The Best Hemp Beauty Products High On Performance

Looking to add super sustainable hemp to your beauty routine? Here are the best hemp beauty products to know that are high on performance.

When it comes to sustainable skincare, those in the know turn to hemp. This wonder ingredient contains anti-inflammatory qualities, moisturises without blocking pores, and is a rich source of antioxidants.

Yet despite its myriad benefits, when you mention hemp, people tend to be wary. So here’s everything you need to know about hemp, and some of the best eco-friendly hemp beauty products available right now.

Quick Links To The Best Hemp Beauty Products

Use these quick links to skip to the best hemp beauty products, or keep scrolling for more information on hemp’s skin superpowers and sustainability credentials:

• The Body Shop Hemp Overnight Rescuing Face Mask
• Conscious Skincare Hemp Oil
• Faith In Nature Hemp & Meadowfoam Shampoo
• Jason Hemp Seed Oil Body Wash

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Yes, you read the Latin plant name correctly. It is the same plant that weed or marijuana comes from. 

However, you may (or may not!) be disappointed to learn that hemp which is used in skincare and cosmetics contains none of the psychoactive properties that cannabis has. This means you won’t get high using a hemp moisturiser or shampoo!

This is because beauty products are made from hemp seed oil. As the name suggests, this oil is made purely from hemp seeds. Hemp seeds have almost none of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana.

Meanwhile, marijuana (and cannabidiol oil – also known as CBD) is made from the flowers of the hemp plant. This is where the majority of THC is found in the cannabis plant.

Some varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant have been cultivated to be higher in THC. However, you can rest easy. Cannabis plants grown for use in skincare are bred specifically for non-drug use.

Why Is Hemp Good For Your Skin?

Hemp seed oil is one of the few oils that has a comedogenic rating of zero. Say what? This is a fancy way to say that hemp seed oil will not clog your pores. In comparison, some other oils – such as coconut oil and avocado – have high comedogenic ratings. When used regularly, these oils can cause spots and small white bumps on the skin. As hemp is non-comedogenic, this means it won’t cause spots or congestion.

Hemp is also rich in essential fatty acids, such as oleic (omega 9) and linoleic (omega 6) fatty acids. These help to balance sebum production – making your skin and scalp less greasy – whilst providing rich moisturisation.

And the benefits don’t stop there. Hemp seed oil is packed full of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins B3, C and E.

Vitamin E reduces skin inflammation, vitamin C boosts collagen and vitamin B3 helps to hydrate your skin. In short, all the things that you want beauty products to do.

What Makes Hemp Sustainable?

Hemp is considered an eco-friendly crop to grow, as it is very easy to grow. It has very low water and resource requirements – so it can be grown on land that cannot be used to grow food crops. Plus it grows without the need for pesticides.

Water and resource requirements aside, hemp absorbs high amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere as it grows. In fact, hemp takes in more CO₂ than it gives out, making hemp carbon negative.

And hemp’s superpowers don’t stop there. Hemp actually replenishes the soil as it grows – making the land more fertile. Farmers often use hemp when rotating crops, as it can boost the fertility of the land without the need for chemical fertilisers.

Guide To The Best Hemp Beauty Products

Despite the amazing beauty benefits of hemp, the hemp beauty products market is still niche enough that it can be tricky to know where and what to buy.

Let me help you out with my guide to the best hemp-based products for your skin and hair.

Do note that hemp seeds are considered nuts. Products made from hemp seeds may not be suitable if you have a nut allergy.

The Body Shop Hemp Overnight Rescuing Face Mask

With hundreds of glowing reviews, The Body Shop’s Hemp Overnight Rescuing Face Mask is one of our top hemp beauty products for dry skin.

Packed full of hemp seed oil, and Fair Trade organic aloe vera, this richly hydrating, yet non-greasy mask works while you sleep to replenish and hydrate dry skin. After cleansing your face, simply apply a thick layer of the mask. Leave it to sink in for 5 to 10 minutes, before lightly wiping off any excess with a flannel or reusable makeup remover pad. There’s no need to add anything else to your face. Come morning, your skin feels soft and hydrated.

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Conscious Skincare Hemp Oil

Conscious Skincare’s Soil Association-certified organic hemp seed oil is a real beauty multitasker. Use it as part of your skincare routine, your nail care routine, and even as part of your hair care routine.

Fully approved by the Vegetarian Society and PETA and carrying the Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free logo it’s one of the most sustainable hemp beauty products I’ve come across. What’s more, the fully aluminium bottle allows you to live a more plastic-free and zero-waste life.

It comes supplied with a pump for easy dispensing. To use, simply place a few drops on your fingertips and gently massage the oil into your skin using light, circular movements.

With a high percentage of essential fatty acids – between 75-80% – this oil can help with many skin complaints, including dry skin, minor skin abrasions, acne, eczema and psoriasis. It’s a real eco-friendly multi-tasker to always have to hand!

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Faith In Nature Hemp & Meadowfoam Shampoo

Faith In Nature’s Hemp & Meadowfoam Shampoo is another one of my top hemp beauty products to know.

Perfect for dry and damaged hair, this vegan-friendly and cruelty-free shampoo is packed full of hydrating goodness. The hemp helps to moisturise your hair, whilst the meadowfoam coats each hair strand and is absorbed by the shaft – helping to volumise and rehydrate your hair. Added aromatherapy oils also help to nourish your hair. 

It’s packed full of so much good stuff, that there isn’t any room for the nasties commonly found in conventional shampoos. This hemp shampoo is free from both parabens and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (commonly known as SLS or SLES). It’s for these reasons that I’ve also included Faith In Nature in my guide to the best eco-friendly shampoo.

You can also find a Hemp & Meadowfoam conditioner from Faith In Nature (also available at Ethical Superstore), to complement your shampoo.

Top tip: You can buy this shampoo and conditioner in bulk sizes or fill up at zero-waste shops if you are looking to reduce plastic waste.

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Jason Hemp Seed Oil Body Wash

Perfect for soothing dry winter skin, Jason Hemp Seed Body Wash is infused with moisturising hemp seed oil and organic aloe vera, soothing oatmeal, and relaxing lavender.

This dreamy formulation gives you a calming wash that helps de-stress dry, itchy and irritated skin. You’ll leave the shower feeling smooth, relaxed, and perfectly pampered from head to toe.

Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, this body wash is also free from common nasties. These include parabens, polyethylene glycol (commonly known as PEG), phthalates and synthetic colours. In short, I’m a big fan. I just wish it didn’t come in a plastic bottle.

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Whether you’re scrubbing up in the shower, or giving your skin some much-needed TLC, there are heaps of ways to add hemp to your beauty routine. And if I’ve been able to convince you of the benefits of hemp, you might be pleased to learn that there are more ways to incorporate hemp into your life. Check out some of the best hemp clothing brands that are as stylish as they are sustainable!