The UK Hemp Beauty Products High On Performance

Looking to add super sustainable hemp to your beauty routine? Here are the UK hemp beauty products to know that are high in 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, alongside some of the best eco-friendly hemp beauty products available right now.

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, known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that is 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 carbon dioxide (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 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 hemp-based products for your skin and hair, available in the UK.

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 Rescuing Face Protector

With hundreds of glowing reviews, The Body Shop’s Rescuing Face Protector is one of my top hemp beauty products for dry skin. Packed full of hemp seed oil, and Fair Trade shea butter and mango oil, this richly hydrating, yet non-greasy face cream works wonders to replenish and hydrate dry skin. I also love that it’s packaged in a glass jar with metal lid, for a plastic-free approach to skincare.

The rest of The Body Shop’s hemp range is also well worth checking out if you have dry skin. The Body Shop has been selling this range since 1992 – originally launching to provide intense hydration for very dry hands. The range has since expanded to offer a wide range of vegan-friendly and cruelty-free products, and an increasing number of products are available in plastic-free packaging.

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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. 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.

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.

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Neal’s Yard Geranium & Orange Hand Lotion

I know what you’re thinking – how can a geranium and orange hand cream make its way onto a hemp beauty products list? But hear me out – it’s actually packed full of nourishing hemp seed oil, so it’s a great choice if you don’t want your skincare to necessarily scream hemp.

This luxurious and delicious-smelling hand cream also contains avocado oil, and olive oil, and is made with 95% organic ingredients. Certified cruelty-free (although not vegan as it contains beeswax), it’s also free from parabens, microbeads, and synthetic fragrances, making it a gentle and eco-conscious option.

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Friendly Lemongrass & Hemp Soap

Finally, this Friendly Soap bath soap is a top ethical skincare choice, offering a 100% cruelty-free and vegan-friendly wash without compromising on quality.

Made with natural ingredients like hemp bran, shea butter, and lemongrass essential oil, it nourishes and cleanses while delivering a refreshing citrus scent. Plus it’s free from parabens, SLS, phthalates, palm oil, and synthetic fragrances, making it gentle on skin and the environment.

Handmade in the UK, it’s been awarded an Ethical Consumer Best Buy and comes in plastic-free, recyclable packaging.

The Bottom Line

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 UK hemp clothing brands that are as stylish as they are sustainable!