A newly published clinical study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggested that a topical cream formulated with nano-encapsulated cannabidiol (nCBD) may help protect human skin from UV-A–induced damage at the cellular level.
The pilot study found that applying nCBD reduced key markers associated with skin aging and potential cancer risk, offering a potential new approach to photoprotection.
We spoke to study co-author Dr. Adam Friedman, Professor and Chair of Dermatology at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, for his insights into the research and data findings, as well as his key takeaways for beauty industry stakeholders interested in topical CBD formulation R&D.
Study overview
The study, “Topical nanoencapsulated cannabidiol cream as an innovative strategy combating UV-A–induced nuclear and mitochondrial DNA injury,” sought to evaluate how well CBD cream could reduce damage caused by UV-A rays. Unlike UV-B, which mainly affects the skin’s surface, researchers noted that UV-A penetrates deeper and is a major contributor to long-term skin aging as well as certain types of skin cancer.
The researchers focused on how UV-A exposure leads to oxidative stress, a process that damages cells, and how it affects both nuclear DNA (the genetic material in cell nuclei) and mitochondrial DNA (found in the energy-producing structures of cells).
Damage to mitochondrial DNA, particularly deletions in key genes like ND1 and ND4, is considered a reliable marker of chronic UV exposure and skin aging, according to study authors.
In the study, participants who used the nCBD cream showed reduced signs of this kind of DNA damage. “We demonstrated that nCBD-treated samples had less profound UV-related epidermal hyperplasia, a reduction in UV-A–associated increase in premutagenic marker OGG1, and a reduction of 2 major UV-A–induced mtDNA deletions,” the authors wrote.
To improve CBD’s topical efficacy, the researchers used nanoparticle technology to encapsulate the ingredient, which enhanced its stability to penetrate the skin more effectively and resist breakdown.
“The tested nCBD cream also utilized nanoparticle encapsulation of CBD, highlighting this drug delivery system was effective in topically delivering the target active ingredient,” the authors noted.
Although the study was small and used a basic control group, no side effects were reported. The authors recommended further research comparing nCBD to standard sunscreens and testing its use on a wider range of skin tones.
Dr. Friedman: CBD “not just a trendy ingredient”
Dr. Friedman, explained that MINO Labs et al. “pursued this research to address a glaring gap in current photoprotection strategies: the lack of effective UVA defense. CBD was selected because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”
In addition to visible improvements, such as a 21% reduction in redness after UV exposure, the treated skin also showed fewer molecular signs of damage. “We documented significantly lower levels of mutagenic nuclear base lesions (like 8-oxoG) and mtDNA deletions (ND1 and ND4) in treated skin,” Dr. Friedman explained.
“These lesions are not just markers of acute damage—they’re implicated in the pathogenesis of photoaging and skin cancers.”
Unlike traditional sunscreens, which primarily block or scatter UV rays at the surface, the nCBD cream was designed to work more deeply, at the cellular level. “This approach actively defends skin at the molecular level, suggesting a new paradigm in preventative dermatology,” Dr. Friedman said.
He emphasized that Z-pod nanotechnology was key to making the formulation work. “Encapsulating CBD in nanoscale particles ensures more uniform skin penetration, protects the active ingredient from oxidative degradation, and allows for controlled, sustained release,” he explained.
“For formulators, this means greater consistency in clinical performance and broader formulation flexibility without compromising ingredient integrity,” he added.
Developing the cream required overcoming multiple challenges. “Stabilizing CBD in a topical cream is no walk in the park,” Dr. Friedman said. “We had to overcome solubility hurdles, oxidative instability, and delivery inefficiency.”
Looking forward, Dr. Friedman believes this study raises expectations for what skin care can do. “These data highlight that we can and should expect more from our daily skin care, specifically, active defense at the cellular level,” he concluded.
“CBD, when correctly formulated, is not just a trendy ingredient, it’s a scientifically validated molecule with the potential to shift the landscape of photoprotection and anti-aging.”
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 91, Issue 5, Pages 855-862, doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.06.088, “Topical nanoencapsulated cannabidiol cream as an innovative strategy combating UV-A–induced nuclear and mitochondrial DNA injury: A pilot randomized clinical study", Authors: McCormick, Erika et al.