Hemp Seed Oil
What is hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil is pressed from the small seeds of the hemp plant, one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. It is a light, green-tinted oil with a soft, nutty scent, and it is valued in skincare for its unusually balanced mix of essential fatty acids.
What is in it
| Compound | What it is |
|---|---|
| Linoleic acid (omega-6) | The main fatty acid in the oil, which supports the skin's natural barrier |
| Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) | An essential fatty acid present in a close balance with omega-6 |
| Gamma-linolenic acid | A less common omega-6 fatty acid, valued for skin that feels dry or stressed |
Why we chose it for breakout-prone skin
Research has found that the oil on breakout-prone skin tends to be low in linoleic acid. Hemp seed oil is rich in it, and it is light enough that it does not leave oily skin feeling heavy. In Night Repair Elixir it helps skin feel balanced and comfortable overnight, rather than stripped or greasy.
What does the research show?
A 1986 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found lower levels of linoleic acid in the skin oil of people prone to breakouts, which is one reason linoleic-rich oils such as hemp seed are so often chosen for this skin type. A 2004 overview in Euphytica describes hemp seed oil's fatty acid profile, including its close balance of omega-6 and omega-3.
Neither study tested a finished face oil, so we see hemp seed as a well-suited, nourishing oil for breakout-prone skin, not a treatment.
How we use it
Hemp seed oil is one of the key botanicals in Night Repair Elixir, our night face oil for breakout-prone skin, alongside black seed, tamanu and rosehip. It contains no water and no synthetic fragrance.
Press a few drops into clean skin each evening as your last step.
Frequently asked questions
Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?
No. Hemp seed oil is pressed only from the seeds, which are the same seeds sold as food. CBD oil is made from other parts of the plant. They are different products.
Will hemp seed oil clog my pores?
Hemp seed oil is a light oil rich in linoleic acid, which is why it is often chosen for oily and breakout-prone skin. Everyone's skin is different, so patch test and start with fewer drops.
Should I patch test first?
Yes. Any plant oil can cause a reaction. Apply a drop along your jawline and wait 24 hours before your first full use.
Which Sapphire Botanics product contains hemp seed oil?
Night Repair Elixir, our night face oil. It is also included in the Discovery Set and Power Couple.
Sources
- Downing DT, Stewart ME, Wertz PW, Strauss JS. Essential fatty acids and acne. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1986;14(2):221-225.
- Callaway JC. Hempseed as a nutritional resource: an overview. Euphytica. 2004;140:65-72.