The Science of Hemp Seed Oil in Skin Care Products

With the growing popularity of hemp seed oil in skincare, many people are curious about the potential benefits of using hemp seed oil in their skin care routine. Hemp seed oil contains active compounds like essential fatty acids and vitamin E that may offer hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This article will explore what is currently known about hemp seed oil, and help you decide if its right for your skin! To get started, take the Baumann Skin Type quiz by clicking the button below!

What is hemp seed oil?

Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains very low levels of THC, (the psychoactive compound that causes a “high.”) Hemp seed oil contains little to no THC. It has been used for centuries for cooking, industrial applications, and even skincare. With the recent boom in CBD beauty products, hemp seed oil has also gained popularity for its potential skin benefits.

What is hemp seed oil made of?

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

Essential fatty acids: Hemp seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). It contains only about 10% saturated fatty acids such as palmitic and stearic acid. When applied topically, these fatty acids help reinforce the skin’s barrier.

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

Proteins and minerals: Hemp seed oil contains smaller amounts of proteins, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and calcium.

Phytocannabinoids: Trace amounts of aromatic compounds produced by the hemp plant, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp seed oil contains very low levels of CBD and THC compared to other cannabis extracts. Cold pressing and refining hemp seeds removes nearly all CBD and THC. So hemp seed oil will not cause psychoactive effects.

Terpenes: Hemp seeds contain terpenes like beta-caryophyllene that may have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties when applied topically.

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

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

While hemp seed oil comes from the cannabis plant, the refinement process removes nearly all THC and CBD. The fatty acids and Vitamin E remain the primary active compounds making hemp seed oil potentially beneficial for skin health and appearance.

benefits of hemp seed oil

Benefits of hemp seed oil in skin care

With its high concentration of fatty acids and polyphenols, using hemp seed oil may offer these benefits for skin:

Moisturizing dry skin: The unsaturated fatty acids help the skin retain moisture and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. This helps hydrate dry, flaky skin.

Reducing acne: The linoleic acid in hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Applying hemp seed oil to acne may calm redness and swelling.

Anti-aging function: The antioxidants like vitamin E scavenge free radicals that contribute to signs of aging like fine lines and dark spots.

Soothing skin conditions: People with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis may find topical hemp seed oil reduces itchiness, scaling, and rashes.

Improving skin barrier: The omega fatty acids help reinforce the skin’s protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent irritation.

Risks and potential side-effects of hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil is safe to use in skin care products, and safe to use on your face if it fits into your skin care routine. Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) rate hemp seed oil as a safe and sustainable ingredient.

While hemp seed oil is not usually considered an irritant, there are some potential side effects to consider:

Allergic reaction: Those allergic to cannabis or plants in the same family could react to topical hemp oil.

Blocked pores: Hemp seed oil does contain a very small concentration of palmitic acid, a comedogenic compound. If you are extremely sensitive to acne, this ingredient has a chance to clog your pores. Most skin types are not likely to get acne from hemp seed oil, especially when used properly in your regimen.

Spoiling: Hemp oil has a relatively short shelf life. Skin care products are less effective past their expiration dates.

Is CBD oil different from Hemp seed oil?

CBD (cannabidiol) oil from hemp has also grown in popularity for skincare alongside hemp seed oil. While both of these ingredients come from cannabis plants, they do not come from the same parts of it. CBD is extracted from the flowers of the cannabis plant, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce pain and inflammation.

Hemp seed oil is extracted by pressing the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant. The seeds are high in fatty acids that nourish and moisturize skin, and do not contain CBD or THC.

Organic vs non-organic hemp seed oil

When shopping for hemp seed oil, you may come across organically grown options. Organic hemp oil comes from plants grown without pesticides or chemicals. Though more expensive, organic hemp seed oil eliminates the risk of skin irritation from chemical residues. However, non-organic hemp oil that tests free of contaminants can still be a high-quality option.

hemp seed for different skin types

Hemp seed oil for different skin types

With its lightweight texture and mild aroma, hemp seed oil can suit most skin types. Some examples of skin types that could benefit from hemp seed oil products are:

Dry skin

Hemp seed oil is a great choice for dry skin. The unsaturated fatty acids reinforce dry skin’s protective barrier to prevent water loss. They also moisturize the skin without a heavy, greasy feel. Hemp seed oil may help flaky, itchy, dehydrated skin retain moisture, and help your skin glow.

Oily skin

As long as you are not extremely prone to acne, hemp seed oil is a safe choice for moisturizers on oily skin types. It has a very low concentration of heavy saturated fats. If your skin is extremely prone to acne, you should typically avoid most oils in your skin care products unless they’re marked specifically for use in acne care. Otherwise, the anti-inflammatory compounds may help calm acne redness while keeping skin hydrated but not greasy. Hemp oil provides just the right amount of moisture for most oily skin types without clogging pores. Its linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids reduce inflammation caused by breakouts.

Oily skin types should wash off their oil based products with water and a cleanser after applying.

hemp seed oil for antiaging

Aging skin

Hemp seed oil is a good ingredient to include in anti-aging products.

Antioxidants like Vitamin E protect mature skin against wrinkle-causing free radicals. It’s also able to stimulate collagen production which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Like all anti-aging ingredients, hemp seed oil is most effective at fighting wrinkles when combined with other anti-aging ingredients like exfoliators, retinoids, peptides, or others.

Sensitive skin

Hemp seed oil is unlikely to cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. The soothing fatty acids present in the oil reinforce the skin barrier and relieve inflammation. Hemp oil is useful for sensitive skin prone to redness, itchiness, and other kinds of inflammation. It is considered a very gentle oil.

Is hemp seed oil right for your skin type?

Considering hemp seed oil for your skin care routine? Get personalized guidance for your unique skin needs by taking the Baumann Skin Type Quiz. This free quiz analyzes your skin goals, lifestyle factors, and symptoms to determine your specific Baumann Skin Type.

You’ll receive targeted product recommendations suited for your skin’s needs. Optimize your skincare routine by determining your Baumann Skin Type today.

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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