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In a skincare world overflowing with buzzy actives and trending ingredients, it’s easy to miss the quiet achievers—the ones that work behind the scenes to calm, hydrate and protect your skin without stealing the spotlight. Hemp seed oil is a natural, nutrient-rich oil that’s been steadily gaining traction for its ability to balance oil, reduce inflammation and support the skin barrier—without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Unlike CBD, hemp seed oil won’t get you high, but it might be the secret to your healthiest skin yet. With its impressive line-up of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and calming compounds, this lightweight oil has quickly become a favourite among brands like Hey Bud Skincare, who champion gentle, effective skincare.
But what makes hemp so effective, and should it be part of your routine? We asked cosmetic chemist and Seadragon Organic founder Mandy Hawtin to help us break it down.
What Makes Hemp Seed Oil a Skincare Superhero?
Hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant—free from THC and CBD—and is rich in skin-supporting nutrients.
“Hemp seed oil is incredibly nourishing for the skin, especially for those experiencing dryness, sensitivity or a compromised skin barrier,” says Hawtin. “It moisturises without clogging pores, while also helping to calm visible redness and support the skin’s natural barrier function. I often recommend it for oily, problem-prone skin where breakouts are a concern.”
It’s this combination of hydration without heaviness, plus its ability to soothe and balance the skin, that makes hemp such a versatile ingredient—particularly for complexions that are both dry and blemish-prone.
The Science Behind Hemp: How It Works on Your Skin
At the heart of hemp seed oil’s effectiveness is its rich blend of essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6. “These help maintain moisture balance by preventing trans-epidermal water loss,” explains Hawtin. “It also contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), known for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties, along with a healthy dose of antioxidants and vitamin E.”
These elements work together to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative stress, making hemp ideal for soothing irritation, supporting sensitive skin, and fending off premature ageing.
And yes—it’s truly non-comedogenic. “Hemp seed oil has a rating of ‘0’, which means it is very unlikely to clog pores,” Hawtin confirms. “It’s one of the most versatile oils for those who need moisture without heaviness.
Hemp seed oil has a rating of ‘0’, which means it is very unlikely to clog pores. It’s one of the most versatile oils for those who need moisture without heaviness
Hemp vs CBD: What’s the Difference?
There’s often confusion around hemp seed oil and CBD, but Hawtin makes the distinction clear:
“No, hemp seed oil and CBD are not the same. Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant and does not contain CBD, which is extracted from the flowers and leaves. Both ingredients come from the same plant family, but they function quite differently in skincare. Hemp seed oil is the variety I use for its moisturising and barrier-supporting properties.”
How Does Hemp Compare to Other Popular Skincare Oils?
If you’re already loyal to oils like jojoba or rosehip, you might be wondering how hemp fits in. According to Hawtin, each oil has its strengths:
“Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum and is ideal for balancing oily or combination skin. Rosehip oil is considered a dry oil—it absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy residue, and has some interesting clinical results supporting its ability to minimise the appearance of scarring. Hemp seed oil, by contrast, is a beautifully lightweight, non-greasy oil that excels at calming and moisturising without overwhelming the skin.”
When it comes to formulation, Hawtin prefers a refined version of the oil: “It’s golden in colour and odour-free. The lower-cost versions found at the supermarket tend to be dark greenish-yellow and have a strong, grassy aroma.”
How Hey Bud is Harnessing Hemp’s Potential
While many brands are experimenting with hemp, Hey Bud Skincare has built its entire range around the ingredient. The brand blends refined hemp seed oil with botanical extracts in vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free formulas designed to support skin health without complexity.
Their bestsellers include the viral Clay Mask (beloved for detoxifying and calming breakouts), the 10% Niacinamide + Hemp Serum (powerful and protecting everyday serum) and the Exfoliator (an award-winning physical & chemical exfoliator).
With no silicones, parabens, or sulphates, Hey Bud’s ethos is clean, uncomplicated, and incredibly effective.
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