There are buzzy skin-care ingredients (turmeric! probiotics!). And then there are skin-care ingredients with buzz. In the beautysphere right now, there’s nothing buzzier than hemp-derived ingredients, such as cannabis sativa seed oil. This type of oil is loaded with plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory, next-level skin moisturizers.
It's no surprise, then, that skin-care brands are betting big on ingredients from the hemp plant. Case in point: The new Green Releaf collection from Peter Thomas Roth, which includes the Therapeutic Sleep Cream and Calming Face Oil, both of which are infused with hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil.
With the recent passing of the Farm Bill, which legalized the production of industrial hemp, more products will flood the market, making it more difficult to weed out the highs from the lows. And, you might be teeming with Qs: Will slathering it on give me the munchies? Is it even legal in all 50 states? What’s the best way to add hemp-oil into your skin regimen? Quick answers: No, yes, and glad you asked.
So...what is Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil?
We know, the science surrounding Cannabis in all of its many forms can get confusing. Here are the basics: There are more than 80 different cannabinoid compounds that can be extracted from the cannabis sativa plant (otherwise known as weed). Of these, the two compounds that are the most well-known are CBD and THC—the latter being the one that produces a high when you eat or smoke it (a.k.a. it makes you stoned). Although Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is derived from the hemp plant—hemp oil comes from the seeds, while CBD is derived from the leaves—it doesn't contain any CBD or THC compounds, but it is naturally rich in many skin-smoothing, calming, and moisturizing properties.
“Hemp seed oil is oil extracted from the hemp plant,” explains Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Hemp seed oil is an outstanding natural oil for the skin,” Zeichner adds, which is precisely what makes it such a powerful skin care ingredient.
How does it work?
While the exact mechanisms by which hemp-derived oils work on the skin (and in the body) are still being sorted out by scientists, here’s the gist: “Hemp seed oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating a variety of skin conditions," Zeichner explains. "The compounds on hemp seed oil have a soothing effect." Why is this important? “Inflammation is the root of all evil, whether that’s acne or the signs of aging,” explains New York City dermatologist Dendy Engelman. So, if you're prone to redness, chronically dry skin, or you've started to notice the formation of fine lines, inflammation is likely a contributing factor, and hemp oil can help.
An added bonus regarding those fine lines or a general unevenness in skin texture: "Hemp seed oil also acts as an emollient to smooth rough texture on the skin's surface and [it] offers moisturizing benefits," Zeichner adds. What's more, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis sativa seed oil is also chock full of antioxidants, so it helps combat the environmental damage your complexion faces on a daily basis.
What are the best ways to reap the beauty benefits?
Because it's such a naturally hydrating ingredient, hemp oil is often used in skin creams and soaps. But the longer you leave the powerhouse ingredient on your face, the more you’ll reap its benefits. That means your best bet is face creams, serums, and oils. “Hemp oil can be incorporated into almost any skin care product, [but] leave-on products like creams and oils would give a greater effect,” Zeichner says. That's one of the reasons why Peter Thomas Roth developed their new cannabis sativa seed oil-charged sleep cream and facial oil duo, both of which also contain plenty of other ingredients you'll want in your skin care arsenal.
First up: The Green Releaf Therapeutic Sleep Cream. In addition to hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil, this green-tinted nighttime moisturizer is also formulated to stave off fine lines and wrinkles. While the 5% colloidal oatmeal works to calm irritation, a 2% retinoid complex is simultaneously working to even out the appearance of your skin. It’s an ideal combo of ingredients for those with sensitive skin who may be wary of typical retinol products, which can often cause irritation. But sensitive-skinned people need to prevent premature wrinkles, too, and this formula is basically a one-two punch; it’s a line-fighting treatment that also soothes irritation and keeps skin moisturized. The result? Waking up to a complexion that’s equal parts calm, hydrated, and even-toned.
Additionally, using a few drops of the Green Releaf Calming Face Oil in your skin care routine can further help ward off redness or irritation, while boosting hydration. The cannabis sativa seed oil in this face oil is blended in the brand’s powerful 21% Calming Complex, which also contains soothing plant extracts, along with nourishing cucumber seed oil and vitamin E. You'll also find super hydrators, including avocado, grapeseed, blackberry, and chia seed oils. Plus, you can use it any time of day—morning or evening—and as a standalone product or an added booster to another facial serum or moisturizer. For the latter, just add a few drops into your serum or moisturizer of choice, mix together with your fingers and apply onto your face and neck.
Both products are free of fragrance, alcohol, CBD and THC (no crazy dreams here), so they're suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. And yes—they are legal, no matter where you live in the U.S.
So, if you're looking for ways to try this trending skin-care ingredient, remember this: Of the riot of hemp-infused beauty products to choose from, leave-on creams and oils reap the most benefit. Pick products that pair hemp-derived oil with other healing ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal, and moisturizing oils that will nourish your skin. The new Green Releaf collection from Peter Thomas Roth ticks off both boxes.
