This company specializes in high-end natural skincare
Beautiful branding make these products excellent as a gift
Cannuka Review
Ohio based company, Cannuka, has developed its proprietary skincare formula of CBD and Manuka honey. The product range includes skin balms, an eye cream, an after-sun product, and a lip balm.
This range is predominantly targeted towards the skincare enthusiast rather than the medicinal CBD user. The potency is too low to render these products therapeutic, but the formulas may contribute to healthier-looking skin.
Mission/Charity2/5
Cannuka has no affiliation with the cannabis industry and offer no charitable donations.
The Cannuka manifesto is inconsistent with the product range they offer. The company’s founder claims to have a passion for the therapeutic potential of CBD, but his products have incredibly low potency and are frankly overpriced for what you actually get.
Hemp Source2/5
Cannuka’s CBD isolate is purchased from another company called Advanced Plant Processing. The website of this company doesn’t make it clear where the hemp is sourced or how it’s grown. Therefore, we can’t vouch for the quality of the hemp that goes into these products.
Product Range2/5
Most of the products in this lineup have a very similar ingredient list — although prices vary greatly. There’s a variety of products available from Cannuka, but they don’t differ from each other in a way that suggests they should be used differently.
Innovation3/5
The combination of manuka honey and CBD makes for a rich, therapeutic cocktail. They are great ingredients to mix.
However, the low score here is because the actual CBD potency is low, and the amount of manuka honey used in these products isn’t advertised. There may only be trace amounts of this valuable ingredient — we have no way of knowing for sure.
Safety2/5
These products are completely THC-free, making them safe for almost anybody to use. CBD isolate is used rather than full-spectrum, so the zero THC claim is justified.
The certificate of analysis (COA) provided by the company includes all aspects of a good COA, including heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents. The company passes all the tests.
However, the COA is provided by the same company that provides the CBD isolate, so it is unclear who performed the testing.
We value unbiased third-party test results over in-house testing from the same company selling the product.
Customer Service2/5
Cannuka did not respond to emails about where hemp was grown or sourced even after multiple attempts.
The company offers refunds and returns for applicable circumstances and a satisfaction guarantee. Based on the responsiveness (or lack thereof) from their customer service team we’re not convinced this is a smooth process.
Cannuka was founded by Michael Bumgarner,
born and raised on a rural farm in Ohio.
Bumgarner became interested in the health
benefits of cannabis and specifically one of its non-psychoactive cannabinoids,
CBD.
The cofounder of Cannuka is Bumgarner’s
wife, Kelly, who lends her skills as a dermatologist.
Michael Bumgarner’s passion for CBD
together with his wife’s expertise on all things dermatology is what spawned
the Cannuka brand.
Where Does Cannuka
Source its Hemp?
Cannuka makes no mention of the hemp source
on their website.
CBD isolate is used to formulate these
products and it’s likely that the company is partnered with CBD isolate
manufacturers. The company doesn’t appear to make their own extracts, instead,
they buy it from another manufacturer. This isn’t uncommon in the industry but
important to note nonetheless.
Because CBD is isolated, rather than
extracted in a full-spectrum manner, the source of hemp might not be of any
importance (other than for economical or political reasons). In any case, the
company offers a certificate of analysis (COA) which provides information about
pesticide and heavy metal content, as well as residual solvents.
The only problem is the company doesn’t
offer unbiased third-party tests — only the testing done in-house.
It’s much better for companies to offer tests done by independent labs to
ensure full transparency of their findings.
Cannuka Products
Cannuka manufactures an extensive range of
skincare products ranging from eye balm to lip balm to after-sun care. Prices
are steep considering the ingredients used and CBD potency.
Cost & Potency Breakdown of
Cannuka Skincare Products
Image
Product Name
Total CBD
Total Volume
Total Cost
CBD Potency
(mg/mL)
Cost per mg CBD
Cannuka CBD Calming Eye Balm
15 mg
13 mL
$38.00
1.15 mg/mL
$2.53
Cannuka CBD Nourishing Body Cream
100 mg
96 mL
$28.00
1.04 mg/mL
$0.28
Cannuka CBD Skin Balm
50 mg
48 mL
$58.00
1.04 mg/mL
$1.16
Cannuka CBD Hydrating Lip Balm
5 mg
4.258 g
$9.00
1.17 mg/g
$1.8
Cannuka CBD Cleansing Body Bar
50 mg
207 mL
$18.00
.24 mg/mL
$0.36
Cannuka CBD Harmonizing Face Cream
100 mg
96 mL
$58.00
1.04 mg/mL
$0.58
Cannuka CBD After Sun Care
Not known
30 mL
$58.00
N/A
N/A
There’s quite a lot of inconsistencies in
Cannuka’s products in terms of CBD potency and cost per mg CBD. On some
products, it’s over $2 per mg of CBD, while in others it is less than 30 c.
It’s obvious that CBD isn’t at the heart of what consumers are paying for when
they purchase Cannuka products.
As the name suggests, the CBD Calming Eye
Balm is a cosmetic product to be used under and around the eyes. The balm warms
on contact with the skin, and can be used to reduce puffiness, dark circles and
wrinkles around the eyes.
Cannuka’s CBD Nourishing Body Cream is
recommended for reducing the visibility of wrinkles and create younger looking
skin. Hyaluronic acid features in this product just as much as CBD, and is one
of the most powerfully hydrating substances on the planet.
In fact, the human body produces its very
own hyaluronic acid, where it’s mostly concentrated in the eyes and skin.
However, for cosmetic use, hyaluronic acid is most commonly extracted from
“rooster comb” — cartilage belonging to roosters that’s rich with hyaluronic
acid. When it’s not extracted from roosters, it’s synthesized through the bacterial expression systems of Streptococcus, a known pathogen that produces several endotoxins.
Hyaluronic acid is a beneficial substance
for the skin, and obviously so because the skin produces it naturally. However,
there are concerns over the safety of applying hyaluronic acid from another
animal cartilage or from a known pathogen such as Streptococcus.
Key Ingredients:
CBD isolate (100
mg)
Manuka honey
(Active 16+)
Distilled water
Beeswax
Glycerin
Stearic acid (an
animal derivative used as a surfactant)
Emulsifying wax
Lecithin (keeps
ingredients from separating)
Polyglyceryl oleate
(another emulsifier often used in cosmetics)
Aloe vera
Vitamin E
Myristic acid
(cleansing, surfactant and opacifying agent for cosmetics)
This is Cannuka’s all purpose soothing skin
balm, ideally used to sooth distressed skin. Recommended for use all over the
body, especially where skin is blemished or dry.
Key Ingredients:
CBD isolate (50 mg)
Manuka honey
(Active 16+)
Distilled water
Beeswax
Shea butter
Grapeseed oil
Hemp seed oil
Rosehip oil
Vitamin E
Orange peel butter
Coconut oil
Potassium sorbate
Grapefruit extract
D) Cannuka CBD
Hydrating Lip Balm
Image
Product Name
Total CBD
Total Volume
Total Cost
CBD Potency (mg/mL)
Cost per mg CBD
Cannuka CBD Hydrating Lip Balm
5 mg
4.258 g
$9.00
1.17 mg/mL
$1.80
Cannuka’s lip balm is a simple CBD lip balm
with the added benefits of manuka honey. It can be used just like any other lip
balm.
In all fairness, the only difference in
formula between the lip balm and the skin balm is the concentration of CBD.
Otherwise, the formulas are virtually identical.
Key Ingredients:
CBD isolate (5mg)
Manuka honey
(Active 16+)
Beeswax
Grapeseed oil
Shea butter
Hemp seed oil
Orange peel butter
Vitamin E
Rosehip oil
Coconut oil
Distilled water
Potassium sorbate
Grapefruit extract
The lip balm costs $9.00.
E) Cannuka CBD
Cleansing Body Bar
Image
Product Name
Total CBD
Total Volume
Total Cost
CBD Potency (mg/mL)
Cost per mg CBD
Cannuka CBD Cleansing Body Bar
50 mg
207 mL
$18.00
0.24 mg/mL
$0.36
Cannuka’s CBD Body Bar is probably one of
the only CBD-infused soaps on the market. This is unusual, because CBD should
remain on the skin for it to have any effect on cannabinoid receptors in the
skin. Unfortunately, if it’s washed off immediately, there’s no real benefit to
CBD being present in the product.
There are other ingredients in the CBD Body
Bar that make it a good soap, but maybe not to the sum of $18.00.
Key Ingredients:
CBD Isolate (50 mg)
Manuka honey
(Active 16+)
Spring water
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Palm kernel oil
Sodium hydroxide
(used for saponification)
Palm oil
Hemp oil
Castor oil
Essential oil blend
(tea tree and black pepper)
Cocoa butter
Shea butter
High oleic
sunflower
F) Cannuka CBD
Harmonizing Face Cream
Image
Product Name
Total CBD
Total Volume
Total Cost
CBD Potency (mg/mL)
Cost per mg CBD
Cannuka CBD Harmonizing Face Cream
100 mg
96 mL
$58.00
1.04 mg/mL
$0.58
As with all Cannuka products, the Harmonizing Face Cream is also formulated with CBD and Manuka honey. It also contains hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, and cucumber extract specifically for the purpose of hydrating and maintaining a healthy balance of oils on the skin. It’s made for use specifically on the face.
Key Ingredients:
CBD isolate (100
mg)
Manuka honey
(Active 16+)
Distilled water
Beeswax
Glycerin
Stearic acid
Emulsifying wax
Lecithin
Polyglyceryl oleate
Aloe vera
Vitamin E
Myristic acid
Grapeseed oil
Rosehip oil
Hemp seed oil
Hyaluronic acid
Potassium sorbate
Xanthan gum
Grapefruit extract
Witch hazel
Cucumber extract
Mallow extract (a
plant derivative traditionally used to hydrate and soften the skin)
Like the body cream, this face cream is also 96 mL and costs $58.00. It has the same recipe as the body cream with the addition of witch hazel, cucumber, and mallow.
G) Cannuka CBD
After Sun Care
Image
Product Name
Total CBD
Total Volume
Total Cost
CBD Potency (mg/mL)
Cost per mg CBD
Cannuka CBD After Sun Care
Unknown
30 mL
$58.00
NA
NA
This Cannuka product is specifically made
to be used after prolonged sun exposure, especially in the case of sunburn.
With aloe vera, CBD, manuka honey and vitamin E, this product provides deep
hydration for skin irritated by UV rays.
Interestingly, this product is advertised
as containing a “high amount of CBD”, and CBD is included in the ingredient
list. However, the company doesn’t actually state the amount of CBD isolate
used.
Another interesting ingredient listed in this product is Pracaxi nectar. Pracaxi is the Portuguese name of the Pentaclethra macroloba tree, which grows most commonly in Brazil. Its oil is rich in linoleic, oleic and behenic acid. The oil is used medicinally by indigenous peoples of the Amazon but is most commonly used in the Western world as a natural beauty product. It hydrates, reduces scarring, treats hyperpigmentation, and can promote collagen production to treat wounds and sores.
But the ingredient list includes Pracaxi nectar, rather than Pracaxi oil. There
is a product manufactured in the USA called Pracaxi nectar, which contains
pracaxi oil. It’s made by a company called Carol’s Daughter.
It isn’t actually clear whether the company
uses Pracaxi oil (which would have been a much more professional way to present
the product), or whether they indeed use another company’s product in their
formula.
Key Ingredients:
CBD isolate (amount
unknown)
Manuka honey
Distilled water
Stearic acid
Glycerin
Isopropyl myristate
(used to texturize cosmetics and as an emollient)
Emulsifying wax
Polyglyceryl oleate
D-limonene (a
terpene that smells lemony)
Aloe vera
Pracaxi nectar
Lecithin powder
Hemp seed oil
Beeswax
Vitamin E
Grapeseed oil
Rosehip seed oil
Grapefruit
essential oil
Hyaluronic acid
Potassium sorbate
Xanthan gum
The 30 mL bottle of Cannuka After Sun Care costs $58.00.
Safety & Third-Party Testing
Cannuka provides a COA for the CBD isolate used to manufacture their CBD cosmetics. The company is compliant when it comes to residual solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.
It’s not clear who provides third-party testing for Cannuka, as the letterhead on the COA says “Advanced Plant Processing”. This is a Colorado firm that manufactures CBD isolate, and is likely where Cannuka sources its CBD isolate.
It’s a little strange that Advanced Plant Processing
should provide a COA with their own letterhead, as this doesn’t suggest that a third party performed the testing.
What Does Cannuka
Do Well?
Cannuka’s product line is well presented and targeted to consumers who are interested in a range of ingredients rather than CBD specifically. The company includes some worthwhile ingredients in their products such as grapefruit extract, a powerful antiviral, and antibacterial that is extremely effective for treating skin conditions.
The company also uses natural bases for their lotions and creams such as coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. They also include hyaluronic acid, which is not an easy compound to come by and depending on how it is collected, may have great hydrating properties.
Where Could Cannuka
Improve?
Unfortunately, the cons of the Cannuka line tip the scales compared to
the pros. Cannuka doesn’t include a lot of CBD in
their products. In fact, the potency is generally very low, making it a
cosmetic product more than a CBD
cosmetic product. They could improve by increasing CBD potency to match up to
its Cannuka name. In addition, the company neglects to mention the
concentration of CBD in the After Sun product — simply stating that it has a
“high amount”.
There are also issues of safety regarding Cannuka’s hyaluronic acid, especially depending on where it is collected. It can be collected from roosters or cultured in a laboratory using Streptococcus. The second poses the most obvious dangers, as it’s associated with a known pathogen. In any case, Cannuka doesn’t say where their hyaluronic acid comes from, so they could also afford to be more transparent about this.
Finally, Cannuka doesn’t seem to have any
real association with the cannabis industry other than using CBD isolate
sparingly in their products. For therapeutic action, CBD concentration should
be higher, and this is inconsistent with the founder’s message about wanting to
harness the therapeutic value of CBD.
Cannuka’s products are pretty much just
cosmetic products — not CBD products.
Cannuka’s Shipping
& Returns Policy
Shipping and taxes are calculated at the
checkout, but it seems as though a flat rate of $7.50 exists for shipping in
the USA. For international shipping, it can cost as much as $87. Expedited
shipping is available for customers that want their package to arrive sooner:
UPS Next Day delivery costs $47 and UPS 2nd Day Air costs $16.47.
The company only replaces items that are
damaged or defective. Customers are advised to email Cannuka if their item
arrives damaged or defective.
For returns, the company requires proof of purchase. Customers can send their products back if they are not 100% satisfied, and Cannuka will process a claim for a refund or credit for future purchases.
Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Final Verdict:
Expensive Beauty Products — Not CBD Products
Cannuka’s products might be good cosmetic products, but they certainly
aren’t enriched with the therapeutic value of CBD.
For a CBD topical, concentration should be
much higher.
As for the soap, washing CBD off the body
instantly in the shower doesn’t create much of an opportunity for the skin to
receive the benefits of CBD.
In the way of CBD products, the Cannuka
lineup is extremely expensive. That might not be true for cosmetics, but
customers definitely aren’t paying for a therapeutic CBD experience with this
brand. .