What is CBG? Exploring The Budding Future of The “Skincare Cannabinoid”
CBD has been sweeping beauty and wellness industries, but there is another cannabinoid to keep your eye on, CBG.
A nourishing ingredient in various product formats, including cosmetic formulations, CBG is one of the minor cannabinoids creating a buzz amongst the beauty and wellness community.
What is CBG?
One of the lesser-known cannabinoids, CBG stands for cannabigerol. Acting as the parent molecule, all cannabinoids come from the acid form of CBG - cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).
When consumed, CBG is non-intoxicating and can improve feelings of focus and concentration. As a result, more consumers are turning to CBG as a more approachable cannabinoid for relief.
How is CBG Extracted?
Industrial hemp plants produce CBG in their early stages of development. As the industrial hemp plant grows, it produces enzymes that convert CBG to other cannabinoid molecules, such as CBD or THC. Fully-grown hemp plants often contain less than 1% CBG making it difficult to extract large amounts.
To extract larger quantities, manufacturers harvest younger hemp plants. Recently, to make extraction easier, scientists have begun developing new genetic strains of industrial hemp with higher naturally occurring quantities of CBG.
CBG’s Benefits
There is a reason why CBG is being increasingly used in product formulations. CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system, binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Offering users an effective, natural ingredient with beneficial properties, including:
Gram-positive Antibacterial
Antioxidant
Anandamide booster
Anti-inflammatory
CBG is often found in combination with other cannabinoids, including CBD, to provide a more well-rounded experience. Like CBD, CBG is not regulated by the FDA, making it more accessible for manufacturing. Already, consumers can find a variety of edible CBG products from brands including Wyld CBD, MedTerra, and CBDistillery.
CBG in Skincare
With an increased CBG availability, more CBD cosmetic manufacturers are turning to this cannabinoid as the next skincare hero ingredient. Some refer to this cannabinoid as the “skincare cannabinoid.”
CBG is a valuable ingredient being used in creating top-shelf skincare products. Companies such as Lab to Beauty, are featuring CBG in their skincare products focused on hydration, soothing, and anti-aging.
We are only beginning to see the potential for cannabinoids like CBG in creating effective skin care formulations. Emerging research indicates that CBG has the potential to provide skincare benefits that consumers are interested in.
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References:
Borrelli F, Fasolino I, Romano B, et al. Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical Pharmacology. 2013;85(9):1306-1316.
De Petrocellis, Luciano, et al. “Effects of Cannabinoids and Cannabinoid-Enriched Cannabis Extracts on TRP Channels and Endocannabinoid Metabolic Enzymes.” Themed Issue: Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine, Part I, British Journal of Pharmacology, 19 Nov. 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165957/pdf/bph0163-1479.pdf.
di Giacomo, Viviana et al. “Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects Induced by Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol in Rat CTX-TNA2 Astrocytes and Isolated Cortexes.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 21,10 3575. 18 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijms21103575
Farha MA, El-Halfawy OM, Gale RT, et al. Uncovering the hidden antibiotic potential of cannabis. ACS Infect Dis. 2020;6(3):338-346.
Julia, Nina. “What Is CBG? Uses, Benefits and Effects.” CFAH, CFAH, 25 Feb. 2022, https://cfah.org/what-is-cbg/#What_Does_CBG_do_for_the_Body.
