Cosmeceutical cannabis range to be developed following skin cancer study

U.S. biotech company ‘X-Change’ is set to develop a line of cosmeceutical products based on synthetic cannabinoids after Japanese scientists recently found the ingredient to display potent anti-inflammatory activity and reduce skin cancer by 90 percent in mice.

The move comes after the Japanese government carried out research into the ingredient which they found to have displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity and marked inhibition of tumour promotion by TPA in two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model.

According to X-Change reps, the company is hoping to translate those findings to develop new natural based formulations which utilize the potent benefits of the cannabis and hemp plants.

"Each new scientific study or clinical trial that provides new evidence for cannabinoid based treatment efficacy supports our innovative research strategy and unique product line development," says Dr. Dorothy Bray, President of The X-Change Corporation, after learning of the Japanese anti-cancer study.

Cannabinoids are terpenophenolic compounds which also occur naturally in the immune system, and are the basis for scientific and medical use of cannabis. They have been recently utilised in the cosmetics industry in skin care formulations.

"We have been focusing our efforts on meeting the ever increasing market demand for natural cannabinoid-based solutions. This evidence suggests that our product lines, which include natural combinations of high-quality, organic cannabinoids, should yield efficacious anti-cancer properties cannabinoid-based treatments," Bray adds.

Hemp based cosmetics building momentum

Hemp oil, which is derived from crushed cannabis seeds, has long been used for its moisturizing properties in creams, cosmetics and the anti-perspirant market. However, there has been a notable influx of product launches across the globe in the last few years.

With consumers increasingly searching for cosmetic products that are both sourced from the natural environment and are innovative in nature, manufacturers to constantly create product ranges that cater to their demands.

With this, the extract has become a focus for many cosmetic manufacturers, who are increasingly drawing on more innovative ingredients in a bid to shake up the saturated natural and organic market.

Most forms of cannabinoid products are illegal to use in consumer products without a doctor’s prescription. However, hemp seed oil is legal in the EU and is commonly used in cosmetics.