What Is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil is a cold-pressed oil from industrial hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa, THC-free). It is famous for its uniquely balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio—especially omega-6 (linoleic) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic)—and its powerful anti-inflammatory, soothing, barrier-repair, and hydrating performance.

This oil is ultra-light, quickly absorbing, balances sources of calm, and is highly compatible with all skin types (especially sensitive, compromised, and acne-prone). It delivers deep hydration without clogging pores, making it ideal for facial oils, body care, and scalp treatments.

Fatty Acid Profile: Omega-6 + Omega-3 with Optimal Ratio

Hemp seed oil's exceptional skin benefits come from its balanced essential fatty acid composition:

Why This Matters: The 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio closely mimics the ideal balance for skin health. This ratio supports barrier function, reduces inflammation, and helps maintain calm, balanced skin. The presence of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) provides additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

Bioactive Compounds: Beyond Fatty Acids

Hemp seed oil is rich in skin-active compounds that enhance its therapeutic properties:

• Unsaponifiables: 1.5–2.0%, which includes phytosterols for barrier support and anti-inflammatory benefits
• Phytosterols: ~4000mg/kg (rich in β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) — Support barrier repair, anti-inflammatory, wound healing
• Tocopherols (Vitamin E): 80–180mg/100g, mainly γ-tocopherol — Potent antioxidant, helps resist oxidation and protect skin
• Carotenoids, Provitamin A (mainly lutein, β-carotene) — Aiding antioxidant and brightening effect

Skin Benefits: What Hemp Seed Oil Does

Barrier Restoration & Support

Hemp seed oil replenishes essential fatty acids for strong, healthy, resilient skin barrier—quickly addressing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and supporting long-term barrier health.

Deep Hydration Without Clogging Pores

Moisturizes without clogging pores, making it perfect for acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin. The ultra-light texture absorbs rapidly without greasiness.

Potent Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing

The omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and GLA content provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to calm redness, irritation, eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Acne & Blemish Control

High linoleic acid content helps regulate sebum production and prevent clogged pores. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce acne lesions and post-inflammatory marks.

Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Protection

Vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenols defend against oxidative stress and visible skin aging, helping to maintain youthful, healthy skin.

Healing & Regeneration

Promotes wound healing, reduces scars and flakiness, and restores radiance. Excellent for post-procedure care and compromised skin.

Hair & Scalp Health

Soothes dry, flaky scalp, adds shine, and fortifies hair without heaviness. The omega-rich profile nourishes follicles and supports scalp balance.

Best For These Skin Types & Concerns

Products Featuring Hemp Seed Oil

Experience the barrier-repair and anti-inflammatory power of hemp seed oil in our carefully formulated products:

Facial Care

• Clear Confidence Anti-Acne Facial & Body Oil - High-Linoleic Formula for Acne-Prone Skin — Balances sebum production, supports clear-looking skin without clogging pores, fades post-blemish marks

Body Care

• Silken Twelve Body Oil - For Extremely Dry, Dehydrated Skin | 12 Botanical Oils — Barrier repair support with complete fatty acid spectrum, deep moisture retention, fast absorption

How to Use Hemp Seed Oil

Application Instructions

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly
2. Apply water-based serums (if using)
3. Dispense 3-5 drops of hemp seed oil into palm
4. Warm between hands and press gently into face and neck
5. Follow with moisturizer (optional) or use as final step

Layering Tips

• Morning: Apply before sunscreen for barrier support and antioxidant protection
• Evening: Use as final step to support overnight barrier repair
• Targeted treatment: Apply directly to areas of inflammation, acne, or barrier damage
• Body use: Excellent for eczema, dry patches, and areas needing anti-inflammatory care
• Scalp treatment: Massage into scalp before shampooing or use as leave-in treatment

Formulation Recommendations

• Barrier creams, acne and sensitive skin serums: 3–15% in serums, creams, balms
• Lightweight after-sun, baby and eczema care: 10–30%
• Anti-inflammatory products: 15–40%
• Hair/scalp formulas: 5–25%
• Male grooming, quick-dry body oil: 20–60%
• Pure facial or body oil blends: Up to 100%

Hair & Scalp Benefits

Hemp seed oil's ultra-light texture and omega-rich profile make it ideal for:

• Soothing dry, flaky, irritated scalp
• Adding shine and softness without weighing hair down
• Fortifying hair follicles and preventing breakage
• Balancing scalp oil production
• Supporting healthy hair growth

Texture & Sensory Profile

Feel: Ultra-light, fluid, absorbs rapidly
Finish: Dry-to-soft, non-greasy
Color: Clear golden green (unrefined may be darker)
Aroma: Mild, grassy, nutty (unrefined); clear golden green (refined versions are lighter)
Stability: Moderate; high polyunsaturated content is stabilized by vitamin E and unsaponifiables, but refrigeration is recommended after opening for best shelf life

Substitutions & Similar Oils

If you're looking for oils with similar omega-3 content or barrier-repair properties:

• Rosehip Seed Oil — Similar omega-3/omega-6 balance, regenerative
• Evening Primrose Oil — High in GLA, anti-inflammatory
• Borage Seed Oil — Very high in GLA, barrier support
• Sacha Inchi Oil — High in omega-3, lightweight
• Flaxseed Oil — Very high in omega-3 (but less stable)

Storage & Shelf Life

Shelf Life: Moderate (6-12 months when stored properly)
Storage: Refrigerate after opening to extend freshness and prevent oxidation. Store in amber glass in cool, dark place.
Formulation Tips:
- Melt-down temperature should be kept below 35°C (95°F) to preserve essential fatty acids
- Always pair with extra vitamin E (tocopherol) to boost shelf stability
- Blends well with squalane, jojoba, argan, camelina, and caprylic/capric triglyceride for shelf-stable, balanced sensorial formulas
- Store airtight in cool, dark place to prevent oxidation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hemp seed oil clog pores?

No. With a comedogenic rating of 0, hemp seed oil is completely non-comedogenic and will not clog pores. It's ideal for acne-prone and oily skin types.

Does hemp seed oil contain THC or CBD?

No. Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from industrial hemp seeds and contains no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol). It's completely legal and safe for skincare use.

What makes the 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio special?

This ratio closely mimics the ideal balance for skin health. It supports barrier function, reduces inflammation, and helps maintain calm, balanced skin without being too heavy or too drying.

How long does it take to see results from hemp seed oil?

For hydration and barrier support, you may notice improvements within 1-2 weeks. For anti-inflammatory benefits (acne, eczema, redness), consistent use for 4-8 weeks typically yields visible results.

Can I use hemp seed oil with retinol or vitamin C?

Yes. Hemp seed oil's anti-inflammatory properties actually help buffer potential irritation from active ingredients. Apply water-based serums first, then hemp seed oil.

Is hemp seed oil safe for sensitive skin?

Absolutely. Hemp seed oil is excellent for sensitive, reactive, and compromised skin due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and optimal omega balance. It's gentle, soothing, and non-irritating.

Should hemp seed oil be refrigerated?

Yes. Refrigeration is strongly recommended after opening to extend shelf life and prevent oxidation of the delicate omega-3 fatty acids. Store in amber glass in a cool, dark place if refrigeration isn't possible.

Can hemp seed oil help with eczema or psoriasis?

Yes. The anti-inflammatory omega-3 and GLA content, combined with barrier-repair properties, make hemp seed oil particularly effective for calming eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Related Ingredients

Explore other barrier-repairing and deeply nourishing oils in our collection:

• Tallow — Bioidentical lipids for barrier restoration
• Macadamia Oil — Omega-7 palmitoleic acid mimics sebum
• Evening Primrose Oil — GLA for inflammation and barrier support
• Pumpkin Seed Oil — Zinc and vitamin E for healing
• Avocado Oil — Penetrating oleic acid for dry skin
• Sesame Seed Oil — Balanced linoleic and oleic for barrier repair
• Shea Butter — Rich barrier repair and deep hydration

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Important Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. For persistent skin concerns, please consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider.