Ingredient
Hemp
Benefits
Natural
Hemp, originating in Central Asia, is now grown all over the world for its seeds, oil, and fibres. On the skin and scalp, hemp oil is thought to be analgesic, anti-inflammatory and promote hair growth.
What is hemp?
Hemp is a flowering plant with thin, serrated leaves, also known as Cannabis sativa. Hemp grows incredibly quickly and has been cultivated for thousands of years as a food source, as well as for its fibres and the rich oil of its seeds. Archaeological evidence of hemp exists across many ancient cultures, where its fibres were used to make things such as textiles, rope and paper.
Hemp seeds can be pressed for their oil, soaked in water to create a milky infusion, or even used whole in products to create a natural exfoliant.
What are the benefits of hemp in cosmetics?
- Moisturising
- Balancing
- Soothes sore skin
Hemp is naturally rich in fatty acids, which help to look after the skin and hair. It offers effective moisturisation to keep the skin feeling hydrated, while simultaneously balancing oil production, which helps to avoid blocked pores. Rich in linoleic and oleic acids, hemp can help to give skin a youthful, healthy glow.
Hemp possesses anti-inflammatory properties, partly due to its gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) content, which are said to help with muscle and joint pain when applied topically. It is thought to help relieve the painful symptoms of swelling and certain skin conditions, such as eczema.
What is the difference between hemp and CBD?
Hemp and CBD both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa. CBD oil is made using the stalks, leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, whereas what we refer to as ‘hemp’ comes specifically from the seed of the plant. Hemp seeds share some of the nutrient-rich properties of the rest of the plant, but they do not contain the CBD compound. Neither hemp nor CBD contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, a psychoactive compound.