Ingredient Transparency
The Book of Topical Ingredients
Every ingredient in every Kannaco topical — what it is, where it comes from, and exactly why we chose it. No filler. No mystery. Just full transparency.
Continue your education
Topical CBD 101
An introduction to topical CBD products and the terms used to describe them.
Full Spectrum vs Isolate in Topicals
Understanding the difference between cannabinoid types and which is right for your needs.
Endocannabinoid System 101
A textbook overview of the endocannabinoid system and its terminology.
Beyond Cannabinoids
Botanical & Functional Ingredients
Beyond cannabinoids, Kannaco formulations include botanical and functional ingredients. Each one has a defined role in how the product feels, spreads, and conditions the skin. Nothing is added as filler or for marketing appeal.
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
INCI: Arnica Montana Flower Extract
A botanical extract derived from the mountain daisy. Its naturally occurring compounds include helenalin (a sesquiterpene lactone) and flavonoids. In Kannaco formulas, arnica is part of the warming, aromatic botanical blend.
Menthol (Peppermint-derived)
INCI: Menthol
A cyclic monoterpene alcohol derived from peppermint oil. Menthol gives the characteristic cooling feel on the skin without an actual temperature change. It is a sensory ingredient that shapes the first feel of the product after application.
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
INCI: Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil
A bicyclic monoterpenoid derived from the camphor tree. Camphor gives a warming feel that complements menthol's cooling feel, and it is part of the warming, aromatic blend. Camphor has a long history of use in topical formulations.
Methylsulfonylmethane
INCI: Methylsulfonylmethane
An organosulfur compound naturally present in plants, animals, and humans. In the Pro formulas, MSM is a functional ingredient in the base. Its place in each formula is shown in the full ingredient listings below.
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
INCI: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
A polysaccharide-rich plant extract with skin-conditioning properties. Acemannan is its primary polysaccharide. As a base ingredient, aloe provides hydration and acts as a humectant that helps the skin hold moisture.
Shea Butter
INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A triglyceride-rich fat extracted from the nut of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree. Shea butter is composed primarily of stearic acid (40 to 45%) and oleic acid (40 to 55%), with an unsaponifiable fraction (6 to 17%) containing triterpene alcohols (lupeol, butyrospermol), tocopherols, and phenolic compounds. As a formulation base, shea butter provides occlusive moisturization and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Formula Base
Carrier Oils & Skin Feel
Cannabinoids are lipophilic, so they are blended into carrier oils. The choice of carrier oil shapes how the formulation spreads, how quickly it dries, and its overall sensory profile. Kannaco uses a blend of carrier oils selected for their fatty acid compositions and skin feel.
The formulation is applied to the surface of the skin.
Carrier oils give the formulation its glide, so it spreads evenly over the skin.
The carrier blend is chosen for a silky, non-greasy skin feel once the product has dried.
Emollient oils leave the skin feeling soft and conditioned.
MCT Oil (Fractionated Coconut)
INCI: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Medium-chain triglycerides (C8 caprylic acid + C10 capric acid) derived from coconut oil. MCT oil is the primary carrier for cannabinoids in Kannaco formulations because it is light, low in viscosity, and an excellent solvent for lipophilic compounds. It leaves a light feel on the skin.
Hemp Seed Oil
INCI: Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Cold-pressed oil from hemp seeds. Contains no cannabinoids (seeds do not contain CBD or THC). It provides omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a 3:1 ratio, including linoleic acid (omega-6) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Hemp seed oil is a dry-finish emollient oil that conditions the skin.
Jojoba Oil
INCI: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Technically a liquid wax ester rather than an oil. Its molecular structure closely resembles human sebum. Jojoba is stable (does not oxidize) and provides a silky, non-greasy skin feel.
Emu Oil
INCI: Dromaius Novaehollandiae Oil
A rendered fat from the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) with a high content of oleic acid (C18:1, ~50%), linoleic acid (~20%), and palmitic acid (~21%). Its fatty acid profile closely matches the lipid composition of the stratum corneum. In Pro Cream it is an emollient that softens and conditions the skin.
Complete INCI Listings
Full Ingredient Listings by Product
Complete INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) listings for all three Kannaco topical formulations. Listed in descending order of concentration as required by FDA labeling regulations.
4,000mg CBD + CBG · 0.0% THC · 3.4 fl oz
| # | INCI Name | Common Name | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Aloe Vera | Base / Humectant |
| 2 | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | MCT Oil | Carrier / Emollient |
| 3 | Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil | Hemp Seed Oil | Carrier / Emollient |
| 4 | Cannabidiol | CBD | Cannabinoid |
| 5 | Arnica Montana Flower Extract | Arnica | Botanical Extract |
| 6 | Menthol | Menthol | Cooling Feel |
| 7 | Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil | Camphor | Warming Feel |
| 8 | Glycerin | Glycerin | Humectant |
| 9 | Cetearyl Alcohol | Cetearyl Alcohol | Emulsifier / Thickener |
| 10 | Carbomer | Carbomer | Gelling Agent |
| 11 | Triethanolamine | TEA | pH Adjuster |
| 12 | Phenoxyethanol | Phenoxyethanol | Preservative |
| 13 | Ethylhexylglycerin | Ethylhexylglycerin | Preservative Booster |
2,000mg CBD + 2,000mg CBG · 3.4 fl oz
| # | INCI Name | Common Name | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Aloe Vera | Base / Humectant |
| 2 | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | MCT Oil | Carrier / Emollient |
| 3 | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter | Shea Butter | Emollient |
| 4 | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | Jojoba Oil | Carrier / Emollient |
| 5 | Dromaius Novaehollandiae Oil | Emu Oil | Emollient |
| 6 | Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil | Hemp Seed Oil | Carrier / Emollient |
| 7 | Cannabidiol | CBD isolate | Cannabinoid |
| 8 | Cannabigerol | CBG | Cannabinoid |
| 9 | Arnica Montana Flower Extract | Arnica | Botanical Extract |
| 10 | Methylsulfonylmethane | MSM | Functional Ingredient |
| 11 | Glycerin | Glycerin | Humectant |
| 12 | Cetearyl Alcohol | Cetearyl Alcohol | Emulsifier / Thickener |
| 13 | Phenoxyethanol | Phenoxyethanol | Preservative |
| 14 | Ethylhexylglycerin | Ethylhexylglycerin | Preservative Booster |
2,000mg CBD + 2,000mg CBG · 3 fl oz
| # | INCI Name | Common Name | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Aloe Vera | Base / Humectant |
| 2 | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | MCT Oil | Carrier / Emollient |
| 3 | Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil | Jojoba Oil | Carrier / Emollient |
| 4 | Cannabidiol | CBD isolate | Cannabinoid |
| 5 | Cannabigerol | CBG | Cannabinoid |
| 6 | Arnica Montana Flower Extract | Arnica | Botanical Extract |
| 7 | Menthol | Menthol | Cooling Feel |
| 8 | Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil | Camphor | Warming Feel |
| 9 | Methylsulfonylmethane | MSM | Functional Ingredient |
| 10 | Glycerin | Glycerin | Humectant |
| 11 | Carbomer | Carbomer | Gelling Agent |
| 12 | Triethanolamine | TEA | pH Adjuster |
| 13 | Phenoxyethanol | Phenoxyethanol | Preservative |
| 14 | Ethylhexylglycerin | Ethylhexylglycerin | Preservative Booster |
INCI listings are provided for practitioner reference. Formulations are subject to change. Always refer to current product labels and COA documents for the most accurate ingredient information. COA documents available on request or via the Practitioner Downloads page.
Practitioner FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional questions about Kannaco topical formulations, ingredients, and client use.
What is the difference between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate in a topical?
Full Spectrum CBD extract contains CBD alongside a full complement of minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, CBN, CBDV), terpenes, flavonoids, and trace THC (<0.3%). CBD Isolate is 99%+ pure CBD with all other compounds removed. All three Kannaco formulas (Pro Cream, Pro Roll-On and Cooling Cream) use CBD + CBG with 0.0% THC.
Why does the Pro Cream contain both CBD and CBG at a 1:1 ratio?
Pro Cream and Pro Roll-On pair CBD and CBG in a 1:1 ratio, with 2,000mg of each. The ratio is a formulation choice that gives the Pro formulas a defined, balanced cannabinoid profile. Cannabinoid content is confirmed on the COA documents for each product.
What is the role of Arnica Montana in these formulations?
Arnica Montana flower extract is a botanical ingredient that contains helenalin and dihydrohelenalin (sesquiterpene lactones), flavonoids, and carotenoids. In Kannaco formulations it is part of the warming, aromatic botanical blend. As with any skin product, do not apply it to broken skin.
What does Menthol add to the formulations?
Menthol is derived from peppermint oil and gives the formulations an immediate cooling feel on the skin. It is a sensory ingredient that sits alongside the cannabinoids in the formula and shapes the first feel of the product after application.
What is MSM and why is it included in the Pro formulations?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound that is naturally present in plants, animals, and humans. It is included in the Pro formulations as a functional ingredient in the base. Its place in each formula is shown in the full ingredient listings above.
Can clients with tree nut allergies use these products?
Shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) is derived from the shea tree nut and may be a concern for clients with tree nut allergies. Clients with known tree nut allergies should consult their allergist before using Pro Cream, which contains shea butter. The CBD Cooling Cream and Pro Roll-On do not contain shea butter. MCT oil (coconut-derived) may also be relevant for clients with coconut allergies.
Will topical CBD products cause a positive drug test?
Kannaco does not promise any drug test outcome. Standard urine drug screens test for THC-COOH, a metabolite of THC. Kannaco formulas contain 0.0% THC. The THC figure for each batch is shown on its COA document, which practitioners can share with clients. For clients subject to drug testing, the conservative recommendation is to consult with the testing authority before use.
What is the role of Aloe Vera in the formulation base?
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice serves as the aqueous base of all three Kannaco formulations, replacing plain water. Aloe provides acemannan, a polysaccharide with humectant properties. As the first ingredient listed, aloe constitutes the largest percentage of the formulation by weight. Using aloe as the base rather than water contributes to the smooth, non-greasy application texture.
Can these products be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Kannaco does not recommend use of any CBD-containing product during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The FDA has advised against CBD use during pregnancy and lactation. Practitioners should advise pregnant and breastfeeding clients to avoid these products and consult their OB/GYN.
How should practitioners document topical CBD recommendations in client records?
Document topical CBD recommendations as you would any other product recommendation. Note the product name, cannabinoid content (e.g., "Kannaco Pro Cream, 4,000mg CBD + CBG isolate per 3.4 fl oz"), application area, and frequency. Note any points reviewed with the client (drug testing status, pregnancy, known allergies). CBD topicals are not prescription drugs, so they do not require a prescription to recommend. Some practitioners include a brief note acknowledging the client understands this is a topical product, not an FDA-approved drug.