We’re not sure about you, but the long, hot summer left our skin looking seriously worse for wear. Long days in the sun and late nights with not a lot of sleep made our skin dry, dull, lacklustre, and in need of some serious glow. It’s safe to say that our stressed skin* is in need of some post-summer comfort. Unfortunately, this is easier said than it is done. Finding skincare products that nourish without clogging pores and boost luminosity and soothe discomfort without leaving a greasy film can be quite the challenge. Dealing with stressed skin* isn’t easy.
Well, that was until we tried the new CBD skincare collection from The Body Shop anyway. And trust us: This came as a surprise. As far as CBD in skincare goes, we have always been a little dubious. Beauty trends come and go quicker than we're able to keep up with sometimes, and when CBD came on the scene a couple of years ago as the ingredient du jour, promising skincare miracles that seemed frankly too good to be true, we were anticipating a demise as quick as its rise.
It pains us to admit it, but we were wrong. Not only is CBD set to be one of the most game-changing skincare ingredients in history (remember when no one knew what hyaluronic acid was?), it’s also only set to get more and more popular. CBD isn’t going anywhere and now we can officially say we’re pleased about it.
First of all, let’s explain what CBD actually is. Otherwise known as cannabidiol, CBD is a naturally-occurring chemical compound found in cannabis plants, similarly to hemp. However, unlike hemp seed oil, which is cold-pressed from the seeds, CBD is extracted from the stalks, stems and seeds.
So what’s so great about CBD skincare, and why is this range so different from the rest? In essence, The Body Shop CBD skincare collection has incredible skin-soothing and nourishing properties, and it's great for injecting some life into tired, stressed complexions*. The main issues with several ranges of CBD for us, however, is that finding a formula that’s not too thick, oily, or greasy can prove tricky. In fact, until now, we basically assumed that unless you favoured a super-rich, thick, and oily texture when it came to your skincare products, CBD wasn’t an option.
But how wrong we were. Combining CBD with the brand's iconic hemp-seed oil and plant-derived squalene, The Body Shop’s new range, which comprises of a CBD Restoring Face Oil, CBD Replenishing Moisture Cream and CBD Soothing Oil-Balm Cleansing Mask, has challenged everything we thought we knew. Not only do the products help to soften, soothe, and comfort, these treasures also are seriously lightweight and sink into the skin without a trace of greasiness, unlike so many other formulas that are thick and cloying.
How is it done, you ask? Well, we think it probably has something to do with The Body Shop’s proven track record with hemp. While CBD and hemp are currently some of beauty’s most in-demand ingredients, The Body Shop has been utilising super-rich hemp-seed oils since the 1990s. Now, the brand’s hemp-based bodycare line is one of the most-adored ranges around. (The Hemp Hand Protector is a beauty-editor favourite.) Combining the nourishing effects of hemp-seed oil with CBD and squalene, means that The Body Shop has been able to create a CBD skincare range for the face unlike any other we have ever managed to get our hands on.
Sound like something you could get on board with? Whether you experience dryness, discomfort, or dullness, this do-it-all range could be all you need to get your stressed complexion* back on track. Keep scrolling to discover the three CBD products we just can’t get enough of.
Unlike so many other facial oils, this stuff has more of a dry texture, which means you don't end up feeling greasy long after you've applied it. Infused with conditioning patchouli extract, a couple of drops of this oil patted into cleansed skin morning and night leaves skin soothed and smooth.
After so many years of working in the beauty industry, it can be rare to come across a new product that has you asking, "Why didn't we think of that?!" But here we are. This ingenious balm-like cleansing mask not only rids the skin of dirt and grime, but it also utilises white clay to purify. Simply massage into dry skin until the product develops an oily slip, leave to sit for three to five minutes, and then rinse with water, creating a milky emulsion as you do so. Skin is left brighter and squeaky clean.
If you're looking for a nourishing-but-lightweight daily moisturiser that calms dryness-induced discomfort while it works, then look no further. This velvety vegan cream, which combines CBD and hemp-seed oil with squalene, specifically tackles dryness. Apply a thin layer all over.
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Ideal for those with sensitive skin types, this rich cleansing butter makes for the ultimate makeup remover.
This best-selling gel serum, formulated with natural antioxidants, helps your skin feel fresh and defend itself against environmental aggressors, such as indoor and outdoor pollution.
This charcoal face mask is one of our favourite exfoliating masks, as it has an intense tingling sensation, and it's vegan, too!
This super-rich hand cream is highly adored among beauty editors and beauty buffs far and wide thanks to its nourishing and comforting properties.
The Body Shop's ginger shampoo is one of the best-selling haircare products around. However, this new serum from the same range helps rebalance the scalp in between washes.
Gel mists are the best way to refresh, revive, and boost hydration while on the go. This vitamin E–infused formula has a slight gel texture for an unrivalled cooling effect.
Again, perfect for those with slightly more sensitive skin, this mask is thick and creamy. It soothes and nourishes while still offering a gentle exfoliation.
If you don't like the feeling of super-rich body creams, this lightweight body yoghurt sinks in almost instantly and leaves behind the most refreshing cucumber scent.
Whether you are a keen runner or have simply found yourself on your feet for the majority of the day, this foot scrub is not only unbelievably cooling and soothing, it also deals with dryness, leaving behind fresh, soft skin.
If you struggle to find a moisturiser with SPF that doesn't break you out or leave skin feeling greasy and uncomfortable, then this everyday moisturiser could be the answer. It offers up glow-boosting nourishment but also contains SPF 50+ to help protect skin from harmful rays.
If you ask us, there really is no better feeling than sinking into a great-smelling bath. Not only does this stuff froth into luxurious bubbles, but it also smells like bananas and leaves skin feeling silky soft.
You know those body scrubs that kind of slip off the minute you put them on your skin? Those scrubs have a lot to learn from this stuff. Not only does this creamy formula leave skin feeling silky soft, but it also gives a seriously deep clean.
The Body Shop CBD Collection is available now in store and online.
*We classify stressed skin as skin that experiences discomfort from dehydration and dryness, loss in luminosity, and decline in overall appearance.
