It was not long ago that hemp and CBD wellness products started making their way onto store shelves and into our medicine cabinets, and at first it was surprising. Eventually, CBD became a topic of conversation in everyday life, and hemp is now as approachable as any other plant. This fast adoption of hemp-derived CBD products by the general public has made way for many industries to begin to look at adding hemp products to their offerings. If you pay close attention, you'll find another aisle of the store where hemp is appearing: the beauty aisle.
From new makeup trends to clean skincare products, hemp cosmetics are moving to the front of the line in the beauty industry. But are these formulas here to stay or destined to fade?
Hemp's Jump to Mainstream
Hemp became federally legal in December 2018 with the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing hemp to be grown legally in the United States, and effectively ending hemp prohibition for the country. This opened the flood gates for hemp and hemp-derived ingredients, like CBD and terpenes, to be utilized across a wide range of industries.
Since this time, there have been endless opportunities to educate the general public on the differences between hemp and marijuana, while championing the many applications of hemp.
Cannabis Classifications: Hemp vs. Cannabis
Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants. The difference between the two is a legal definition. Hemp contains less than .3% THC, and marijuana contains more than .3% THC. Due to the low THC levels in hemp, ingesting hemp causes no intoxication, but can still provide therapeutic benefits from the other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found inside a full spectrum distillate, or hemp extract.
The Rise of CBD
The discovery of CBD as a therapeutic molecule dates back to the early ‘90s. The hemp plant and hemp-derived ingredients have since become popular in the US due to research and anecdotal evidence showing high-CBD hemp extract's ability to interact with and fuel our internal endocannabinoid system, a system which works to keep our bodies in perpetual balance.
Though regulations failed to keep up, the public continued to demand CBD products as more holistic and safe alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals, especially in the depths of an opioid epidemic in the United States. CBD products, either ingested or applied topically, have shown promise in reducing pain without dangerous side effects, converting many users to plants over pills.
CBD can now be found in products ranging from candy and sodas to soaps and personal lubricants, and it is for this reason that some have touted the molecule as a fad gone too far. However research continues, and new confirmations on the advantages of CBD are hard to debate. While definitely not a cure-all, hemp can feed our systems in a way that only, well, cannabis can.
Beautiful Benefits of Hemp in Cosmetics & Personal Care
As research and popularity increased, more was revealed on the benefits of hemp applied topically to the skin. Based on the way hemp extract, CBD, and hemp seed oil support our skin health, hemp cosmetics have emerged as highly effective multitasking products that address the root of many skin concerns.
The Consumers Have Spoken
Current cosmetics and skincare market trends are anything but passive. Research has shown the consumers want clean, natural products that pack substantial results. The modern skincare market desires plant-based formulas over synthetics, and values minimalistic ingredient lists over volumes of actives. Less is more in skincare and cosmetics of today, and hemp is a multitasker that outshines many other natural ingredients.
Hemp-Based Skincare & Cosmetic Solutions
Hemp seed oil as well as CBD-rich hemp extract can increase the efficacy of a product by reducing inflammation in the skin, which is the hidden cause of many common skin concerns. A hemp-based skincare product can address anything from blemish-prone skin to early signs of aging while calming and soothing even the most sensitive complexions.
Hemp seed oil is one of the lightest oils available, and contains high levels of fatty acids, allowing for replenishment without the weight. Applying hemp seed oil to the skin can help repair the skin’s lipid barrier, protecting the skin from further damage and irritation.
CBD-rich skincare products may effectively combat sensitivity, excess oil, dryness, pigmentation, and even fine lines by soothing and replenishing the skin and improving the skin's natural inflammatory response. Paired with other naturals, CBD can increase the uses for a product without the need for a ton of additional ingredients.
Plant-derived terpenes have been used to add natural fragrance to skincare for decades, and naturally-occurring hemp terpenes can be the perfect complement to a hemp cosmetic product. Consumers are looking for natural, holistic alternatives to the synthetic fragrances of yesterday, increasing the demand for hemp terpenes in the cosmetic and personal care industry.
Interested in learning more about how you can use hemp-based ingredients to improve your cosmetic or personal care products? Check out our Free Guide on Hemp and the Cosmetics Industry!
