Hemp Help: The Benefits of Adding Hemp-Infused Products to Your Skincare Routine

Over the last few years (since it’s legalisation back in November 2017) CBD and hemp oils have become part of main stream use more than ever. Both derived from the cannabis plant, they have been gaining momentum in the health and wellness space thanks to a number of scientific studies confirming their benefits in easing symptoms of things like chronic pain and anxiety.

The more the compounds have been explored, the more benefits they have revealed – sparking the conception of a number of Hemp-based beauty brands.
Based on recent scientific studies, oils derived from the cannabis plant have been recorded to improve skin conditions thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to reduce sebum production. One test-tube study found that CBD and hemp oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines.

Not only does the non-comedogenic wonder-ingredient contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties, but studies find that it also has anti-ageing benefits that protect against environmental stressors, deeply nourish, help to control breakouts, and restore the skin’s youthfulness and vitality. It also contains a very powerful omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), promoting skin cell generation and making it the perfect choice for all skin types, including oily and dry.

To find out more, we spoke to Rohan Widdison, CEO of New Laboratories who sits on the product development and manufacturing side of the fence when it comes to hemp skincare.

Why is Hemp skincare becoming so popular?

Hemp skincare is becoming so popular for a couple of reasons. Firstly because the skincare benefits of hemp are finally being realised by consumers and secondly because of the rise in the popularity of CBD, which is often confused with hemp seed oil. A lot of articles written on hemp skincare products also confuse the two, which is understandable as to why consumers are confused between the properties and benefits of hemp and CBD.  

We saw this space emerging several years ago, and trending in the U.S. market. Innovation is at the centre of New Laboratories core mission, and hemp like other next trend spaces have been on our radar for some time. While CBD is not available at this time for cosmetic use in Australia, although widely available in the U.S., has been a research project for our team, to understand how it operates, formulation parameters, benefits, and importantly to review the safety which the Australian regulatory landscape demands.

What does hemp do for your skin?

Hemp seed oil is a wonderful addition to any skin cream or balm because of the high concentration of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids, which promote the production of collagen. As we know, collagen keeps our skin looking young, and keeps skin elastic. With adequate collagen, the skin remains properly hydrated and the water loss is constricted. 

Due to its superior hydration properties, hemp seed oil can also assist with relieving dermatitis and psoriasis systems. 

What’s the difference between hemp and CBD?

Whilst CBD and hemp are both derived from the same plant, the two are actually different. Cannabidiol or ‘CBD’ is extracted from the flowers, leaves and buds of the Cannabis sativa plant and hemp is extracted from the seeds of the plant. To-date, many products on the market have been incorrectly marketed and labelled as CBD hemp oil/serum, or hemp oil with CBD and many consumers have been misinformed into thinking their hemp products contain CBD due to lack of transparency from companies. 

How can you see hemp skincare evolving?

Hemp based skincare products will continue to grow as the benefits of hemp are just too great.

In regards to CBD, as  it was only approved for over-the-counter availability at Australian pharmacies on 1 February 2021, for Australian skincare product manufacturers, our CBD product journey is just starting. 

According to a Global CBD Skincare Market 2020 – 2024 report, the CBD skincare market is poised to grow by US 1.64 bn during 2020 – 2024, with one of the major drivers for this market being the benefits of CBD in skincare, which is exciting. 

In the future we expect more and more Australian brands to look at introducing hemp and CBD when available into their product lines to bring out effective skin care solutions. 

Two of our favourite hemp-infused products

Alivio Facial Hydrator Serum

Alivio

Australian made hemp-based skincare brand Alivio uses cold-pressed hemp seed oil sourced from Tasmanian Cannabis fields. Launching today with six key products, all of which contain a conscious blend of natural ingredients that are packed with actives to repair, protect, and nourish, the range not only looks incredible chic but you will feel the difference instantly.

The Hey Bud bundle

Hey Bud

Melbourne-born company Hey Bud was launched in 2019 and made its way onto our socials during the pandemic with an unmissable aesthetically pleasing green mask formula, a cannabis infused Hemp Clay Mask. The brand has since gone on to develop a Hemp Moisturiser and a Hemp Face Oil, all of which promise to naturally balance, nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it supple and smooth.

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