CBD is a relatively new addition to cosmetics, having long suffered from the bad reputation of cannabis. When cannabis was criminalized in the 1960´s, the reputation of hemp was tarnished as well, and even today many people mistakenly believe that CBD causes intoxication. In reality, the intoxicating properties come from marijuana, a different strain within the cannabis family.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from hemp, while the intoxicating effects (THC) come from cannabis. Both plants belong to the hemp family, but they should not be confused with one another. CBD is not a psychoactive compound, and using it externally (or internally) does not cause intoxication.

We want to bring CBD into the spotlight because it is an excellent cosmetic ingredient that can benefit nearly every skin type. In the following, we aim to clarify a) the difference between marijuana and hemp, and b) the benefits of CBD in skincare.

In most parts of Europe, CBD can be sold for internal use (e.g., in France, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Netherland), and people use CBD oil to help relieve stress, aid in falling or staying asleep, enhance concentration, or alleviate pain. CBD oil may provide relief for conditions like chronic pain, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), endometriosis symptoms, or joint pain. CBD oil comes in different strengths, and the appropriate dosage depends on a person’s physical size and individual needs.

Finland is one of the last EU countries where CBD cannot be sold for internal use, and currently, Finland's stance is contrary to the ruling of the EU Court of Justice.

In Finland, CBD is regulated by Fimea (medicinal substances), the Finnish Food Authority (dietary supplements), and Tukes (cosmetics). At present, CBD can legally be sold in Finland only as a cosmetic.

CBD is particularly beneficial for stressed and irritated skin. It helps reduce itching and redness, and for example, after shaving or along the bikini line, CBD soothes the pores quickly and without stinging.

CBD effectively repairs small skin injuries and can be used as a first aid treatment for various skin concerns. It helps balance sebum production, making it ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin, and is also well-suited for acne-prone skin. Its antioxidant properties help aging skin appear more youthful.

CBD helps the skin look healthier, more balanced, and more hydrated. New and exciting research on CBD continues to emerge—you can find links at the bottom of the page.

Blank& products contain no intoxicating THC. The EU’s general legal limit is 0.2%, but our products contain either 0.01% or 0%.

We maintain strict quality control and are committed to transparency with our customers. Every batch of our CBD is tested by our supplier. You can find the compiled test results below.

Lab reports

Although the hemp is grown using organic methods, CBD cannot receive organic certification, since some countries still classify CBD as a drug. Hemp is undoubtedly a plant of the future, with great potential for cultivation also in Finland.

As a term “cannabis” is like an umbrella, under which both hemp and marijuana fall. They are two different varieties and used for different purposes. Short and simple:

1. Hemp -> CBD -> calming 

2. Marijuana -> THC ->  intoxicating

CBD (cannabidol), is a compound extracted from hemp and intoxicates the user just as much as walking in hemp shoes would — not at all. 

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is a compound extracted from marijuana and it gives the feeling of being high.

Looking more closely, both hemp and marijuana contain both CBD and THC — but in very different concentrations: hemp contains a lot of CBD and very little THC, while marijuana contains a lot of THC and little CBD. This means that when CBD is extracted from hemp, there may still be a small trace of THC present.

Depending on country, CBD used in consumer products is allowed to contain 0,2%-0,3% of THC. This varies in different market areas and in some countries the legislation is stricter — for example in the Netherlands it is 0,05%.

In our products, the THC content is either 0% or 0.01%, and this is verified by our raw material supplier located in Croatia. You can find the certification documents on our website. Additionally, every CBD batch is tested by the University of Turku to confirm the THC content in our products. You can also find the reports from the University of Turku on our website. 

When used internally, CBD helps calm the body and mind, aids concentration, reduces overstimulation, and eases pain.

In skincare, CBD is anti-inflammatory, soothing, balancing, helps regulate sebum production, and is especially beneficial for sensitive skin. Whether you use CBD internally or externally, one word sums it up best: calming. And that is also where the name Blank& (“blanket”) comes from.

Blank& produces cosmetic products, and we focus on skin well-being — soothing, moisturizing, and making your skin glow beautifully.

CBD has been approved as a safe, cosmetic ingredient since 2021, which is why you may not have encountered it in skincare products until recently. 

Read more about CBD in skincare on our website.

Myth: “Facial oil makes the skin greasy”

The idea that oil on the skin would create a greasy look is probably related to the fact that many people are familiar with oils primarily from cooking (or from working on cars), and the word “oil” may carry a slightly negative connotation. However, a high-quality facial oil does not clog the skin – on the contrary.

Facial oils as products are oily (water-free) and are built from various natural plant oils and extracts, essential oils, and antioxidants.

Facial oils, among other things:

• Prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin

• Balance sebum production

• Soothe inflammation

• Treat and calm eczema

• Soften and smooth the skin

• Bring radiance and glow

• Balance skin tone (reduce redness)

• Protect the skin from external stress factors (pollution, cold, dryness, etc.)

When the skin is cared for properly – that is, with products that suit it best – its natural protective layer is strengthened, and sebum production balances, which also reduces skin problems in the longer term. It is important to remember patience so that the results have time to become visible.

Oily skin is often caused by the skin’s own sebum production being out of balance. If the skin is cleansed too much, dried out with overly strong products, or not moisturized properly, the skin begins to compensate. It produces even more sebum, which can result in dull and congested skin.

Fact: CBD facial oil soothes even sensitive skin

Not all facial oils are the same, and there is a wide selection on the market from which everyone can surely find the one that suits them best. We have developed two CBD facial oils, whose core idea is to soothe and moisturize the skin. We have also incorporated aromatherapy into the products because Blank& is not only a skincare brand, but also a "mind-care brand", an advocate for holistic wellbeing. In this hectic time, we want to provide a counterbalance, lowering stress levels and bringing calmness to a busy everyday life. A skincare routine is a moment for yourself, and even if it does not take long, it can still have a big impact on the mood with which the day begins or ends.

The products developed with our chemist specializing in sensitive skin suit many because they are specifically formulated with sensitive skin in mind. In Finland, 20%-30% of the population suffers at some point in their lives from atopic eczema, and in such cases, CBD is an excellent ingredient because it is anti-inflammatory, meaning it prevents inflammation and soothes. However, CBD serves all skin types, so it should not be thought of solely as an ingredient for problematic skin.

Why do we then have two facial oils? Because we wanted to harness essential oils separately for morning and evening, creating pleasure for you while caring for your skin. From a skincare perspective, Amio and Evie are very similar; they differ mainly in their scent profiles, but Evie is also a touch richer, making it a more natural part of the evening skincare routine.

Amio, designed for morning/revitalization, awakens the senses in the morning with an enchanting cocktail of juniper, cardamom, basil, rosemary, and peppermint, refreshing the mind during the facial care routine. The scents evaporate quickly and do not interfere, for example, with your own perfume.

Evie, on the other hand, contains essential oils that lower stress and soothe, including basil, thyme, sage, and lavender. Essential oils in the products have an important aromatherapeutic effect. In Finland, we cannot market cannabidiol for internal use, but fortunately, we can bring the same calming effect to our products through aromatherapy. 

Myth: “Essential oils cannot be applied to the face”

We have been asked whether essential oils are dangerous on the skin. It is a matter of concentrations. Essential oils should never be applied to the skin undiluted.

In Blank& facial oils, the concentrations are extremely small. The total is well below 1%. The generally safe concentration in skincare is 0.5-1%.

In our products, essential oils have two roles: they provide the aromatherapeutic effects of our facial oils, and they also affect the oils’ taste. In the future, we hope to also sell CBD supplements, and then Amio and Evie can be sold as consumables, because our chemist has formulated the products to be food-grade. As we state on our website: our products are so safe that they could be eaten.

Finally, a reminder: facial oils are not intended only for dry skin. Facial oils are suitable for:

• Combination skin: balances, for example, forehead shine and moisturizes the skin

• Oily skin: helps calm sebum production and reduces impurities

• Sensitive skin: reduces irritation and redness

Explore our facial oils: Amio and Evie

Learn more about CBD as a cosmetic ingredient here.