Oil-Based Versus Water-Based Cosmetic Formulations

It’s impossible to directly compare oil- and water-based skincare products, as they are each suited to different applications and skin types. However, we can discuss the pros and cons of each type of formula.

Pros and Cons of Oil-Based Skincare Formulations

Oil-based skincare products typically come in balms, oils, and rich cleansers without significant lather.

Pros of Oil-Based Skincare

• Protecting: Oil-based skincare can help the skin protect itself and retain its natural moisture barrier. 
• Occlusive Moisturization: Cosmetics and skincare products that use oil as a key ingredient often provide long-lasting, soothing moisturization, especially for dry or sensitive skin. 
• Soap-Free Cleansing: Oil-based cleansers are excellent for removing dirt, makeup, and excess oils without the drying effect that soap can produce. 

Cons of Oil-Based Skincare

• Shallow Moisturization: Oils are moisturizing but not hydrating; they seal moisture into the skin but cannot penetrate the deeper layers to add hydration. 
• Greasy Feeling: Some consumers feel that oil-based skincare leaves them feeling weighed-down or greasy, especially in products meant for daytime use.

Pros and Cons of Water-Based Skincare Formulations

Water-based skincare products include creams, foamy cleansers, toners and serums. 

Pros of Water-Based Skincare

• Deep Hydration: Unlike oils, which lock in moisture, water-based products are humectants that are deeply absorbed to add moisture to the skin. 
• Aids Absorption: Because the skin absorbs water-based products more easily, they may be able to deliver their active ingredients to deeper layers of the skin. 
• Lightweight Feel: Water-based products leave skin feeling residue-free and squeaky clean.

Cons of Water-Based Skincare

• Short-Term Moisturization: Water-based skincare products deliver moisture to the skin but cannot lock in that moisture. Products made with water alone may not provide enough long-term hydration for consumers with dry skin.
• Drying: Though some water-based products can deeply hydrate, water-based cleansers often rely on soaps. Products containing soap can dry skin and damage the natural moisture barrier. 

Adding Cannabinoids to Oil- and Water-Based Skincare Formulations

Synergy Life Science is known for its innovative cannabinoid ingredients. Can these groundbreaking compounds, like our CannaSol line, be added into both oil- and water-based skincare formulations?

Fat-Soluble Cannabinoids for Oil-Based Cosmetics

Cannabinoids are highly lipophilic, meaning they bond easily with fats and oils but not water. Because cannabinoids meld so easily with fats, oil-based ingredients are an excellent choice for cannabinoid-rich skincare lines. 

Manufacturers can add cannabinoids to oil-based skincare products with minimal processing. Cannabis-infused facial oils, balms, and oil-based cleansers can all provide the incredible effects of natural hemp-derived cannabinoids and gentle, protective moisturization at the same time. 

Synergy Life Science offers several cannabinoid ingredients that we can formulate into oil-based skin and haircare products. Nearly all of our cosmetic-grade, topical cannabinoid products are excellent ingredients for oil-based skincare and makeup formulations. 

Active Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Ingredients for Skincare

For years, cannabinoids could not be easily combined with water, but recent developments have changed that. Synergy Life Science has revolutionized the cannabinoid market with several truly water-soluble cannabinoid ingredients, including our entire CannaSol active esters line. 

Synergy Life Science’s CannaSol ingredients are all compatible with both oil- and water-based formulas. These innovative cannabinoid ingredients are available for use in water-based cleansers, serums, creams and toners, bringing together the power of cannabinoids with the deep absorption and lightweight hydration of water-based systems. 

Cannabinoid Compounds for Water- and Oil-Based Skincare Formulations

The CannaSol CB Active line comprises three innovative topical cannabinoid ingredients that each fill multiple roles and are suited for various uses.  

• CannaSol CB-C Ester: A multi-use, emollient ester that is excellent for use as a UVB booster, skin conditioner, film former, and more. 
• CannaSol CB-D Ester: A multifunctional, emollient ester perfect as a skin nutrient, moisturizer, protectant, pro-elastin and pro-collagen agent, and more. 
• CannaSol CB-S Ester: A multi-use, emollient ester that excels as a UVB booster, exfoliator, acne treatment, and more. 

All CannaSol CB Actives are patent-pending, tested for safety, and pending GRAS approval. Each ingredient is also suitable for use in both oil- and water-based systems, allowing your company greater flexibility with formulation and saving you money by necessitating the purchase of fewer raw ingredients for formulation into cannabinoid-infused skincare products. 

Where to Source CannaSol CB Actives 

Synergy Life Science is the only place to source CannaSol ingredients. Our formulation experts are standing by to answer your questions about product possibilities. Contact us today to request a sample, receive more information, or start formulating oil- and water-based cannabinoid skincare products.