Cannabis sativa L. in the cosmeceutical industry: prospects and biotechnological approaches for metabolite improvement.

• Cannabis has historically been used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions. • The endocannabinoid system has a great impact on skin and its modulation. • The potential of the application of cannabinoids in cosmeceuticals was reviewed. • Biotechnology applied to Cannabis can help meet the cannabinoid industrial demand. Plants have historically been used as primary sources of phytochemicals with nutritional, medicinal, cultural and cosmetic applications. Scientific advancements involving the human endocannabinoid system have catalyzed the search for innovative and targeted therapies utilizing cannabis-based medicines. It is important to optimize production on a large scale for incorporation of bioactive compounds in the cosmeceutical industry production line, and biotechnology has the potential to be an effective tool for the sustainable supply of plant components for the cosmetic industry. This review focuses on the recent developments of Cannabis sativa potential applications in this industrial segment and how plant biotechnology can be an ally for the market to obtain better quality raw materials and improve the production of compounds of interest, since plant tissue culture can pave the way for meeting the industrial demand of pharmaceutically valuable secondary metabolites, such as cannabinoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]