Researchers from the Dead Sea and Arava Research Center in Israel have demonstrated that a cream combining eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and cannabidiol (CBD) can exert anti-aging effects. The findings were shared in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, marking a notable step in topical skin science.
Aging is tied to changes inside the body, including a reduction in collagen and others that alter skin structure. External factors frequently accelerate these changes, with pollutants, reactive oxygen species, UV exposure, and poor nutrition acting as prime culprits. When these stressors hit the skin, common signs appear: fine lines, deeper wrinkles, uneven tone, and dryness. The study aims to address these visible markers by focusing on well-known cosmetic ingredients and their combined action.
Many cosmetics brands promise anti-aging benefits, but the research team set out to test two ingredients that already enjoy widespread use in skincare. CBD, a constituent of cannabis, and the broader category of cannabinoids have attracted attention for their skin-friendly properties. In prior experiments with animal models, applying a cream containing 1% CBD for two weeks led to higher skin hydration, attributed to changes in aquaporin-3, a protein that helps move water within the skin. CBD also appeared to curb oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, and its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties contributed to improvements in skin conditions such as dermatitis, while also supporting healthier hair in some models.
The core question was whether CBD and EPA might work together to slow aging more effectively than either ingredient on its own. The researchers used cultured human skin cells that simulate aged or damaged tissue to explore this synergy. They observed that EPA supplementation could amplify the positive effects of CBD, enhancing hydration, reducing signs of aging, and supporting the skin’s natural repair processes in a lab setting. These findings suggest that the combination may influence several pathways involved in maintaining skin resilience and appearance.
Following promising laboratory results, the scientists expanded the investigation to a small human study involving 33 participants showing features of aging. Skin assessments were conducted before and after a six-week treatment period, during which the anti-aging cream was applied to the face or other areas with visible concerns. Across the evaluation window, participants experienced notable improvements in skin condition. The most prominent change noted was a measurable reduction in wrinkle depth and visibility, contributing to a more youthful and even complexion. Users also reported improvements in texture and moisture that contributed to an overall healthier look and feel of the skin.
These results align with a growing interest in how fatty acids and plant-derived compounds can complement each other in cosmetic formulations. EPA, as an omega-3 fatty acid, plays a role in skin cell membrane integrity and inflammation regulation, while CBD offers anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects. When used together, they may reinforce each other’s benefits, supporting hydration, barrier function, and a calmer skin environment. While this study focuses on a specific cream, the principles behind the observed synergy point toward broader opportunities for topical regimens that target aging signs with a balanced, multi-ingredient approach.
Experts note that larger, longer trials are needed to confirm durability of the benefits and to identify any long-term safety considerations. Nevertheless, the current work contributes to the evolving landscape of cosmetic science by suggesting that combining EPA and CBD can produce tangible improvements in aging skin within a realistic treatment window. For individuals seeking non-invasive options to support skin health, this approach offers a scientifically grounded avenue worth watching as further evidence emerges and formulations are refined for a wider audience.