While CBD and THC have gotten all the hype in recent years, hemp seed oil (or hemp-derived cannabis seed extract) merits equal attention. This underrated ingredient is packed with essential fatty acids and doubles as an antioxidant, giving it the ability to deliver a range of benefits to both your skin and hair. Science backs it up, too, with research showing its promise in improving dryness, psoriasis, inflammation, and other skin conditions. Here’s what you should know about this wonder ingredient—and why we made it a mainstay in our Milk KUSH Fam.
What is hemp seed oil?“Hemp seed oil is an oil that is derived from the hemp seeds of the cannabis sativa, or hemp, plant,” says Jessica Blanco, our SVP of Product Development and Packaging. It’s cold-pressed from the seeds, which are literally crushed to squeeze out the oil. Cold pressed hemp seed oil ensures that the oil retains more of its key nutrients than it would in heated extraction methods. What’s the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD?Cannabis sativa seed oil is a bioactive compound—meaning it has an effect on your skin—that stems largely from its makeup of various fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Hemp oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that packs an anti-inflammatory punch. Hemp seed oil is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The high content of omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seed oil makes it especially good for supporting heart health and may also be helpful to those who have or want to prevent heart disease. The efficacy of dietary hemp seed oil for cardiovascular health is known, but it’s also been found to support the skin barrier, help quell inflammation, and even minimize breakouts. We’ll take you on a deep dive through those benefits, but first, let’s talk about the difference between hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil and CBD. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a type of phytocannabinoid. These are bioactive compounds found in the cannabis plant species and have an effect on your skin’s endocannabinoid system. Research shows that phytocannabinoids like CBD may influence sebum production, lipid production, and more. (FYI: While cannabis sativa seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant, CBD is extracted from its leaves and stems.) CBD creams and soaps may also reduce inflammation and manage excess oil production, but the jury is still out on the full range of benefits of cannabinoids, as well as how much is needed to get them. |
|
What are the skincare benefits of hemp seed oil?
One of the key health benefits of hemp seed oil is that it contains fatty acids. One study found that the super-high fatty acid content in hemp seed oil gives it the power to help improve a number of skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (aka eczema) and acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s brimming with alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acids in particular, which work to reduce UV damage and pigmentation. Additionally, hemp seed oil is a non-comedogenic ingredient that smooths and nourishes skin without clogging your pores.
Our KUSH hero ingredient also serves as an antioxidant, neutralizing the free radicals produced by sun exposure and pollution that could otherwise wreak havoc on skin (often manifesting in dark spots and fine lines). And a recent study showed that hemp seed oil even has the ability to decrease transepidermal moisture loss and boost skin hydration, possibly due to its ability to support your natural barrier function with fatty acids.
Aside from treating your skin to fatty acids and antioxidants, this ingredient has one more interesting wellness benefit. Hemp oil has natural antimicrobial properties, giving it a one-two punch against breakouts, which can often be the work of bacteria.
Which Milk Makeup products use hemp-seed oil?Clearly, hemp seed oil is incredibly versatile, which is why it was an obvious hero for our Milk Makeup KUSH Fam. “We love to include it in makeup products so that your skin, lashes, or brows can benefit from these attributes of the oil while wearing makeup throughout the day,” says Jessica. “For example, it helps create our KUSH Mascara's creamy texture.” Our Product Development team often pairs hemp seed oil with other topical hydrating or calming ingredients including jojoba essential oil, sage extract, aloe, and arnica, to supplement its benefits. Hemp-derived cannabis seed extract is what gives Milk Makeup formulas like our KUSH Brow Lamination Gel, KUSH Waterproof Mascara, and KUSH Fiber Brow Gel, a nourishing advantage. In many of our eye makeup products, it delivers soft, healthier-looking lashes and brows. Fluffy brows and long lashes? That’s the beauty of hemp seed oil. |
 |
Meet the Expert
Jessica Blanco (she/her) is the SVP of Product Development and Packaging at Milk Makeup. In her role, she seeks out the new, useful, and functional to create our revolutionary and highly innovative Milk Makeup products.
"
