Hemp Seed Oil for Skin: What It Is and How to Use It
By Kanna Botana ·
Hemp seed oil is a light, fast-absorbing plant oil pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. It is rich in essential fatty acids, feels thin rather than greasy, and shows up in body oils, soaps and balms for that reason. Here is what it is, what it is not, and how to use it.
What hemp seed oil is
Hemp seed oil comes from pressing the small seeds of the hemp plant, much like sunflower or flax oil comes from their seeds. Good hemp seed oil is usually cold-pressed and has a green color and a mild, nutty smell.
Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil
This is the most common mix-up. CBD is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the plant. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds. They are different products with different uses, so a label that says "hemp seed oil" is not describing a CBD product.
What is in hemp seed oil
Most of hemp seed oil is made up of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In a widely cited review published in the journal Euphytica, J.C. Callaway reported hemp seed oil at about:
- 56 percent linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid)
- 22 percent alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid)
- An omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of roughly 2.5 to 1
These are essential fatty acids, which means the body cannot make them on its own. They are also part of what gives hemp seed oil its light, quick-absorbing feel.
Why people use hemp seed oil on skin
- It feels light. Hemp seed oil sinks in without the heavy, coated feeling some richer oils leave behind, which makes it a comfortable everyday body oil.
- It softens. Like other plant oils, it smooths the skin's surface and helps slow moisture loss when applied to damp skin.
- It works with other oils. Makers often pair it with richer oils to balance feel and finish.
Hemp seed oil is a cosmetic ingredient, not a treatment. If you have a skin condition, talk to a dermatologist about what is right for you.
How to use hemp seed oil
- As a body oil. Press a few drops into damp skin right after a shower. Our guide on body oil vs lotion walks through the steps.
- Over lotion. If you use both, apply lotion first and a few drops of oil on top.
- In soap. In a cold process bar, hemp seed oil adds a conditioning feel to the lather. Learn more in what is cold process soap.
- On dry spots. A single drop works for cuticles, elbows and heels.
Patch test any new oil on your inner arm first, especially if it is scented or your skin is sensitive.
How to store hemp seed oil
Because hemp seed oil is high in polyunsaturated fats, it is more delicate than oils like coconut or olive. Heat, light and air make it go stale faster.
- Keep it in amber or opaque glass.
- Store it away from heat and direct sun, not on a sunny windowsill.
- Close the cap tightly after each use.
- If it starts to smell sharp, like old crayons or paint, it has gone rancid. Replace it.
Hemp seed oil in Kanna Botana products
We work hemp seed oil into products where its light feel helps most:
- Everything Oils. Each Everything Oil pairs hemp seed oil with black seed oil and botanicals in apothecary glass. Try Citrus Cedar + Lavender, Rose Geranium + Lavender or Shi Shi Yuzu.
- Artisan soap. Hemp + Wildflower Artisan Soap uses hemp seed and baobab oils with kaolin clay, cured four weeks.
Each product page lists the full ingredients and scent notes.
Hemp seed oil FAQ
Will hemp seed oil make me feel anything?
No. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds and is used in skin care for its fatty acids and texture.
Is hemp seed oil greasy?
It is one of the lighter plant oils. Used in small amounts on damp skin, it usually absorbs within a few minutes.
Can I use hemp seed oil every day?
Yes. A few drops after your shower is an easy daily habit. Use less in humid weather.
What is the difference between hemp seed oil and hemp oil?
Labels use the terms loosely. "Hemp seed oil" clearly means oil pressed from the seeds. If a product just says "hemp oil" or "hemp extract," check the ingredient list to see which part of the plant it comes from.