With the recent legalization of cannabis in Canada, the use of hemp oils or the terpenes from cannabis in cosmetics has become more widespread. My first assignment as a contributor to TBR was to test out products from Urban Juve and Upothecary, two new Canadian companies whose products contain these intriguing ingredients.

{Cannabis in Beauty:
The ABCs of CBD}

Disclaimer: The products below were provided to me at no cost for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.

Cannabis in various forms has been used in skincare products and traditional Ayurvedic medicine for years, due to its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. While the ingredient itself is nothing new, the legalization of cannabis in Canada in October 2018 has decreased some of the stigma around the use of the plant in skincare and beauty, and resulted in the creation of hundreds of new products. I was eager to test out Upothecary and Urban Juve’s new launches because I thought I might get a little buzz from a lip balm or body bar.

A New Beauty Vocabulary

A quick vocabulary primer, from the Ontario Cannabis Store:

• Cannabis: a term for many different kinds of plants, including sativa and indica
• Hemp: a fibre that can be made from male cannabis plants and used to manufacture rope, fabric, paper, food, and more.
• Cannabinoids: Chemical compounds found in cannabis that can produce effects such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anxiety reduction.
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary cannabinoid component in cannabis; has a psychoactive effect.
• CBD (Cannabidiol): A cannabinoid that does not produce a psychoactive effect, but rather a “body” effect.
• Terpenes: Compounds found in all organic material. They’re responsible for variations in fragrance and character of cannabis.

Urban Juve

Urban Juve combines Ayurvedic traditions with modern techniques, offering three different lines inspired by the three Ayurvedic ‘doshas,’ or energies. Since their products contain sativa hemp root oil – known particularly for its healing properties – I decided to test them while on a trip to Mexico. I was debating about taking the products over the border, but decided to bring them, since none of the products contain THC. Exposing myself to the sun near the equator would be a great way to see just how healing the products actually are.

The Align Face Moisturizer ($65) was great as a post-shave moisturizer, but also found it useful post-sun. I was “sun-stupid” one day – staying out in the sun a bit longer than I should have – and got tomato red. Five days of being super careful and not burning – I was so proud! Then, two extra lengths of beach and BAM… you’re burnt.   I applied the moisturizer each day thereafter, and found it to have a great texture and a natural scent. It felt soothing and rich on my skin, but didn’t leave a shine after absorbing. It felt so good that after I used it, I did some research to learn more about the healing effects of hemp oil! I’m sure it helped heal my skin faster than if I had not used anything.

At night, I applied the Anti-Aging Serum ($85) under my eyes. I woke up without bags, and the comforting lavender scent actually helped calm me before I went to sleep. I also used the Lip Balm ($10) religiously because in addition to a red face, I had burned my lips! Ugh. This chocolate-peppermint balm felt hydrating and refreshing on my dry, burned lips.

Fave product: The Align Moisturizer & the Anti-Aging Serum

Upothecary

Once I got back from Mexico, I began testing out the Upothecary items. Upothecary is a sister company to Up Cannabis, and has released two lines of products: one infused with sativa to stimulate and energize, and one infused with indica to calm and relax.

The Wash Up! Sativa Body Bar ($12) has a moisturizing effect and isn’t overly scented. I work in a scent-sensitive environment, but I do like a bit of fragrance in my shower products. This formula allows me to enjoy the natural peppy terpenes in the sativa while I’m getting all soapy, but the scent doesn’t linger on my skin throughout the day.

The Wake Up! Sativa Shampoo ($15) and the Ease Up! Indica Conditioner ($15) have a similarly light scent. I particularly like the packaging of these products: the pump makes it easy to dispense the product in just the right amount. Since I don’t have a large bathroom or a vanity to hide the products I use, the striking label design is another plus. The bottles can sit on the edge of my bathtub and still look cool.

While the sativa and indica terpenes in these products gave them unique fragrances, I wouldn’t say they affected my mood. But the products themselves feel and look great, and, since they’re free of sulphates, SLES, and other harmful ingredients, they’re a welcome addition to the Canadian market.

Fave product: The Wash Up! Sativa Body Bar

Have you ever tried beauty products containing CBD or other cannabis ingredients? What was your experience like?