Ingredient Spotlight: Hemp Oil in the Personal Care Industry

Hemp oil used in personal care is one of the most on-trend natural ingredients making headway across Body, Bath and Shower Products. According to the Hemp Business Journal, the US consumers spent $181 million on hemp-based personal care products in 2017 and projected to grow up to $260 million by 2022.

Both Hemp Oil and other cannabidiol(CBD) oils are very popular at the moment and the later is mostly known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Hence, hemp oil and cannabis sativa seed oil (industrial hemp oil) are the “go-to” ingredients for natural beauty and bath products, especially in skincare. However, the natural compound is increasingly being used in more formulations across beauty categories – from lip balms to bath salts to lotions, according to Mintel Report.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp-infused beauty products have become an established category in their own right in the cosmetics industry. While demand for hemp beauty is booming and global legislative reforms are underway, there is still a stigma associated with the plant that can cause impediments for brands. However, this should not scare brands of using hemp oil and we are going to explain why below.

Confusion about Hemp Oil

There is a bit of confusion over this product as it is sometimes called by many names but most commonly “hemp oil”, which is often associated with medicinal products such as CBD or cannabis oil. However, hemp oil is most commonly sourced from the Cannabis Sativa (Industrial Hemp) plant seed (according to Medicalnews), thus often this ingredient can be called hemp oil, hemp seed oil and cannabis sativa seed oil or even cannabis sativa oil.

Cannabis Sativa is the botanical name of the plant species. One of the common strains is called Industrial Hemp which is where we get our Hemp Oil and CBD Oil and the other is Marijuana. Industrial Hemp oil naturally produces higher levels of the non-intoxicating compound: Cannabidiols (CBD) and no or very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), thus it was legalized for cultivating in the USA. Cannabis has predominantly been associated with THC (the psychoactive compound of cannabis that creates a euphoric ‘high’ when ingesting the substance), and thus the oils are highly regulated and tested.

Hemp Oil is regulated in its production and is tested for THC and CBD levels, however, almost all hemp oils in the market can contain higher levels of CBD but low levels of THC, while Marijuana has higher levels of THC while hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, according to Karger Journal.

CBD Oil or Hemp Extract- CBD Oil, often referred to as Hemp Extract is an oil with naturally occurring terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and other beneficial phytonutrients from the hemp plant (could come from leaves, and flowers of the plant), thus containing higher concentration of CBD and THC. Therefore, hemp oil is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

Benefits of Hemp Oil for Skin and Hair

#1 Anti-inflammatory

Hemp oil is proven to have high anti-inflammatory properties due to it containing gamma linoleic acid (GLA) as well as omega-9. Therefore, hemp oil (CBD oil) may help treat acne and reduce sebum production, according to recent studies.

One test-tube study found that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines. Another study had similar findings.

Hemp seed oil products are good for normal, oily and dry skin types. It deep cleanses by removing dirt and grime from different skin types as it travels deep within and dissolves excess sebum. I also helps to regulate sebum production (common in oily skin), while also benefitting those with dry skin since dryness can trigger the production of even more oil.

#2 Nourishing

The abundance of fatty acids may make the hemp oil an excellent choice for nourishing the skin and protecting it from inflammation, oxidation, and other causes of ageing.

According to, the Body shop, hemp seeds contain one of the most balanced and richest natural single source of essential oils for human consumption. It contains Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, B-12, folic acid, magnesium, potassium and iron. The oil from the hemp seed is highly nutritious and may be especially helpful for the skin keeping it healthy and prevent breakouts.

The composition of these essential fatty acids provides more elasticity for the skin and makes hair more shiny and strong.

The authors of a 2014 review noted that the topical application of hemp seed oil strengthens the skin and makes it able to resist infection. The authors also suggest that hemp seed oil may be a helpful treatment for a range of skin issues, including: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, varicose eczema, lichen planus (an inflammatory skin condition), acne and rosacea.

#3 Moisturising

Hemp seed oil similar to argan oil, in terms of deep moisturising benefits. Hemp oil acts as a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture into the skin and penetrates it very well, moisturizing between cells and strengthening the cell matrix. It can be easily absorbed to the hair roots, as well, strengthening the scalp and reducing dry flaking or dandruff.

#4 Anti-ageing

As mentioned above, due to its composition of fatty acids. Hemp Oil helps to smoothen out fine lines and wrinkles, thus helps to with anti-ageing. This is largely due to the linoleic acid and oleic acid content of hemp seeds. These essential fatty acids play a crucial role in keeping the skin healthy.

#5 Antimicrobial Effects

Some other studies have also found hemp seed oil to have antimicrobial properties. These then lend even more power to the extract’s anti-acne and anti-inflammatory effects. Together with many antioxidants, hemp oil protects the skin from free radical damage.

#6 Suitable for Sensitive Skin

Again the fatty acids in hemp seed oil may help balance the skin and prevent inflammation that can result in acne, also with the addition of CBD oil from the plant matter, may also help clear acne. A study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD may affect the sebum glands in people with chronic acne, leading to reduced sebum production and potentially helping clear or prevent acne breakouts.

4 Product Examples Using Hemp Oil

Due to these benefits of hemp oil, there are many products entering the market using this super ingredient. Below we share some of our picks:

Carun Active Hemp Soap is described as a naturally effective natural, cosmetic soap made from bio ingredients such as bio hemp oil and buckthorn, aloe vera and curcuma, featuring a naturally subtle scent containing no fragrances. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive ones, this vegan product is free from preservatives and colourants, and retails in a 100g pack.

Patchouli Hemp Bar Soap by Society is all-natural bar soap is formulated with organic Patchouli Oil and hemp to gently and naturally cleans all skin types with a grounding, balancing, and mood-harmonizing aroma. It is formulated using only natural microbes, enzymes, and ingredients with no synthetic chemicals.

Hemp Body Body Butter by Body Shop for intense hydration and increased protection. Infused with rich hemp seed oil, packed with essential fatty acids, this nourishing formula will leave your skin beautifully soft and supple.
Image Credit: Body Shop

RADICAL Skincare Rejuvafirm CBD Facial Oil. Described as a superfood detox and anti-ageing skin oil that spotlights the calming and antioxidant benefits of CBD oil. It also includes essential fatty acids.
Image Credit: lifeandsoullifestyle.com

Charlotte’s Web Hemp range includes CBD hemp oils, capsules, topicals, and pet products that feature a unique CBD hemp oil extract.

Stephenson

Stephenson offers crafters and brands Crystal Hemp base, which is a vegetable-based, sulfate-free hemp melt and pour soap base. Made using natural Hemp Oil, this mild soap base refreshes and revives the skin. Used for the manufacture of high-quality transparent hemp soap bars. The base is free from parabens, Propylene or Polyethylene glycols.

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