Short answer: Hemp is used in skincare primarily in two forms: hemp seed oil (Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil), an emollient and skin-conditioning oil pressed from the seed, and CBD (cannabidiol), a cannabinoid with cosmetic functions as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent. Both are legal in cosmetics in the EU and Sweden when the source is industrial hemp or synthesis – and neither is intoxicating.
At Helsama, hemp has always been the starting point. We process hemp from Gotland for food – and the same seed, the same raw material, has an equally natural place in skincare. This guide brings together everything you need to know about hemp for the skin, and links to further in-depth information.
Hemp's two faces in skincare
- Hemp seed oil comes from the seed, which does not produce cannabinoids – it is therefore free from both CBD and THC. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 and is used for its emollient properties. Read more: what does Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil mean in the ingredient list?
- CBD is the isolated cannabinoid, listed in the EU's ingredient database with cosmetic functions. It is not ingested – in skincare, it works locally on the skin's surface. More: CBD oil vs CBD in skincare.
| Form | Source | Cannabinoids | Cosmetic role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil) | The seed | None | Emollient, skin-conditioning (omega-3/6) |
| CBD (cannabidiol) | The flower – isolated or synthetic | CBD | Antioxidant, skin-conditioning |
Is hemp in skincare legal – and free from THC?
Yes. CBD in cosmetics is legal in the EU and Sweden when it comes from industrial hemp or is synthetic, and the product is marketed without medical claims. Sweden has one of Europe's strictest stances on THC – in a reputable product, THC should be non-detectable, as shown by a batch analysis (CoA). Delve deeper here:
- Is CBD balm and CBD cream legal in Sweden?
- Does CBD skincare contain THC?
- Is it permitted to sell CBD cosmetics in the EU?
What hemp does for the skin
As cosmetic ingredients, hemp seed oil and CBD are about the skin's surface and feel: the oil is emollient and skin-conditioning, CBD contributes as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent. In a formulation, they interact with base oils, plant fats, and other active ingredients for the experience on the skin – softness, hydration, a pleasant sensation. A cosmetic product describes these functions, never medical effects. Want to read an ingredient list correctly? See our guide: how to read an INCI list for natural skincare.
From soil to skin
Helsama is built on a simple idea: hemp, carefully processed, without shortcuts. When we first introduced an external range, the requirement was that it should share that philosophy. Natural Beauty by Kannavalley has hemp seed oil as a consistent base – the same seed we built Helsama on, in a new role for the skin.
Face & Neck Oil – a nourishing facial oil for the face, neck, and décolletage, with hemp seed oil, botanical oils, and peptides. More about the active ingredients: what are peptides in skincare?
CBD Balm – a rich massage balm with a cooling-to-warming sensation. Behind the experience: menthol and camphor and arnica.
Íntima Care Oil – a mild oil for sensitive skin, including marigold (calendula).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hemp seed oil and CBD the same thing?
No. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seed and contains no cannabinoids. CBD is an isolated cannabinoid. More about the difference.
Can hemp skincare make me "high"?
No. CBD is not intoxicating, hemp seed oil contains no cannabinoids, and the products are applied to the skin.
Is all hemp skincare legal in Sweden?
It is legal when the CBD comes from industrial hemp or synthesis, the product is THC-free and CPNP-notified, and it is marketed without medical claims. Read more.
Is hemp seed oil in skincare the same as in food?
The same seed and pressing method, but cosmetic oil adheres to the purity and documentation requirements of cosmetic legislation.