HEMP SEED OIL: A BALANCING, NON-COMEDOGENIC OIL FOR PROBLEM SKIN

This is Part 5 of our series on Castor Oil vs JUSTBLiSS Miracle Facial Oil.

Composition & Qualities: Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant (industrial hemp, with no THC). It is celebrated as one of the most nutritionally balanced oils for skin. It contains an ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids – predominantly linoleic acid (~55–60%) and alpha-linolenic acid (~15–20%), plus a rare omega-6 called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in a smaller amount​ skintypesolutions.com  reddit.com. This composition mirrors the fats our skin barrier needs, making hemp oil highly biocompatible. It also has about 10-15% oleic acid and only a tiny fraction of saturated fats​ skintypesolutions.com, so it’s a “dry” oil. Additionally, hemp seed oil is rich in vitamin E, phytosterols, and even trace minerals and terpenes that can benefit the skin​ skintypesolutions.com. Its color is greenish (due to residual chlorophyll), and it has a thin, runny consistency.

Absorption & Comedogenicity: Hemp seed oil is lightweight and very easily absorbed. Many refer to it as a “dry oil” similar to rosehip – it doesn’t leave a heavy shine and tends to soak in quickly. On the comedogenic scale, hemp seed oil is rated 0, meaning it will not clog pores reddit.com. This is a huge plus for acne-prone skin. As one source explains, “Hemp seed oil is rated ‘zero’ on the non-comedogenic scale. This means that even though it is an oil, hemp oil is absorbent but will not clog pores.” reddit.com. In fact, among all facial oils, hemp is often cited as one of the safest for acne. It tends to leave no film on the skin, and because it’s so high in linoleic acid, it can actually help unclog pores by dissolving sebum plugs (there’s anecdotal evidence of hemp oil helping to clear blackheads over time). Its absorption is so clean that many use it as a standalone moisturizer for oily skin – skin feels hydrated yet matte after it sinks in.

Skin Benefits: Hemp seed oil is often called “nature’s perfect oil” for skin balance, and here’s why:

• Sebum Regulation & Anti-Acne: Perhaps the most lauded benefit of hemp oil is its ability to balance oily skin. The high linoleic acid content helps reconstitute sebum so it’s less sticky and pore-clogging​ reddit.com. It’s been observed that applying linoleic-rich oils like hemp can reduce the size of microcomedones (tiny clogged pores). Moreover, hemp oil has a compound called stearic acid that provides gentle cleansing properties​ reddit.com – it can bind to dirt and oil, which is why hemp oil is popular in oil cleansing routines to “melt” away impurities. Its natural anti-inflammatory effects (thanks to GLA and omega-3s) mean it can reduce the redness and swelling of active acne​ reddit.com. There’s even research suggesting hemp seed oil can slow down overactive sebaceous glands, reducing overall oil production​ blissoma.com  skintypesolutions.com. For someone with acne-prone, oily skin, hemp oil is like a reset button: it hydrates without clogging and signals the skin to calm down on excess sebum production. This can lead to fewer breakouts over time. It’s no surprise many who suffer from adult acne or oily T-zones call hemp seed oil a “game-changer.”

• Moisturizing & Barrier Repair: Don’t let hemp’s light feel fool you – it’s deeply moisturizing. Those essential fatty acids are critical for repairing the skin’s barrier skintypesolutions.com. If you have a damaged or dry skin barrier (from over-exfoliation or harsh products), hemp oil helps replenish lost lipids and restore softness and flexibility to the skin. It’s great for dry or dehydrated skin as well, especially when layered under an occlusive. Hemp oil can alleviate flakiness and tightness, and because it’s so lightweight, it’s often used as a serum or added to creams for an extra hydration boost. Over time, it can improve skin’s ability to hold moisture by reinforcing the barrier (less TEWL).

• Soothing Inflammation & Sensitivity: Hemp seed oil’s content of GLA and alpha-linolenic acid give it strong anti-inflammatory properties. It’s known to soothe eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis when used regularly, reducing itch and redness. It’s also very gentle – most people with sensitive skin tolerate hemp oil well, as it has no aggressive actives or fragrances. The presence of minor compounds like terpenes and phytosterols also contributes to a calming effect on skin. In essence, hemp oil can take down redness and irritation in conditions ranging from acne to rosacea. Skin that is stressed or inflamed tends to feel better and look calmer with consistent hemp oil use.

• Antioxidant & Anti-Aging: While not as antioxidant-packed as rosehip or prickly pear, hemp oil does contain vitamin E and phenolic acids​ skintypesolutions.com  . These do provide some protection against free radical damage and aging. Moreover, by keeping the skin well-moisturized and not inflamed, hemp oil indirectly supports anti-aging (since chronic dryness and inflammation accelerate aging). Some sources even claim hemp’s components can stimulate collagen — whether or not that’s significant, hemp definitely helps keep skin plump and youthful simply by balancing its oils and hydration.

Skin Type Suitability: Acne-prone and oily skin types often see dramatic improvements with hemp seed oil (fewer breakouts, less oiliness throughout the day). Combination skin also benefits as hemp can hydrate dry areas without greasing up oily zones. Those with sensitive or redness-prone skin appreciate its calming, gentle nature. And even dry or mature skin can use hemp oil as a lightweight serum under heavier products – it provides essential fatty acids that dry skin needs, though very dry skin might pair it with richer oils for more occlusion. One caveat: because hemp oil is so unsaturated, it can go rancid fairly quickly; fresh, cold-pressed hemp oil is key (in Miracle Facial Oil, it’s likely stabilized by the presence of other antioxidants like prickly pear and pomegranate). Overall, hemp seed oil is like a balancing act for the skin: it hydrates, soothes, and regulates, making it an invaluable ingredient in a blend aimed at long-term skin health.