CBG, or cannabigerol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been gaining popularity due to increasing study of its potential in pain and digestion. However, studies on this cannabinoid regarding its effects on skin have been scarce.
A recent study published in Molecules compared the in vitro activity profile of CBD and CBG on human skin. Gene microarray analysis conducted using 3D human skin equivalents demonstrated CBG regulates more genes than CBD. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) were exposed in culture to pro-inflammatory inducers to trigger cytokine production and oxidative stress. Results demonstrate that CBG and CBD reduce reactive oxygen species levels in HDFs better than vitamin C. CPG also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting cytokine release from inflammatory inducers better than CBD. CBG showed a drastic statistically significant improvement over placebo for transepidermal water loss and reduction in the appearance of redness in the skin.
In summary, CBG exhibits a broad range of in vitro activity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and anti-aging properties. It has strong potential as a topical use ingredient and seems to have certain advantages over CBD.
Reference:
Perez, Eduardo et al. “In Vitro and Clinical Evaluation of Cannabigerol (CBG) Produced via Yeast Biosynthesis: A Cannabinoid with a Broad Range of Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Health-Boosting Properties.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 27,2 491. 13 Jan. 2022, doi:10.3390/molecules27020491
