The Beauty Benefits of Hemp & CBD

These trendy supplement ingredients are becoming more and more popular in personal care products

- SHERRIE STRAUSFOGEL

The beauty ingredients getting the most buzz right now are hemp seed oil and CBD. Both are being infused into oils and lotions, shampoos and conditioners, face and body washes, face and hair masks, and mascara and other cosmetics. Savvy shoppers might notice hemp seed oil and CBD are listed interchangeably on ingredients labels. But is there a difference between the two?

Hemp seed oil is made from cold-pressed hemp seeds that grow on the Cannabis sativa plant. The thick oil is high in vitamin E and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, making it an ideal moisturizing and conditioning ingredient for dry skin and hair. Hemp seed oil is antibacterial, doesn’t clog pores, and calms redness. And it also includes some protection against UV rays.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 80 compounds called cannabinoids extracted from cannabis flowers. Topical CBD can help calm pain and reduce swelling. It first popped up in rubs and balm for overused muscles and achy joints. Then the beauty industry caught on. In addition to being an anti-inflammatory, CBD is a rich source of vitamins and essential fatty acids that keep skin nourished and moisturized. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even help prevent them. And like hemp seed oil, it won’t clog pores.