What does CBD do in a bath? April 15, 2024 – Posted in: CBD in everyday life, CBD life, Lifestyle

Beyond Relaxation: Soaking Up the Benefits of CBD in Bath Treatments

When CBD (cannabidiol) is added to bath products like bath bombs, soaks, or bubble baths, it is meant to enhance the bathing experience by providing additional therapeutic benefits due to its purported properties.

Here’s a breakdown of how CBD might work in a bath setting:

  • Topical Benefits: CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When used in bath products, the idea is that CBD can be absorbed through the skin, potentially soothing inflammation, reducing redness, and calming skin irritations. However, the extent and effectiveness of skin absorption in a diluted bath setting are less clear compared to direct topical applications like creams or ointments.
  • Enhancing Calm: Many people use CBD for its potential to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Adding CBD to a bath might amplify the natural relaxation that comes from a warm soak, potentially helping to reduce stress and promote a relaxed state of mind.
  • Muscle and Joint Comfort: CBD is also often used for its potential to alleviate pain, particularly related to inflammation, such as arthritis or muscle soreness. The warm water of the bath can help in circulating the CBD around areas of the body where pain is common, potentially providing localized relief.
  • Holistic Wellness: The combination of warm water, the soothing properties of CBD, and other added essential oils or fragrances can contribute to an overall sense of well-being and self-care. This holistic approach is what makes CBD baths appealing to some users.

CBD Efficacy Considerations

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of CBD in bath products depends on several factors, including the concentration of CBD in the product, the quality of the CBD, and individual differences in how people absorb and respond to CBD. While there is anecdotal evidence supporting the benefits of CBD baths, scientific research on this specific application is limited.

The MuscleUp(TM) Elite Athletics Super Soak Herbal Recovery Bath is a meticulously formulated product designed to support recovery and relaxation for athletes and individuals leading active lifestyles. With a 1,000 mg dose of CBD in a 17 fl oz bottle, this soak is crafted to offer therapeutic benefits geared towards muscle recovery and stress relief.

Bottle of CBD infused Bubble Bath Soak on the ledge of a tub

Additional Ingredients and Their Benefits:

MuscleUp(TM) contains additional ingredients that promote calm and soothing for an all-around enhanced sports recovery routine.

  1. Organic Aloe: Provides soothing and moisturizing properties, ideal for calming irritated or inflamed skin after physical activity.
  2. Lavender Flower Oil and Lavandin Oil: These essential oils are chosen for their ability to promote relaxation and calmness, potentially aiding in better sleep and recovery post-exercise.
  3. Chamomile Flower Oil: Known for its gentle soothing effects, chamomile is beneficial for reducing skin inflammation and promoting a calming atmosphere.
  4. Orange Peel Oil: This oil is included for its uplifting scent and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be refreshing and revitalizing for tired muscles.
  5. Organic Argan Kernel Oil: Rich in nutrients like fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil helps to nourish and hydrate the skin, maintaining its health and elasticity.
  6. Shea Butter: Provides deep moisture to the skin, essential after long sessions of physical activity, helping to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier.
  7. Organic Coconut Oil: Acts as a moisturizer and helps to reduce inflammation, supporting skin health and soothing muscles.
  8. Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract: Offers antioxidant benefits, protecting skin cells from damage and supporting muscle recovery with its natural invigorating properties.

Product Attributes:

  • High CBD Content: The high concentration of CBD is intended to maximize the therapeutic effects, potentially easing muscle pain and facilitating faster recovery.
  • Free from Parabens, Petroleum, and Alcohol: The exclusion of these ingredients means that the product is gentle on the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin or those who prefer natural skincare solutions.
Does CBD work when absorbed through the skin?

There have been several studies examining the properties of CBD, particularly focusing on its ability to permeate the skin, which is crucial for its effectiveness in topical applications like creams and lotions.

One study evaluated the skin permeability of CBD using in vitro models, such as the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) and the Franz cell diffusion assay. These studies generally support the notion that CBD can permeate the skin effectively, suggesting that CBD could be beneficial in dermatological and cosmeceutical applications. The study indicated that factors like the type of surfactant used and the pH of the environment can significantly influence the solubility and stability of CBD, which in turn affects its skin permeability​ (Karger Publishers)​.

Another review discussed the challenges in delivering CBD effectively due to its low water solubility and bioavailability. The review highlighted various strategies to improve CBD delivery in therapeutic settings, including the use of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems and solid-state formulations. Such approaches aim to enhance the efficacy of CBD by improving its absorption and stability, which are essential for both topical and systemic applications​ (MDPI)​.

These findings are important for understanding how CBD might interact with the skin and its potential utility in products aimed at delivering therapeutic effects through skin absorption. However, ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial to further ascertain and optimize the use of CBD in various formulations.

What are the key considerations when choosing a CBD-infused lotion or cream? »