A 2023 study examined the antimicrobial effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) against bacteria commonly associated with skin conditions and infections. Researchers found that both cannabinoids were active against multiple bacterial species and biofilms, which are protective layers that make bacteria more resistant to treatment. The study also showed that CBD and CBG could reduce bacterial adhesion to skin cells, with CBG demonstrating stronger antimicrobial activity in several experiments.

The researchers evaluated how these cannabinoids affected microorganisms linked to skin inflammation and infection, including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Both CBD and CBG were able to inhibit bacterial growth and disrupt mature biofilms at certain concentrations. The study also found that formulations containing these cannabinoids met antimicrobial preservation standards used in cosmetic products, suggesting potential applications in topical skincare and dermatological formulations.

One of the study’s most notable findings was that cannabinoid-containing formulations did not negatively affect the skin’s natural microbiota. Maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial skin microorganisms is considered important for skin health and barrier function. The authors concluded that CBD and CBG show promise as topical antimicrobial agents for skin-related applications, while emphasizing that further research is needed to better understand their mechanisms of action and potential clinical uses.

Source: Luz-Veiga M, Amorim M, Pinto-Ribeiro I, et al. Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol Exert Antimicrobial Activity without Compromising Skin Microbiota. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(3):2389. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36768709/