An article by Abdu Salah
The skincare industry is constantly evolving, with new “miracle” ingredients making headlines every year. But what if the next breakthrough has been around for over 5,000 years?
Meet Cannabigerol (CBG), a powerful cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. If you are a skincare enthusiast, you have likely heard how Cannabis extracts, aka cannabinoids, are revolutionizing beauty with their versatile benefits. While CBD and THC cannabinoids have dominated the conversation, CBG is quietly making waves, offering its own impressive perks for skin health.
Often called the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is the precursor to both CBD and THC, yet it remains one of cannabis’s most underexplored compounds. Unlike THC, it will not get you high, and unlike CBD, its skincare potential is only beginning to be uncovered. Early research shows CBG offers strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-wrinkle, and sebum-regulating benefits, making it promising for acne, anti-aging, and skin wellness. As consumers seek more natural, science-backed solutions, it is emerging as a true game-changer in next-generation skincare.
So, what is CBG exactly?
Think of CBG as the ‘source code’ of cannabinoids. It begins as Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the foundational compound for major cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBN. As cannabis (aka Hemp) matures, natural enzymes transform most of the CBGA, leaving behind only delicate traces of CBG. This rarity makes it a sought-after compound in cannabis research and product development
CBG is found in very low amounts in cannabis. This makes extracting it costly and inefficient, so it is one of the most expensive cannabinoids. However, thanks to biotechnology, we can now produce it through biosynthesis. This process uses yeast to create pure, plant-identical CBG without large-scale farming. This method lowers production costs and ensures a more sustainable, scalable supply. It is a major win for the cosmetic industry.
How CBG Benefits the Skin
Unlike many fleeting skincare trends, Cannabigerol stands out with real scientific credibility. It interacts with the skin’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate balance, inflammation, and repair. This means it does not just sit on the skin’s surface; it actively communicates with skin cells, influencing processes that affect everything from redness and oil production to aging and bacterial defense.
Here is how CBG can make a difference:
- Fights Inflammation – Many skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and rosacea, are driven by inflammation. Studies show that CBG can calm overactive immune responses, reducing redness and skin inflammation.
- Defends Against Bacteria – it has shown effectiveness against harmful bacteria, including acne-related strains. This makes it a promising natural alternative to harsh antimicrobial agents.
- Protects Against Aging – As an antioxidant, it helps neutralize free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage collagen and speed up wrinkles. This means it may support firmer, more youthful-looking skin over time.
- Supports Skin Barrier Repair – A healthy skin barrier is crucial for locking in moisture and shielding against environmental triggers. Research suggests that cannabigerol can help strengthen this barrier, promoting hydration and resilience.
With such a broad range of benefits, CBG is shaping up to be more than just another skincare trend, it is a science-backed ingredient with real potential.
But CBD Does Most of That and Is More Easily Synthesized. What Does CBG Add?
At first glance, CBG and CBD seem like two sides of the same coin, both are non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich. So why should skincare brands and researchers turn their attention to CBG? The answer lies in how cannabigerol outperforms CBD in key skin health functions.
Recent studies show that CBG regulates a significantly higher number of skin-related genes than CBD, highlighting its unique benefits in cannabinoid skincare. In a 3D human skin model, CBG modulated over 50% more genes than CBD, many of which are linked to collagen production, skin hydration, and inflammation control. This means CBG strongly supports skin structure, elasticity, and repair, making it ideal for anti-aging products.
Cannabigerol has strong antibacterial effects, particularly against resistant bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This makes it a promising ingredient for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Unlike CBD, CBG also inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for hyperpigmentation, suggesting its potential as an ingredient in brightening and dark spot treatments.
Moreover, while both cannabinoids have antioxidant properties, a recent study indicates that CBG is twice as effective as CBD in neutralizing free radicals, which play a key role in premature skin aging. In short, CBG is not just another version of CBD, it is a powerhouse of its own, offering various deeper benefits that make it an exciting next-generation skincare ingredient.
Is CBG Safe for Skincare?
When introducing a new skincare ingredient, safety is just as important as effectiveness. Fortunately, cannabigerol has been shown to be highly skin-friendly, with studies confirming no signs of irritation, sensitization, or cytotoxicity at common cosmetic concentrations.
A key concern in skincare is how ingredients impact the skin microbiome, vital for health and immunity. Unlike harsh preservatives, CBG does not disrupt this delicate ecosystem of bacteria and fungi. A study on healthy volunteers found that it did not significantly change bacterial diversity or the balance of key skin microbes like Staphylococcus and Malassezia. This makes cannabigerol a microbiome-friendly ingredient, allowing it to fight harmful bacteria like MRSA without disturbing beneficial ones.
How Is CBG Used in Skincare?
With anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits, CBG is rapidly being included in natural skincare products like anti-aging serums and acne treatments. Unlike some active ingredients that work best in specific formulations, CBG offers high versatility and fits easily into creams, serums, cleansers, and even sunscreens.
CBG skincare applications
Here is where CBG is making the biggest impact:
- Acne-Fighting Formulas – Thanks to its sebum-regulating and antibacterial effects, CBG is used in spot treatments and oil-balancing skincare to fight acne without harming the skin microbiome.
- Anti-Aging & Hydration – CBG boosts collagen and reduces oxidative stress, making it popular in anti-aging serums and creams with hyaluronic acid and peptides.
- Skin Barrier Repair – Because CBG reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier, it is used in soothing creams and recovery balms.
- Multipurpose Skincare – Some brands are exploring CBG-infused sunscreens and all-in-one serums, combining its protective and soothing effects for daily skincare routines.
Formulators are also combining cannabigerol with other active ingredients, like CBD, retinol, and niacinamide to create multifunctional skincare products. As biosynthetic production improves, CBG is likely to become a key ingredient in next-gen skincare.
So, What Are the Next Challenges and Future Perspectives For CBG?
CBG is rapidly emerging in beauty, supported by science for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and sebum-regulating benefits. While CBG’s use in cosmetics is still growing, biosynthetic production makes it more accessible and cost-effective. This overcomes earlier challenges linked to extraction.
Regulatory acceptance is progressing, with the European Commission’s CosIng recently approving CBG for cosmetic use.
This approval legitimizes it in formulations and gives brands the regulatory clarity needed for wider adoption. As research confirms its benefits in anti-aging, skin barrier repair, and acne treatment, it is set to revolutionize beauty. With brands already formulating innovative cannabigerol-infused products, its future in cosmetics looks exceptionally bright.
As research continues to unveil its skincare potential, cannabigerol is emerging as a powerful ingredient with unique benefits. Its strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties make it a promising addition to formulations targeting acne, aging, and skin-barrier repair. Unlike other cannabinoids, cannabigerol offers enhanced gene regulation and antibacterial activity, giving it a competitive edge. With biosynthetic production improving accessibility and regulatory approval paving the way for wider use, CBG is set to become a key player in the future of skincare.
References
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Li et al., Molecules, 2024, 29, 5471. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225471
Luz-Veiga et al., Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2023, 24(3), 2389. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032389