When it comes to cannabis skincare, consumer behavior is showing a steady evolution rather than an explosive trend. Industry data suggests that while the early “CBD-in-everything” craze has cooled, genuine consumer interest remains strong among those seeking credible, science-backed skincare solutions.
Globally, the CBD skincare category is still growing, with analysts projecting solid expansion through the decade. This indicates that consumers are not losing interest but instead becoming more discerning about product quality, formulation, and claims.
Niche in Dispensaries, Growth in Beauty Retail
In dispensaries, cannabis topicals such as lotions, gels, and creams account for a small fraction of overall sales. Consumers visiting these locations often prioritize products offering immediate or psychoactive effects—like flower or vapes—over skincare lines. However, the customers who do purchase cannabis topicals tend to be loyal repeat buyers who appreciate their soothing and therapeutic benefits.
In contrast, the beauty and wellness retail space tells a different story. Hemp-derived CBD skincare products in mainstream outlets are shifting from novelty items to targeted wellness essentials. Although the market experienced a slight contraction recently due to oversaturation, the category continues to attract consumers focused on natural, plant-based solutions for hydration, sensitivity, and recovery.
Popularity and Product Preferences
So, are cannabis skincare products popular? The answer depends on the retail environment and consumer intent. Within specialty cannabis stores, they remain a niche but trusted option. In broader beauty markets, cannabis skincare is gaining traction as brands focus on transparency, testing, and results-driven formulations. Products that combine CBD with dermatologist-approved ingredients such as niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid are leading the way.
Three key purchasing patterns have emerged among consumers:
- Everyday Hydration Wins:
Moisturizers, creams, and balms continue to dominate sales. These products fit easily into daily skincare routines and provide recognizable benefits beyond novelty appeal. - Targeted Problem-Solving Products:
Consumers are drawn to CBD products marketed for calmness, post-sun recovery, or relief from irritation. The focus on “functional skincare” aligns with broader wellness trends emphasizing efficacy and comfort. - Trust and Value Influence Repeat Purchases:
Modern shoppers scrutinize ingredient lists, lab testing, and real results before buying again. Brands that communicate potency, purity, and third-party verification gain a stronger following, especially among those skeptical of marketing-driven claims.
The Takeaway
Overall, cannabis skincare is no longer a passing trend—it has matured into a credible subcategory within the beauty and wellness landscape. While it remains niche in dispensaries, the beauty aisle continues to embrace it as a wellness-driven alternative to synthetic formulas. Growth is strongest among brands that blend cannabis compounds with proven skincare ingredients and emphasize quality, transparency, and affordability.
Cannabis skincare has found its rhythm: steady, evidence-based, and increasingly trusted by consumers who value both performance and plant-powered care.