Hemp Seed Oil: Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin E for Skin

The Science of Hemp Seed Oil in Skincare

As hemp seed oil becomes more popular in skincare products, many people are interested in the potential benefits of hemp seed oil in their skincare routines.

Hemp seed oil contains active ingredients such as essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which have moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

This article explores the current level of knowledge about hemp seed oil and helps you decide if it’s right for your skin! Click the button below to take the Bowman Skin Type Test now!

What is hemp seed oil?

Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains very small amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound that causes the “high.”

Hemp seed oil contains virtually no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It has been used for centuries in cooking, industrial applications, and even skin care.

With the rise of CBD beauty products in recent years, hemp seed oil has also become popular for its potential skin benefits.

What is hemp seed oil made of?

Hemp seed oil contains a unique profile of fatty acids and plant compounds, including:

Essential fatty acids: Hemp seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).

Saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid and stearic acid, make up only about 10%. When applied topically, these fatty acids can strengthen the skin barrier.

Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental pollution.

Protein and minerals: Hemp seed oil contains small amounts of protein, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and calcium.

Phytocannabinoids: Trace aromatic compounds from the hemp plant, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Hemp seed oil contains very low levels of CBD and THC compared to other hemp extracts.

By cold pressing and refining hemp seeds, CBD and THC are almost completely removed. As a result, hemp seed oil does not have psychoactive effects.

Terpenes: Hemp seeds contain terpenes, such as beta-caryophyllene, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties when applied topically.

Phenolic compounds: Hemp seeds are a source of phenolic antioxidants like ferulic acid and vanillic acid, which can protect the skin from premature aging.

Chlorophyll: Hemp oil contains small amounts of chlorophyll from the seeds, which can have a cleansing and healing effect on the skin.

While hemp seed oil is extracted from the cannabis plant, the refining process almost completely removes THC and CBD.

Fatty acids and vitamin E remain as the main active ingredients, making hemp seed oil potentially beneficial for skin health and appearance.

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil in Skin Care

Due to its high content of fatty acids and polyphenols, using hemp seed oil can provide the following benefits to the skin:

Hydrile Skin Moisturization: Unsaturated fatty acids help the skin retain moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. This helps moisturize dry, flaky skin.

Reduces Acne: The linoleic acid in hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Applying hemp seed oil to acne can reduce redness.

Anti-Aging Effects: Antioxidants like vitamin E fight free radicals that cause signs of aging like fine lines and dark spots.

Relieves Skin Disorders: People with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis may find hemp seed oil soothes itching, flaking, and rashes.

Improves Skin Barrier: Omega fatty acids strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, retaining moisture and preventing irritation.

Risks and Possible Side Effects of Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is safe to use in skin care products and on the face as long as it fits into your skin care routine.

Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) consider hemp seed oil a safe and sustainable ingredient.

While hemp seed oil is not generally considered an irritant, there are some possible side effects to be aware of:

Allergic Reactions: People who are allergic to cannabis or similar plants may react to topical hemp oil.

Pore Clogs: Hemp seed oil contains very low concentrations of palmitic acid, a comedogenic compound. In cases of extreme acne sensitivity, this ingredient can clog pores.

Most skin types are less prone to acne with hemp seed oil, especially when it is used correctly for skin care.

Spoilage: Hemp oil has a relatively short shelf life. Skin care products lose their effectiveness after their expiration date.

How is CBD oil different from hemp seed oil?

In addition to hemp seed oil, CBD (cannabidiol) oil from hemp is also becoming increasingly popular in the skin care world. Both ingredients come from the hemp plant, but not from the same part.

CBD is extracted from the flowers of the hemp plant, where it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to relieve pain and inflammation.

Hemp seed oil is obtained by pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. The seeds are rich in fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the skin and do not contain CBD or THC.

Organic vs. Non-Organic Hemp Seed Oil

When buying hemp seed oil, you will often come across organically grown products. Organic hemp seed oil is extracted from plants grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals.

While organic hemp seed oil is more expensive, it eliminates the risk of skin irritation caused by chemical residues.

Non-organic hemp seed oil that has been tested to be free of contaminants is still a high-quality option.

Hemp Seed for Different Skin Types

Hemp Seed Oil for Different Skin Types

With its lightweight texture and mild fragrance, hemp seed oil is suitable for most skin types. Some examples of skin types that can benefit from hemp seed oil products:

Dry Skin

Hemp seed oil is a great choice for dry skin. Unsaturated fatty acids strengthen dry skin’s protective barrier, which prevents moisture loss.

They also moisturize the skin without leaving a heavy, greasy feeling. Hemp seed oil can help dry, itchy, and dehydrated skin retain moisture and make it glow.

Oily Skin

As long as you are not particularly acne-prone, hemp seed oil is a safe choice as a moisturizer for oily skin. It contains very low amounts of heavy saturated fatty acids.

If you are extremely acne-prone, you should avoid using most oils in your skincare products unless they are specifically labeled for use in acne treatments.

Plus, the anti-inflammatory ingredients can soothe acne redness while moisturizing the skin without feeling greasy.

Hemp oil can provide a decent amount of moisture to most oily skin types without clogging pores. The linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids it contains can reduce inflammation caused by acne.

Oily skin should be washed off with water and a cleanser after using oily products.

Hemp Seed Oil Fights Skin Aging

Skin Aging

Hemp seed oil is a good ingredient for anti-aging products.

Antioxidants like vitamin E protect mature skin from wrinkle-forming free radicals. It also stimulates collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Like all anti-aging ingredients, hemp seed oil is most effective in fighting wrinkles when combined with other anti-aging ingredients such as peels, retinoids, peptides, and other active ingredients.

Sensitive Skin

Hemp seed oil is minimally irritating to sensitive skin. The soothing fatty acids in the oil strengthen the skin barrier and relieve inflammation.

Hemp oil is particularly good for sensitive skin prone to redness, itching, and other irritations. It is considered a very gentle oil.

Is hemp seed oil right for your skin type?

Are you considering using hemp seed oil for your skin care? Get personalized recommendations for your individual skin needs with the Baumann Skin Type Quiz.

This free quiz analyzes your skin goals, lifestyle factors, and symptoms to determine your personal Baumann skin type.

You’ll receive targeted product recommendations tailored to your skin’s needs. Determine your Baumann skin type today and optimize your skincare routine.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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