Cannabis, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant (also known as hemp), has been used since antiquity for cultural purposes. These days, the plant is best known for the drug it produces: Marijuana. However, recent research indicates that the hemp plant has legitimate uses outside of recreation. In particular, the plant’s seeds are known to be rich in antioxidants and skin-friendly oils that research shows can be beneficial in addressing a variety of complexion concerns.

Because cannabis has been known by the drug it produces for so long, there are a lot of misconceptions around what cannabis seed oil is and how it works. There’s also a ton of research on cannabis and its various compounds. To help you navigate through the deluge of information and non-facts out there, we’ve put together a Kiehl’s guide to Cannabis sativa seed oil. Ahead, learn about hemp benefits for skin, the best Kiehl’s products with this unique plant ingredient, and how to use it in your skincare routine for healthier-looking skin.

What Is Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil?

Cannabis sativa seed oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is a lightweight oil cold-pressed from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s been used for centuries in cooking, as well as topically to help with a wide range of skin concerns.

This plant oil is unique in its composition. Though it’s mostly devoid of THC and CBD (the active ingredients in marijuana), it does contain various other compounds, including antioxidants and phytocannabinoids. It’s also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid—a significant component of the skin’s natural moisture barrier. You’ll find it in our Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate (get the full scoop on the formula below). At Kiehl’s, our hemp seed oil is sourced primarily from Germany, with the seeds being harvested from September through October. After harvest, they’re cleaned, then pressed using a mechanical cold-pressing method before a final filtration and purification step.

Cannabis Oil Benefits For Skin

If you’re interested in trying this ingredient in your skincare routine, it’s important to look for products formulated specifically for the skin; rubbing an edible CBD oil on your face probably won’t give you the results you’re looking for. Instead, reach for skincare products with hemp seed.

Read on to learn about three benefits of cannabis for skin, plus how to use this ingredient for a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.

Cannabis Sativa Benefit #1

Hemp Oil Helps Visibly Reduce Blemishes and Oiliness

Research indicates that hemp seed oil can help reduce the appearance of blemishes. Blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of blemishes (as you probably already know) can develop when a pore gets clogged with sebum, dead skin, and other debris. Multiple studies have shown that _Cannabis sativa _seed oil can help minimize the amount of oil on your skin’s surface. And this can help reduce the amount and severity of clogged pores. Best of all, hemp oil is generally well-tolerated by all skin types.

Cannabis Sativa Benefit #2

It’s Known To Strengthen The Skin’s Natural Moisture Barrier

As we touched upon above, hemp oil is rich in various polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants, including linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. Both of these compounds are abundant in the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Having an adequate amount of these fatty acids in the skin promotes a smoother, more hydrated complexion. It also helps ensure the skin’s natural moisture barrier functions properly to help defend against environmental stressors. As such, using _Cannabis sativa _seed oil topically can help ensure your skin barrier has the nutrients it needs.

Cannabis Sativa Benefit #3

It Can Help Minimize The Appearance Of Redness

Angry-looking, red skin can be difficult to address, and it isn’t always easy to hide with makeup either. If you know this dilemma all too well, it may be wise to adopt a skincare routine for sensitive skin. But you can also work hemp seed into your action plan. According to studies, Cannabis sativa seed oil may help calm the skin and visibly reduce redness.

Try It: How you use hemp seed oil on the face depends on the formula and your specific complexion concerns. To reap the three benefits above, we recommend reaching for Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate. Our non-comedogenic facial oil is formulated with 100% naturally-derived ingredients,* including hemp-derived Cannabis sativa seed oil and green oregano oil. It helps calm problem skin for a more comfortable, hydrated feel and works to strengthen your natural moisture barrier to help your skin protect itself. We recommend using the lightweight oil daily (two to three drops is the perfect amount) to visibly reduce redness and provide relief from discomfort.

*We consider ingredients to be naturally-derived if they retain more than 50% of their molecular structure after being processed from a natural source.

How To Create a Skincare Routine With Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil

To enjoy the benefits of cannabis sativa seed oil, use it in a routine that suits your skin’s needs. Below, find two simple, four-step options.

Routine For: Calm Skin

Start with Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. The formula with calendula and glycerin helps soothe skin, in addition to gently lifting away impurities, dirt, and oil. If dark spots are a concern, follow it with Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector. Next, apply Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane to give skin lasting hydration. Finally, seal everything in with a few drops of face oil.

Routine For: Hydrated Skin

If your skin needs a little more hydration, your routine only requires one tweak. Swap the above face wash for our Ultra Facial Cleanser. It stars squalane, glycerin, and avocado oil and is pH-balanced to maintain skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Next: Now that you’ve learned all about _Cannabis sativa’s _skincare benefits, read up on another one of our favorite skincare ingredients in our article The Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Hair and Skin.

Sources

I.Jin, Solee, and Mi-Young Lee. The ameliorative effect of hemp seed hexane extracts on the Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammation and lipogenesis in sebocytes. PloS one vol. 13,8 e0202933. 27 Aug. 2018, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0202933

II. Scheau, Cristian et al. Cannabinoids in the Pathophysiology of Skin Inflammation. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 25,3 652. 4 Feb. 2020, doi:10.3390/molecules25030652