5 Best Topical & Oral Hemp Oils
Best Hemp Seed Oil for Skincare
If you’re looking for a light moisturizer that has skin-rejuvenating properties like omega vitamins and healthy fatty acids, it’s time to give hemp seed oil a try.
Hemp’s popularity has skyrocketed in the past couple of years and has now made its way into never-before industries including health and beauty. In case you didn’t know, hemp is a strain of the cannabis plant, but neither the plant nor its seeds will give you a buzz.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp seed (or Hempseed) oil is also called “hemp oil”. This oil comes from the hemp plant and is harvested by utilizing a cold press process to extract the oil from the plant’s seeds. In its raw form, the oil is unrefined and is dark green in appearance. Unrefined hemp seed oil has been described to have a “nutty” aroma, as well as a nutty flavor profile.
Refined hemp seed oil is generally clear or light green in appearance, with very little flavor or aroma. Refined oil is that which is generally used in skincare products such as lotions, shampoos, and more. The texture of the oil is light and is quickly absorbing, meaning it won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy.
And, as compared to cannabis or other CBD products, Hemp seed oil has virtually no CBD or THC (however hemp oil with CBD can also be purchased).
Benefits of Hemp Oil
Moisturizes and Calms Inflammation
If your skin is prone to redness and is easily irritated, hemp seed oil may just be the remedy you’ve been searching for. Its polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6 have been proven to help treat a variety of skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
According to the Journal of Marine Drugs, omega 3s and omega 6 fatty acids can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory compounds in the body and have proven useful in maintaining skin homeostasis as well as combating various skin abnormalities and conditions.
Reduce Signs of Aging and Heal Damage
Further information from Oregon State University reveals that these fatty acids:
- Play a critical role in normal skin appearance and function
- Aid in maintaining the structural integrity and barrier of the skin
- Influence the inflammatory response
- Can attenuate (mediate and/or prevent or heal) damage from UV light (the sun), as well as reduce the signs of aging
Moderates Oil Production
Hemp seed oil moderates oil production, meaning it will moisturize your skin without clogging your pores. Because of this, hemp seed oil can be used for any skin type because it helps establish the perfect balance of moisture.
Smoothens out Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Not only will the oil leave your skin feeling soft and supple, but it also has age-fighting properties like linoleic acid and oleic acids that can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Hemp seed oil helps encourage skin growth and cell production thanks to the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), one of the many omega fatty acids it contains.
Antibacterial Properties
Some studies have also shown that hemp seed oil may have antibacterial properties that might help an array of skin conditions as well, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
How Hemp Seed Oil is Made
Hemp seed oil should not be confused with CBD oil, which is extracted from the cannabis plant itself. Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds only and is made by cold-pressing the seeds, so more of its vitamins can stay intact.
The Extraction Process
Similar to other “seed” oils, hemp seed oil is produced with an oilseed press machine. The process involves feeding raw seeds into a “hopper” that then shuttles them to the “press”. When in the press, an expeller screw compresses and crushes the seeds, releasing the oils. The resulting oils flow through designated canals in the machine, along which the “pulp” and other plant matter is filtered out. The final product at this stage is raw, unrefined hemp seed oil.
Although the basics of the extraction process are simple, a lot goes into getting it “just right”. For example, the moisture content of the seeds and how the seeds are stored prior to pressing play a critical role in the quality of oil produced. Similarly, temperature, seed quality, and the speed and force of the “press head and screw” can all impact the end product.
What is Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil?
Cold pressing oil is a less efficient but highly preferred methodology due to its ability to produce an oil that maintains more of its organic characteristics and benefits. Cold pressing also reduces the levels of phosphorous, which is the compound that gives some oils a grassy or green flavor.
How to Use Hemp Oil
Thankfully, there isn’t much prepping you have to do before applying hemp seed oil. For immediate relief from irritation or severely dry skin, it can be directly applied to your skin. But before incorporating it into your beauty routine, apply a small amount to your skin to see if you experience any adverse reactions.
If you want to use hemp seed oil for acne, make sure your skin has been cleaned first. Apply it after cleaning and leave the oil on for up to two minutes before washing it off with warm water.
For a more relaxing, spa-like experience, you can also massage a few drops onto your skin as a facial serum or apply it right after showering as a supple body oil.
Quick Tips:
- A little goes a long way
- Apply directly to the skin and gently massage in with circular motions
- Best applied as needed or as part of your AM/PM routine
- Always follow the directions from the manufacturer
Choosing the Right Topical Hemp Oil for You
You can buy unrefined hemp oil or other cosmetic products that have it as an ingredient. But make sure to thoroughly look at the ingredient list of a product before you buy it. Some products have little hemp seed oil in them but are labeled with “hemp” to seem holistic.
Also, keep in mind hemp oil can come in many different types of products. Don’t simply buy the first one you see just because the label says it contains hemp. Think about what your skincare goals are and try to find a product that is tailored to help improve your skin type.
While you’re looking at product labels, be mindful of what other ingredients are included. Some products may do more harm than good depending on its ingredient list. For example, if you have dry, itchy skin, you wouldn’t want to buy a hemp oil product that has alcohol in it.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Finding the right hemp oil skincare will probably be a bit of trial and error. But to help guide you, we’ve created a list of hemp seed oil products we love and think you will too.
Best Oral Hemp Oil Products
We’ve skimmed the internet looking for the best hemp seed oil products. Take a look at the list below to add to your skincare regimen. 
Sweet Essentials Virgin Hemp Seed Oil
This 4-ounce product is like a little bottle of magic. If you’re looking for a 100% hemp seed oil product for your skin, this may be for you. Sweet Essentials oil is cold-pressed and doesn’t have any additives so you get maximum skin benefits. The oil is perfectly safe to use topically which makes it a lifesaver when you’re skin is super dry and irritated.
Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Hemp Seed Oil
Nutiva oil is a great option if you’re looking for a quality hemp seed oil on a tight budget (roughly$14.) The product is cold-pressed, additive-free, and contains healthy omega fatty acids with every dose. Did we mention its the USDA-certified organic?
Pure Organic Hemp Oil
For firmer, smoother looking skin, Pure Radiance offers a lightweight body oil with hemp seed oil and with a nourishing blend of green tea, and sandalwood oil. The ingredient list is all-natural and isn’t formulated with any heavy waxes or creams. It can be applied right after showering and will give your skin a silky, illuminating look. 
Wellness Prioritized 100% Vegan Mango Seed Butter and Hemp Seed Oil Body Lotion
This lotion is great for dry skin and can help reduce the look of dark spots made from acne and scarring. The hemp seed oil and other ingredients work together to encourage new cell production while reducing inflammation. We like this lotion because it can be used on your face and body making it great for people with sensitive skin.
Hempz Natural Herbal Bath & Body Oil
Hempz is a vegan, hemp-seed oil-infused body oil that’s under $15 making it a great choice for moisturizer. This oil contains pure hemp seed oil and fruit extracts like pineapple and honey melon so you’re skin will not only be soft, but smell amazing too.
Final Thoughts
Hemp is an incredible plant with thousands of potential uses, including the production of hemp seed oil for cosmetic and skincare products. Hemp seed oil is quickly becoming a highly sought-after skincare treatment due to the myriad of benefits it can offer, and because unlike traditional skincare and creams, it is 100% natural.
