Youve Heard of CBD in Skincare—Now What Is CBG?

We’re officially on the next chapter of the CBD playbook, and the performer might soon have a starring role in skincare.Considered more precious than CBD (mostly because its rare and expensive to extract), CBG is not only the ultimate ingredient for acne-prone skin, but its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and has antioxidant properties, all of which make it a true workhorse when packed into products.1

“The beauty of CBG is that it works with endocannabinoid receptors in our skin, allowing it to penetrate on a subcutaneous layer—and when combined with other antioxidants, it boosts performance, driving them deeper into the skin,” says celebrity aesthetician Georgia Louise Vassanelli.2

We spoke to Vassanelli and hemp-forward brand Toast co-founder Shovahn Rincon about their buzzy Your Grace Serum collaboration and the virtue of this hero ingredient.Keep reading to learn all about CBG and where it fits into the world of cannabinoid skincare.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is considered the "mother of all cannabinoids" because its the parent molecule where other cannabinoids come from. Rinco explains that the acidic form of CBG, called CBGA, is abundant in young hemp plants. Still, as the plant matures and is exposed to ultraviolet light and heat, it converts to the more commonly known cannabinoids CBD and THC. By the time a hemp plant is harvested, it may contain less than one percent CBG overall, making this parent cannabinoid one of the most ancient secrets and oldest compounds on the planet.

"As we learn more about the benefits of CBG, market demand for this cannabinoid has surged and inspired cultivators to identify and grow strains that preserve more of their CBG content through maturity," she says. "Advancements in extraction technology allow us to harvest that essence to craft CBG-forward formulations more readily."

Benefits of CBG for Skin

CBG will calm and soothe your skin when applied topically, but its restorative antioxidant properties can help defend against oxidative stress. This will ward off free radicals and encourage an even, healthy glow, making it an excellent choice for those living in polluted climates.

Why Is CBG So Expensive?

CBG is a rare compound that typically yields less than one percent at the time of harvest, limiting its availability. One bottle of serum alone needs thousands of plants to extract enough CBG for an impactful result.

CBG vs. CBD

CBD and CBG naturally occur in a full-spectrum hemp plant as complements to one another, but in very different quantities: Usually, there is 25 times more CBD. Your body’s endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in your skin’s health and regulates everything from oil and collagen production to pigmentation. “Because CBD and CBG have different molecular structures, they bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in different ways for distinct effects,” Rinco notes. “At Toast, we believe in the power of the plant in its most natural form, so rather than isolating a single compound, we combine them to supercharge the restorative properties of a product.”

Side Effects

CBG has no known side effects, but as with most actives, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your practitioner, who can tell you whether they are confident its safe or if you should wait to try it.

About the Your Grace CBG Serum

Rincon and Vassanelli developed the Georgia Louise for Toast Your Grace Bi-Phase Nightly Renewal Serum ($270) with a team of seasoned French scientists to make sure the product was packed with powerful, proven ingredients, considering the synergy between CBD and CBG to maximize efficacy while remaining gentle: “The CBD and CBG supercharge the effects of retinol, vitamin C, marine algae, bilberry extract, and hyaluronic acid," Rincon says.

Georgia Louise for Toast
Your Grace Bi-Phase Nightly Renewal Serum with CBD + CBG
$270.00

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Unlike many other serums, this one is bi-phase, consisting of two parts: botanical oils and water-based extracts. Actively shake the bottle before using it to get the deeply hydrating benefits of the aqueous extracts as well as the moisture-locking benefits of the botanical oils. Like many serums, it’s best used after cleansing and toning, and since this one has a retinol component, its ideal to use it in the evenings. “After applying the serum oil with light butterfly taps, wait until it’s absorbed and follow up with cream,” Vassanelli says.