Hemp oil and cannabidiol (CBD) have become the big bosses within the beauty industry. Containing high vitamin levels, it has been proven to work wonders for both your skin and mindset. And this time the ‘forbidden plant’ is completely legal.

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Cannabis infused beauty seems to be the new trend this year, yet it has left many questioning the ethics behind the products. The two main ingredients which stem from the cannabis plant, and are commonly used in beauty products, are hempseed oil and cannabidiol (CBD). Although they are closely linked to the marijuana plant they are not classed as a drug of any sort. 

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This is due to the fact that hempseed oil is uprooted from the seed of the plant, whilst CBD is extracted from the flower of the plant. Despite what is assumed the only buzz these beauty infused products will give is the satisfaction of radiant skin.

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Unbeknown to many, psychopharmacologist Alexia Polysidis explains how “Cannabis products are already part of the pharmaceutical fluctuation and its cultivation has been authorised and subsidised by the European Union.” With over 70% of products in Europe using ropes, yarns and fabrics from spinning cannabis. So why avoid the beauty products?

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As a completely non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, using the beauty infused products they will not leave you flying high. “Unlike marijuana, hemp only produces a minuscule 10pmm of TCH and therefore is not classified as an illegal drug, conforming to the UK and EU’s regulation,” says a representative of The Hemp Shop.

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THC is also known as tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the chemical responsible for the psychological side effects and euphoric feeling of marijuana, when used in large quantities. “There are more than 60 substances found exclusively in the cannabis plant, which are called cannabinoids. THC is the main active ingredient, but there are many more. One of these is non-psychoactive cannabidiol, which has been shown by research to have many therapeutic actions,” says Polysidis.

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Hemp and CBD infused products have been around for centuries. Incorporated within clothing fibre and beauty serums the plant can be made into thousands of biodegradable and recyclable products. This not only makes it economically beneficial but kind to the environment. Even bringing together the unlikely paring of Martha Stewart and rapper Snoop Dogg in 2016 with their VH1 cooking series.

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However, the products which use the herb have traditionally been kept under the radar as they are widely misunderstood. Commonly associated Marijuana, hemp and CBD products are often avoided. But today, a record number of beauty brands from The Body Shop to Estee Lauder are introducing and enhancing the high-quality product due to its proven benefits. Clinically proven to have numerous advantages to both health and beauty, it seems to be the product of the season. But why should you indulge in hemp?

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Hemp has the world’s richest source of polyunsaturated fats. Which is great news for the body as it is unable to produce this fatty good on its own. Polyunsaturated fats are key for both the inside and outside of the body. Containing GLA (gamma lincolenic acid), it is a great form of Omega 6, crucial when producing moisture and hydrating the skin. “The oil is of high nutritional value due to its 3:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 essential fatty acids, which matches the balance required by the human body,” explains The Body Shop’s PR assistant, Amelia Schmidt.

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With emollient and lubricating properties which penetrate the depths of the skin, hempseed oil also regulates the water which is lost on a day to day basis. Helping avoid cracked and dry skin, the formulas leave your pores and skin naturally rejuvenated all year round. “The Body Shop have proudly pioneered the use of Hemp in beauty products since 1992. With the range’s hero product being the Hemp Hand Protector. One being sold worldwide every nine seconds,” says Schmidt.

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Hempseed oil is ideal for the growth of hair, nails and skin. In February beauty website Cult Beauty launched its first cannabis-based skin care line, MGC Derma. “The brands aim is to renovate the face of skincare and shake up the industry,” explains Cult Beauty senior account manager, Rachael Houghton. The pure collection includes the CBD Brightening Facial Cream along with the Hyaluronic Facial PH Balance Toner. In addition to a glowing complex, The Hemp Shop predicts that the essential oils produced by hemp have the potential in becoming a significant agent within the aromatherapy oil range, holding scope for medical and therapeutic benefits too. Indicating signs of tranquilly and anti-inflammatory these products are ideal for insomnia and regulating female hormone system.

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Becoming one of the top, but not so ‘new’, beauty trend this year the cannabis infused beauty products have only one side effect leaving you soft smooth skin.