With very few exceptions, everyone deals with acne at some point in their lives. For some people, the acne can be a mild inconvenience, but for others, acne can be severe. Common acne treatments include over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, prescription topical medications, and hormonal therapies.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining traction among researchers as a potential treatment for acne. CBD and acne management were the focus of a recent study conducted in Thailand by researchers affiliated with Chulalongkorn University. The study’s findings were published in the journal Cosmetics.

“Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Standard treatments often cause skin irritation or contribute to antibiotic resistance. Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties; however, its application is limited by poor solubility and stability. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of a CBD-loaded hyaluronic acid–graft-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanogel (Hy-CBD).” the study’s authors wrote.

“In this open-label, non-randomized study, participants applied the gel twice daily for seven days. Assessments of skin tolerance, lesion size, redness, and pigmentation were performed at baseline, Day 2, and Day 7 using clinical examination and imaging analysis. The Hy-CBD gel was clinically tolerated, with no evidence of comedogenic or acnegenic potential. By Day 7, inflammatory lesion size was reduced by 46%, with significant improvements in redness and post-inflammatory pigmentation.” the researchers found.

“All participants reported a subjective reduction in acne severity and expressed satisfaction with the treatment outcomes. These findings suggest that the Hy-CBD gel is a safe and promising delivery system for acne management. Nevertheless, larger randomized controlled studies are required to validate these preliminary findings.” the researchers concluded.

CBD’s potential to treat skin conditions is not limited to acne. A team of researchers affiliated with various academic universities in India and Australia previously examined the efficacy of nanoformulated cannabidiol as a treatment for several serious skin conditions and wound care. Their findings were published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics.

“Applications for acne, psoriasis, and eczema show enhanced patient compliance and efficacy. Despite clinical and regulatory obstacles, nano-CBD platforms provide a safe, focused, and efficient approach to improving dermatological care.” the researchers concluded.

According to market analysts at Fortune Business Insights, “the global acne treatment market size was valued at USD 12.19 billion in 2025” and “is projected to grow from USD 12.80 billion in 2026 to USD 19.55 billion by 2034.”