Ingredient Insight - Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seeds
(image courtesy of the Good Oil Company www.goodwebsite.co.uk)

Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. It penetrates deep into the skin, has a high essential fatty acid content, which helps to keep skin supple and retain moisture, and is rich in vitamins and minerals.  As it leaves little residue, it is an ideal oil for facial care.  When used for hair care, it imparts gloss and shine, and can help relieve dry scalp and repair damaged hair.

Nutritionally it is considered to be an ideal vegetable oil, containing the perfect balance of Omega 3,6 and 9 for optimum absorption by the body.  Its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content is good for helping to reduce collagen loss (and hence wrinkles), for reducing skin dryness and soothing dry skin conditions (like eczema and psoriasis), and for reducing brittleness in hair and nails. The oil also provides a host of other benefits for the immune system, joints and cholesterol control.

As healthy skin is as much about what goes in as what goes on, hemp seed oil would make an excellent addition to the store cupboard.  With a mild, nutty flavour add it to salad dressings or simply take a couple of teaspoons a day.

We use it in our Restorative Body Oil, Radiance Facial Serum and After-Shave Balm.