Hemp in beauty: a nutrient high for skin

hemp

It’s often confused for its other, more controversial properties, and is the last thing I thought I’d be putting on my skin, but hemp seed oil is being talked up as the next big thing in natural ingredients.

In the August issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants magazine, I investigated how beneficial hemp seed oil is for the skin, and the benefits it withholds.

Hemp seed oil’s “only connection to drugs is nothing more than a very distant relative of the psychoactive cannabis”, says Direct2Pharmacy (Hemp Worx) Brand and Marketing Manager Cherie Cady-Ellis.

“Hemp is widely celebrated for its medicinal properties,” Marzena BodyCare Brand Manager Emma Clarke says. “However, there are key benefits of hemp seed oil that lend itself to beauty products.” 

Some of those benefits include:

  • “Assists with skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis.”
  • “Eliminates signs of flaky, dehydrated looking skin.”
  • “Visibly strengthens skin against signs of environmental damage.”
  • “Delivers antioxidants for anti-ageing results,” explains Ms Cady-Ellis.

Is it a trend that could possibly fizzle out over time? All those I asked say no.

“I see it as a similar story to hyaluronic acid, which hit the market years ago and was touted as the next biggest trend that will fizzle out. As you’d know, hyaluronic acid is now a well-respected ingredient and has proven itself. HSO will be exactly the same, as more and more beauty products [containing the ingredient] hit the market and prove themselves,” explains Ms Cady-Ellis.

To view the full list of benefits that hemp seed oil has on the skin, and to take a look at some of the products that are taking advantage of the new, natural ingredient taking over shelves, click here.