Ingredients · 5 min read
Hemp seed oil for skin: what it does, and what it is not
By Aarti Solanki · Updated
The short answer
Cold-pressed hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa seed oil) is pressed from the seed, not the flower. It contains no THC and no CBD. It is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, absorbs quickly, and is used in skincare to soften dry, tight or irritated skin and support the skin barrier.
- Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil and is not intoxicating.
- High in linoleic acid, which the skin barrier uses.
- Light, fast-absorbing, and low on the comedogenic scale.
- Useful on dry hands, elbows, knees, beard-line dryness and tight patches.
Seed, not flower
The confusion is understandable. CBD comes from the flowers and leaves of the plant. Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds, in the same way sunflower or rapeseed oil is. It contains no cannabinoids, has no psychoactive effect and is sold as a food-grade oil as well as a cosmetic ingredient.
On our INCI lists it appears as Cannabis sativa seed oil. If a product claims CBD benefits while listing only seed oil, the claim does not match the ingredient.
What it does for skin
Hemp seed oil is unusually high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid the skin barrier uses to hold water in. Skin low in linoleic acid tends to feel tight and rough.
- Softens dry, flaky or wind-exposed skin
- Absorbs quickly, so it works under sleeves and gloves
- Comforts skin that feels tight after washing or shaving
- Low comedogenic rating, so it suits most skin types
Where a hemp balm earns its place
A balm concentrates the oil in a wax and butter base so it stays where you put it. That matters on hands that get washed repeatedly, on elbows and knees, and on the beard line, where washing and shaving strip the barrier daily.
Warm a small amount between your fingers, press it into the area, and leave it. Overnight on hands, under cotton gloves if the skin is cracked, is the fastest way to see a difference.
Safety and honesty
We publish the full INCI list for every product, along with allergen and age guidance. Our hemp products contain no THC and no CBD, and we do not make medicinal claims for them. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before adding a new product.
Questions people ask
Will hemp seed oil show up on a drug test?
No. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seed and contains no THC, so a topical hemp seed oil product will not cause a positive drug test.
Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?
No. CBD is extracted from the flowers and leaves. Hemp seed oil is pressed from seeds and contains no CBD. They are different ingredients at very different price points.
Is hemp balm suitable for sensitive skin?
It is generally well tolerated, but patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours first. Our Hemp Balm and Hemp Balm for Men are made with kokum butter, beeswax, argan oil, turmeric root extract and neroli and ylang ylang essential oils, so they are natural rather than fragrance-free. Because they contain beeswax they are vegetarian rather than vegan, but everything is cruelty-free.
