Is Hemp the Skin Savior it Claims to Be?
Hemp and CBD products are just about everywhere—from high-end cosmetic counters to the soap and deodorant aisle of your neighborhood grocery store. The hemp plant is versatile and serves a variety of purposes for a slew of industries. Recently, the body care industry has been adding hemp to their products for its skin-nourishing properties.
Let’s take a look at what hemp is, the benefits it might offer when applied to the skin, and what ingredients to look for.
What is hemp?
Hemp is a plant of the cannabis sativa species. It is of the same species as marijuana, however, the two plants differ in their content of the psychoactive component THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)1.
When you see the word hemp associated with body care, there are two general ingredients it refers to: CBD or hemp extract and hemp seed oil. The terminology can be confusing, but both ingredients offer an array of benefits when applied to the skin. Let’s break it down:
Broad spectrum hemp extract
Broad spectrum hemp extract is an oil created from the flowers of the hemp plant. It contains cannabidiol (CBD), a compound naturally occurring in the hemp plant that is non-intoxicating.
Hemp can, however, contain 0.3% or less THC. If THC is a concern, look for products with broad spectrum hemp extract, in which the THC has been removed, keeping in mind that trace amounts of THC may still be present.
The benefits of hemp extract oil/CBD oil
With CBD being a relatively new ingredient for body care products, research is ongoing, though it’s widely believed that when applied to the skin, it can decrease the appearance of aging and is a moisturizing savior, among other topical benefits. When choosing CBD oil products, consider the carrier oil or other ingredients of the product for their benefits as well.
Broad and full spectrum hemp extract oils are also rich in other phytochemicals and nutrients such as terpenes, flavonoids, and others. Many offer benefits.
Hemp seed oil
Sometimes simply called “hemp oil”, hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. It contains little to no CBD or THC, and never contains more than trace amounts of THC. It is non-intoxicating.
The benefits of hemp seed oil
Like many seed and nut oils, hemp seed oil contains moisturizing properties thanks to Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which can benefit irritated and acne-prone skin. Those essential fatty acids help the skin retain moisture and feel hydrated2.
Both types of hemp oil are rich in beneficial Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. When applied topically, they may help remedy dryness and are known to improve the appearance of scaly or dry skin over time.
Learn more about hemp and the oils derived from the plant here.
Using plants to nourish and replenish is a practice that dates back millenia. Hemp ingredients are an exciting addition to modern personal care products and are proving to be advantageous to skin care. At Humble Brands, we remain committed to our promise to use only simple and effective ingredients so you can feel good about what you put on your body.
Find hemp extract oil in all of our CBD Deodorants. Our CBD Comfort Bar has both hemp extract and hemp seed oils.
Disclaimer: All information provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should be interpreted as, medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and Humble Brands products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider with questions you have regarding your health. Although every effort has been made to ensure the information published is accurate, Humble Brands accepts no responsibility or liability.