If you have sensitive skin, you’re familiar with the struggle – sudden reactions, sensitised skin and soreness are all part of the package deal that comes with our hard-to-please skin type. Because of its unpredictability, you, like me, may have found yourself swerving potent active ingredients like retinol due to the fear of a less-than-happy reaction from your skin. The worry of using something that’ll result in a week or two’s worth of skin-coddling just never seems worth it, no matter how long the benefit rap sheet is.

It’s understandable, then, why adding something new to your skincare routine could seem daunting. A new variable that your skin will either drink up, happily absorbing and utilising the novel ingredients, or spit back out with inflammation and pain to boot. It’s not an easy line to tread.

So, when I cycled in Cellular Goods’ Rejuvenating Cannabinoid Face Serum to my simple daily routine, I waited with bated breath. Not because I didn’t have faith in the product but because I knew my skin, given the slightest reason, would overreact and leave me to pick up the pieces. When no reaction came – no tightness, irritation or puffiness – I did a double take. What made this serum so different? And why had my skin reacted so well?

An anti-inflammatory milky serum, the Cellular Goods Rejuvenating Cannabinoid Face Serum is a potent combination of a powerful peptide, CBG (cannabigerol), glycerin and aloe vera, designed to help reduce signs of dehydration and address a lack of suppleness. Unlike its ‘anti-ageing’ counterparts (think retinol and tretinoin), this serum increases the skin’s glow without causing irritation while doing so. This is largely thanks to a blend of matrixyl, a peptide that mimics the biochemical processes in the skin, and the soothing effects of cannabigerol.

Cannabigerol, sometimes called ‘the mother of all cannabinoids’, is a form of cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Like its counterpart, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol has no psychotropic effect, meaning using it in a skincare product or taking it orally won’t make you feel ‘high’ or in an altered state. Cellular Goods is the first UK brand to use CBG in skincare, championing the effect it can have on reducing the effects of sun exposure and inflammation while treating hyperpigmentation, evening out skin tone and promoting collagen synthesis.

An anti-inflammatory, as well as an antibacterial and antioxidant, cannabigerol, works to counteract the effect of stress on the body and in the skin. Sun exposure, environmental pollution, emotional stress and general inflammation can all manifest internally but also on the skin. An ingredient like CBG works to protect and preserve your skin in a state of equilibrium, so it’s not thrown out of whack by external stressors, all while preventing any sensitivity or irritation.

Whilst much of the research on cannabinoids centres on CBD, research suggests that the anti-inflammatory activity of CBG against UV-induced inflammation is nearly twice as effective when compared to CBD - positioning CBG as superior to CBD in its ability to protect skin from UVA and UVB-induced inflammation.

My routine is very simple: oil cleanse, essence, mist and oil-enriched moisturiser. Once a week I’ll exfoliate but that’s based on how my skin is faring, the time of year and whether I think it needs it. Like all people with skin conditions, working with your skin, rather than dictating to it, really is the only viable option.

My routine, while fail-safe, was missing a serum step. A powerful way to introduce potent ingredients into the skin, using a serum can supercharge your results. So, after cleansing, toning and misting, I pressed the Cellular Goods Rejuvenating Cannabinoid Face Serum into damp skin, patting it in rather than rubbing or moving in circular motions. The milky serum absorbed quickly, without a tell-tale sticky residue or chalky sheen. Instead, my skin felt plump and moisturised, like the hydration was already sealed in. After that, I slathered on my night oil balm and went to sleep. The next day, my skin was soft, supple and full. My forehead, which shows signs of dryness before anywhere else, was free from dehydration lines and the areas around my nose and mouth were still full of moisture.

Fast-forward and the benefits have only been compounded. My skin is noticeably less stressed, more robust and isn’t as prone to dryness – in spite of the rising temperatures and battling hay fever. When I compare my results to the product’s user trial, I’m not surprised. 98% of people found that the serum absorbed easily, 95% said that skin felt softer and smoother after the first application and 92% noticed less irritation and discomfort.

Introducing something new to my skin without it flaring up is a massive win. Plus, when it gets to work straightaway, I know I’m on to a good thing. 

For a limited time only, you can get an exclusive 25% off your first order over on the Cellular Goods website with the code STYLIST25. What are you waiting for?

Representing the future of cellular level care, Cellular Goods’ Rejuvenating Face Serum is a first of its kind CBG staple for your beauty cabinet. Specifically designed to deal with common skincare concerns like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dehydration and inflammation, the unique pairing of CBG and Matrixyl  makes it ideal for even the most sensitive of skin types. Cellular Goods is also now available to shop at sephora.co.uk