dose aromatherapy/hydro-therapy bath experience. $32, om-wellness.com.
Plant Power
Bless Hydrosol, by Oakland’s Golden Goddess Botanicals, is a water-based blend of CBD, lavender, and sage. Use it as a skin toner, makeup remover, or deodorant anytime you want a quick refresh. Owner Kabrina Sky has been steam-distilling whole hemp plants for more than a decade and uses glass containers (adorned with her own artwork) whenever possible. Buy it online or at Sky’s Oakland boutique, Wild Child. $32, goldengoddessbotanicals.com.
Paw Patrol
Holistic Hound’s Healing Balm is infused with CBD, antioxidant-rich oils, vitamin E, and more canine-safe ingredients to help alleviate dogs’ hot spots, itching, dryness, and pain. Homeopath Heidi Hill, the Berkeley business’s president and cofounder, suggests distracting your pup with a treat “so the balm can work before he licks it off.” It’s available online and at many local pet retailers, such as Murphy’s Paw in Pleasanton or Molly’s Pup Purr-ee in Danville. $40, holistichound.com.