Study Tests Cannabinoid-Based Ointment for Managing Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms

A recently published study (1) examined the effects of topical cannabinoid therapy on the inflammatory skin condition atopic dermatitis (AD). Symptoms of the chronic condition can include itching and skin redness, and conventional treatment can result in adverse effects, the study noted. Additionally, previous studies over several years have examined cannabinoids as a safe prevention and management of AD flares. The current study intended to provide more insight on the effect of a particular formulation of cannabinoids within a small study group. The pilot study, “Evaluation of Biophysical Parameters of the Skin of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis After Application of an Ointment Containing 30% Cannabidiol and 5% Cannabigerol,” was published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology in March 2025.

The experiment was conducted from May to June of 2022 and involved nine patients (five men and four women) aged between 20-67 years old with AD. Patients were instructed to generously apply to the forearms the specially formulated ointment at home once daily before sleep. They were also instructed to cover the area with a wet wrap to help the effectiveness of the ointment.

The formulation of the ointment contained 30% CBD, 5% CBG, Cannabis Sativa L. Oleum, Unguentum cholesterol. Assessments to evaluate skin parameters, such as hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and sebumetry (oil), were conducted before and after the study period.

Collective results at the end of the eight-week period include:

• An increase in hydration was observed, though initially results at the end of four weeks did not differ than those at baseline
• In a similarly way, TEWL values were reduced and sebum levels were increased
• Decreases in erythema were seen after four weeks and after eight weeks
• No changes in melanin were observed

Overall, this noninvasive form of treatment was described as beneficial. “The topical delivery of the ointment compounded with Cannabis Sativa L. var. sativa oil, cholesterol ointment, 30% CBD, and 5% CBG led to the remission of skin lesions on the forearms of the included patients,” the researchers stated in the conclusion. “Furthermore, in the course of the therapy, patients adhering to the topical cannabinoid regimen achieved satisfactory skin parameters, including normal hydration and sebum levels, as well as improved TEWL and erythema, as opposed to patients who reported failure to comply with the regimen owing to the fatty texture of the formulation, despite the instructions they received.”

The researchers did note that the study was conducted during a period when AD is commonly in remission, and suggested further studies with the same formula during periods that worsen AD symptoms.

Reference

1. Burczyk, DD.; Wcisło – Dziadecka, D.; Olczyk, P.; Chełmecka, E.; Burczyk, WK. Evaluation of Biophysical Parameters of the Skin of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis After Application of an Ointment Containing 30% Cannabidiol and 5% Cannabigerol. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2025. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S472746