Hemp oil benefits are plentiful and wide ranging even though it doesn’t contain CBD.

What are hemp oil benefits? Searching for hemp oil skin care products online can get confusing. This is due to the exploding popularity of products containing CBD. Often labeled simply as “hemp oil,” the marketing of CBD now happens in a multitude of ways depending on its use. The compound is particularly popular as an ingredient in facial care treatment products.

This is because CBD oil can have a beneficial effect on the skin. It’s a potential antioxidant that acts as both an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, and it may help with conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema and dry skin. But while CBD oil is often called hemp oil, not all hemp oil actually contains CBD.

See? It’s confusing already.

Full Spectrum Hemp Oil vs CBD Isolate vs CBD Oil

That’s because products containing CBD isolate and CBD oil use material from the hemp plant. And products labeled as “full-spectrum hemp oil” also denote the presence of CBD. This is because the whole plant is present — the stalks, the stems, the leaves and the flowers.

Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, does not come from the whole plant. Instead, it comes from seeds. And those seeds don’t contain any CBD. Using a cold press process, pressing the raw hemp seeds extracts the oil.

This is important to consider when shopping for hemp-derived skin care products. Why? Because hemp seed oil does not necessarily have the same effect on the skin as CBD oil. Even though, it can provide some helpful benefits all on its own.

How Hemp Oil Benefits the Skin

While hemp seed oil hasn’t undergone extensive studying the way CBD oil has, we do know a few things about this unsung cannabis hero. Hemp seed oil is rich with omega-9, omega-6, and omega-3 fatty acids — a combination that is good for the skin. 

According to 2012 this study from Oregon State University, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in protecting the skin from photodamage and photoaging. These are both caused by ultra-violet light and can lead to inflammation and cell death, which in turn contribute to premature aging. Oils rich with essential fatty acids protect the skin and modulate inflammation. 

These acids also act as a natural lubricant. Thanks to its composition rich in essential fatty acids, hemp seed oil moisturizes the skin. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog the pores, either.

Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are also great for nourishing hair and promoting its growth. A study in Natural Medicine Journal (2015) found that taken as a supplement, essential fatty acids improved hair density in a control group of women with female pattern hair loss.

Hemp seed oil is also high in vitamin E, another important ingredient for skin health. A study published in Nutrition and Cancer (2000) found that vitamin E can also be helpful in reducing the harmful effects caused by ultra-violet rays. In addition, vitamin E is a natural anti-oxidant.

Hemp Seed oil as a Vehicle for CBD

Not only is hemp seed oil good for the skin by itself, it also acts as an efficient carrier oil for CBD, THC and other compounds. Cannabinoids are highly lipophilic, which means they need a vehicle to help them break through the barrier of the skin. That’s why it’s common to see ingredients like coconut, jojoba, argan, emu, olive and hemp seed oils present in cannabis topical creams and ointments. 

Hemp seed oil is a naturally good fit for helping the skin absorb cannabis compounds. And not just because it also comes from cannabis. By using hemp seed oil as a carrier agent, topicals are also infused with all of the above hemp oil benefits. 

But not only that, hemp seed oil has no known side effects when administered to the skin. It won’t cause irritation or inflammation. In fact, it can help treat both. And when combined with the powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects of CBD, hemp oil can potentially treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 

All of hemp seed oil’s naturally beneficial qualities are what make it a popular addition to a wide variety of cosmetic products that don’t even have anything to do with CBD. It provides a base for countless hair care products including shampoo and conditioner. It’s also a main ingredient in a multitude of soaps and lotions.

How to Tell the Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil

Considering some of the confusing labels for hemp oil, how does one discern between hemp seed oil and oils containing CBD or THC? This is where it’s crucial to take a close look at the ingredients.  

Hemp seed oil is often called “hemp oil,” or Cannabis sativa seed oil. However, if the label includes words like cannabidiol, CBD, full-spectrum hemp, phytocannabinoid-rich, or PCR hemp extracts, it is CBD oil. But, it’s important to be aware that referring to CBD oil as “hemp oil” is pretty common too.

If you have any confusion or doubts about what you’re buying, you can also take a closer look at the composition of the product. The supplement panel provided on the back of the label will list any cannabinoids present in the product. Always try to look for an oil that underwent third party testing.

References:

Angelo, Giana. “Essential Fatty Acids and Skin Health.” Oregon State University, Neutrogena Corporation, 2 Jan. 2020, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/essential-fatty-acids.

Torkos, Sherry, et al. “Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants Benefit Women With Female Pattern Hair Loss.” Natural Medicine Journal, www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-04/essential-fatty-acids-and-antioxidants-benefit-women-female-pattern-hair-loss.

Burke, K E, et al. “Effects of Topical and Oral Vitamin E on Pigmentation and Skin Cancer Induced by Ultraviolet Irradiation in Skh:2 Hairless Mice.” Nutrition and Cancer, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2000, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11341050.