Cannabinoids Reduced Itching but Not Other Skin Symptoms in Meta-Analysis | Research

The takeaway

A meta-analysis of 17 studies involving 3,359 participants found cannabinoids produced a statistically significant but modest reduction in pruritus (itching) but showed no significant benefits for skin dryness, redness, quality of life, or atopic dermatitis scores.

Dermatologists, patients considering cannabinoid skincare products, and beauty/wellness industry researchers.

What the researchers found

Cannabinoid treatment significantly reduced pruritus (SMD=-0.29, 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.06, I-squared=0%). No significant effects were found for skin dryness (SMD=-0.22), erythema (SMD=-0.33, borderline), quality of life (SMD=-0.15), atopic dermatitis composite scores (SMD=-0.19), or transepidermal water loss (SMD=0.16).

Why it matters

Cannabis-based skincare products are a growing market, often marketed with broad claims about skin health. This is the first meta-analysis to quantitatively assess these claims, finding that only itch relief has statistical support while other dermatologic benefits remain unproven.

The numbers in context

17 studies, 3,359 participants. Pruritus: SMD=-0.29 (95% CI: -0.52 to -0.06, I-squared=0%). Skin dryness: SMD=-0.22 (ns). Erythema: SMD=-0.33 (borderline, CI includes 0). QoL: SMD=-0.15 (ns). Atopic dermatitis: SMD=-0.19 (ns). TEWL: SMD=0.16 (ns).

How the study worked

Systematic review and meta-analysis searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL through June 2024. Included 11 RCTs, 3 quasi-experimental, and 3 observational studies (3,359 participants). Standard mean differences with 95% CIs. Risk of bias assessed with RoB 2 and ROBINS-I. PROSPERO: CRD42023397189.

What this study cannot tell us

Included studies varied in cannabinoid formulations (CBD, PEA, cannabis extract, HU-210, alkylamides). Short follow-up periods in most studies. Publication bias possible. Small to moderate effect sizes. Topical formulations may not reflect systemic cannabinoid therapy effects.

How to read the evidence

Registered systematic review and meta-analysis with multiple databases and risk of bias assessment, though heterogeneous interventions and small effect sizes limit clinical impact.

When this study was published

Published 2025, searching literature through June 2024.

The bigger picture

The itching result, while modest, is notable because pruritus is a common and difficult-to-treat symptom across many skin conditions. The zero heterogeneity (I-squared=0%) for this outcome is reassuring. However, the lack of benefit for other skin outcomes means cannabinoid skincare claims should be viewed with skepticism.

Questions still open

Whether higher-dose or longer-duration cannabinoid treatment would show effects on outcomes beyond pruritus
Which specific cannabinoid or formulation is most effective for itch relief

Common questions

Should I use CBD skincare products?

If your main concern is itching, there is modest evidence they may help. For other skin issues like dryness, redness, or eczema, this meta-analysis found no significant benefit over placebo or comparators.

Why might cannabinoids help with itching specifically?

The endocannabinoid system has receptors in skin nerve endings that modulate itch signaling. Cannabinoids may reduce itch by acting on these receptors, while other skin properties like moisture and redness are governed by different mechanisms.

Read the original research

Cannabis and cannabinoids in dermatology: a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative outcomes.

Frontiers in pharmacology, 16, 1609667

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Sermsaksasithorn, Pim; Nopsopon, Tanawin; Samuthpongtorn, Chatpol; Chotirosniramit, Korn; Pongpirul, Krit. (2025). Cannabis and cannabinoids in dermatology: a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative outcomes.. Frontiers in pharmacology, 16, 1609667. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1609667