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CANNABINOL.

Valuable CAS 521-35-7 / SKIN CONDITIONING

A rare, non-psychoactive cannabinoid that acts as a potent antioxidant and skin-repair agent. It is uniquely effective at regulating pigmentation pathways and reinforcing the skin's structural proteins for a more resilient complexion.

antioxidant skin conditioning skin protecting tyrosinase inhibitor sebum regulator

Science

CBN functions as a partial agonist for CB1 and CB2 receptors while interacting with TRPV channels to modulate cutaneous inflammation. It specifically downregulates the MITF transcription factor via the MAPK pathway, leading to a significant decrease in the enzymes responsible for melanin production (TYR, TYRP1, TYRP2), while simultaneously upregulating Keratin 15 expression to enhance the skin's barrier function.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.05–0.19%
Optimal

0.1%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated up to 94.4% tyrosinase inhibition in vitro at concentrations as low as 2.5 μM, indicating powerful skin-brightening potential (2024).
  2. 02 A 12-week human clinical trial involving a cannabinoid complex showed a 44.79% reduction in sebum levels and significant improvement in erythema.
  3. 03 Preclinical data indicates an upregulation of Keratin 15 (K15), which strengthens the epidermal structure and reduces the risk of blister formation.

Transparency

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.05%
Red flag below
0.01%

Due to its high cost and regulatory complexity, CBN is often included in 'label-claim' amounts within hemp extracts. Clinical efficacy for brightening requires specific, standardized concentrations that are often missing in mass-market formulations.


The Formula

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4 – 6
0 7 14

Stability

Highly lipophilic and sensitive to UV radiation, heat (>25°C), and oxidation. Stability is best maintained through encapsulation or UV-opaque packaging.

Synergies

  • Antioxidants
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
  • Ceramides
  • Squalane

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • High pH environments (>7.0)
  • Unemulsified aqueous solutions

Safety

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.19%
Sensitization risk Low

While specifically not reviewed by CIR, safety benchmarks are often drawn from the SCCS 2025 opinion on CBD (0.19%). Usage should be avoided if sourced from flowering/fruiting tops to maintain regulatory compliance.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

An emerging powerhouse for treating hyperpigmentation and barrier weakness, though precision in concentration and stabilization is critical for performance.


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References