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Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of two main active compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other active ingredient in cannabis, it’s federally legal and won’t make you feel “high.”
Products that contain CBD — including skin care products such as soaps, moisturizers, and makeup — are hugely popular at the moment. Though research into their benefits is minimal, a
Unfortunately, not all CBD products are created equally. The
Founded in California in 2017 by Claudia Mata, a former fashion editor, and her husband, Zander Gladish, Vertly is one brand that specializes in CBD skin care. This article explores their brand reputation, quality, transparency, and product line.
CBD glossary
You’ll see the following terms used in this article:
- Hemp: A variety of the cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3 percent THC by weight.
- Cannabinoids: A group of chemical compounds unique to cannabis plants. THC and CBD are two of hundreds of cannabinoids.
- Terpenes: Scented compounds that occur naturally in cannabis and other plants.
- Full-spectrum products: CBD products that contain all compounds naturally found in cannabis. Hemp-derived full-spectrum products may contain up to 0.3 percent THC.
Vertly is a young company that’s still establishing its reputation. However, what we know about them so far seems to be good.
While some CBD brands have received
Vertly is mostly transparent about their manufacturing process and ingredients.
Hemp and extraction method
Vertly uses organic, Colorado-grown hemp and a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction process. This type of extraction uses CO2 to get CBD out of the hemp plant. Since it doesn’t use chemicals, it doesn’t leave behind any potentially harmful residue. However, it can also result in a smaller amount of terpenes in the final product.
Manufacturing processes
Vertly’s small-batch products are made in a laboratory in San Rafael, California.
All CBD manufacturers must follow the FDA’s
Ingredients and testing
You can find a complete list of ingredients via a tab on each product page.
The company also provides certificates of analysis, or COAs, to show that their products have been tested by CW Analytical, an ISO 17025-compliant cannabis testing facility.
However, the available test reports, which reflect the final products, only include information about the product’s potency and cannabinoid profile.
They do test the hemp extract used to make their products for pesticides, residual solvents, and heavy metals, but these results are only available upon request. Vertly could improve transparency by making this information more accessible.
Vertly’s small product line reflects their emphasis on artisanal and handmade manufacturing processes. They offer half a dozen topicals, ranging from lip balm to bath salts.
All of Vertly’s products contain full-spectrum hemp extract, which might be a drawback for those trying to avoid THC altogether. However, since they’re topicals, the chance of THC showing up on a drug test is slim.
Vertly’s products are relatively affordable compared with other CBD skin care brands and range in price from $22 to $110.
Vertly has mostly positive reviews from customers on both their website and those of third-party sellers like Credo and Nordstrom.
However, they tend to have fewer reviews than other CBD skin care companies. In addition, the company isn’t listed on the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.
They don’t allow returns, but you can exchange an unopened item for store credit. If your product arrives damaged, they will send a replacement.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $30
- $$ = $30–$50
- $$$ = over $50
Infused Bath Salts
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| CBD potency | 100 milligrams (mg) per 7-ounce (oz.) package |
| CBD type | Full-spectrum |
Vertly’s lavender, lemon, and clary sage-scented salts are one of few CBD bath products on the market. They’re a great self-care gift, whether for yourself or a friend.
In addition to CBD, these bath salts contain other natural anti-inflammatories like arnica flower, Dead Sea salts, and magnesium.
The package is enough for one or two baths, depending on what level of potency you want. You should soak for at least 20 minutes, ideally before bed, to get the full effect.
Buy Infused Bath Salts online.
Relief Lotion
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| CBD type | Full-spectrum |
This all-over restorative lotion may help relieve aching joints and muscles. It comes in a 2.9-oz. pump bottle for easy application. Customers say it works quickly.
With lavender and citrus essential oils, it has a mild floral scent. You’ll feel a cooling sensation when you apply it. Other beneficial ingredients include shea butter and magnesium.
The CBD content isn’t clearly listed on the product page, but the certificate of analysis indicates that the test batch contained approximately 156 mg per bottle.
Lip Butter
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| CBD type | Full-spectrum |
This lip balm is packed with three butters — shea, kokum, and cocoa — to nourish and hydrate your lips. It also contains coconut and jojoba oils, both of which have antibacterial properties.
The balm comes in two flavors: rose or peppermint. Both are available in a stick or a pot format. The sheer balm can be used as a primer or simply for everyday hydration. You can also get a red-tinted stick for a bit of color.
Vertly doesn’t list the product sizes and their corresponding CBD content clearly on their website. In addition, the certificates of analysis show differing amounts of CBD for the rose stick and the peppermint stick. This makes it hard to know exactly how much you’re getting.
Cooling Workout Recovery Body Spray
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| CBD type | Full-spectrum |
Formulated with peppermint and aloe vera, this spray can help you cool down after a workout. It also contains methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a common nutritional supplement that may help ease joint pain and inflammation.
It’s not clear from the packaging or product description how much CBD is included in the 2-oz. spray bottle, but the certificate of analysis suggests it’s around 130 mg.
To use, Vertly suggests applying two to four pumps of the spray to the affected area.
Buy Cooling Workout Recovery Body Spray online.
Glowing Skin Face Serum
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| CBD potency | 300 mg per 30-mL bottle |
| CBD type | Full-spectrum |
This plant-based face serum features a base of jojoba oil, which is known to have moisturizing, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Other powerful herbal ingredients include nettles, calendula, horsetail, and gotu kola.
Customers say that although it’s an oil, it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, and they really notice the difference in their skin.
Buy Glowing Skin Face Serum online.
Soothing Florals Hydrating Face Mist
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| CBD potency | 100 mg per 2-oz. bottle |
| CBD type | Full-spectrum |
Chock-full of botanicals, including calendula flower, rosewater, jasmine, and lavender, this fragrant spray will hydrate and nourish your skin. Users rave about how refreshing it feels.
It comes in a recyclable glass bottle. To use, Vertly suggests spraying one or two pumps on your face after washing it or spending time in the sun.
Vertly’s topical products are designed to be applied directly to your skin. Don’t try to ingest them. Follow the instructions on the package label.
Bear in mind that the sprays and mists don’t need to be rubbed in after applying, unlike the lotion or serum.
Vertly doesn’t provide dosage recommendations, which can make it hard to know how much to use. Topical products can be particularly difficult to dose.
With the exception of the bath salts, you shouldn’t need to use a lot of any of these products. Start with a small amount, especially if the product is one you haven’t tried before or if you’re new to CBD. Once you see how you feel, you can work your way up to more if needed.
According to
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
- diarrhea
- fatigue
It’s important to talk to your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you’re currently on any medication. CBD can interfere with some medications.
Vertly is a CBD skin care company that was established in 2017. They offer a modest line of small-batch products made in Northern California. While they could improve some aspects of transparency, they have a generally positive reputation among their current customers. They offer COAs online that show each product’s potency and cannabinoid profile.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.