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When I was searching for a good oil to use on my face to do the oil cleansing method that wouldn’t clog pores, I came across hemp seed oil. Now and for the past few months, it’s the only thing I use on my face, except for makeup. Not only is it perfect for doing the oil cleansing method, but I’ve found it also is the best moisturizer for acne prone skin. It is rated a zero on the comedongenic scale, so it won’t clog your pores while it’s helping to fight acne too! Some even say they’ve seen an improvement in acne scars from using it.
It’s best to use an oil that is low on the the comedogenic scale, which goes from 0 (non-comedogenic) to the highest rating of 5 (the most comedogenic), which means it is much more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts especially for those with acne prone skin. Since hemp seed oil is rated a zero, I felt comfortable giving it a try and to my surprise I’ve found it to be the best moisturizer for acne prone skin!
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is a light green oil made from cold pressing hemp seeds. It contains Omega 6 (linoleic acid) and Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin A, and minerals . It also contains a good amount of chlorophyll which gives it its green color.
Why Hemp Seed Oil is the Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin:
Not only is hemp seed oil an excellent moisturizer for acne prone skin, but it can also be used to treat acne! It is very moisturizing for your skin. It’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness, irritation, and promotes healing for your skin. And it’s anti-oxidant properties help with protecting skin from free radical damage.
Many with acne who have tried it highly recommend it and gave it a 5 star review on acne.org. Some even say they’ve noticed their pore size reduced, but I haven’t noticed a change in this yet myself. This is another reason it is the best moisturizer for acne prone skin.
Hemp seed oil contains a high amount, over 57% of linoleic acid, which occurs in your skin’s natural oils. Skins natural oils are often thought of as being bad, but actually when you strip your skin of it’s natural oils, it can cause more problems and breakouts. This is because the natural oils protect our skin.
The high content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in the hemp seed oil also help protect the skin and aid in repairing and healing, increase elasticity, and also can help with anti-aging.
In addition to helping with acne, many use hemp seed oil to successfully reduce the symptoms of other skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.
What Kind of Hemp Seed Oil to Buy?
It’s important to buy a high quality hemp seed oil because it can easily oxidize and go rancid due to its high content of polyunsaturated fats. Make sure to buy one that is organic, unrefined, cold pressed and comes in a dark container. This is the one I use. It has a dark container which protects the oil from going bad.
How to Use Hemp Seed Oil as a Moisturizer:
Before applying, use either the oil cleansing method (preferable) or wash your face.
Using clean hands take a teaspoon of hemp seed oil and lightly massage the oil on your face.
The oil does have a slight greenish tint, so if you’ll be going out or want to apply any makeup on top, follow these two simple steps:
- Just leave the oil on your face for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Then take a face towel and lightly pat or wipe the oil off. This gives your face time to absorb the oil, become moisturized, yet you get rid of the excess oil and greenish tint. By doing this, you also continue to get the acne-fighting properties as it absorbs into your skin.
Typically in the morning, I do the oil cleansing method using the hemp seed oil, and then after that I apply more of the oil to leave on my skin as a moisturizer. Not only is it the best moisturizer for acne prone skin, but it’s great for removing makeup naturally too!
How to Use it for the Oil Cleansing Method and to Remove Makeup:
If you’re familiar with the oil cleansing method and you have been using other oils, you can replace them with hemp seed oil.
To do the Oil Cleansing Method with Hemp Seed Oil:
1. Using clean hands, take about a teaspoon of the oil and lightly massage your face with it.
2. Take a facecloth and run mildly hot water on it. Ring it out and place over your face. Leave it covering your face for about 1 minute.
3. Then, take another facecloth, dampen it, and lightly rub all the excess oil off of your face.
I also use the hemp seed oil to remove my makeup with same method. Using clean hands, I take one teaspoon to a tablespoon of the oil and rub it all over my face on top of the makeup. Then, take a mildly hot towel and place it over my face for 30 seconds. Last, I take a different towel, dampen it with water and rub off the makeup and oil from my face. The makeup comes right off, without leaving any on your skin to clog pores. I use these small face clothes to do all of this, that way they don’t take as much space in the washer.
How to Store it:
Most recommend that hemp seed oil should be kept in a cool dark place, so keeping it in your refrigerator would be preferable, but not required. This is because it contains a high amount of polyunsaturated fats and oxidizes fairly quickly. (This is the only drawback about using it for skincare, you’ll need to go to the kitchen to get it, but so worth it!)
My Results with Hemp Seed Oil:
Before using hemp seed oil, I was using jojoba oil to do the oil cleansing method and as a moisturizer when I needed it. Jojoba oil is another really good oil to use but it does have a rating of 1 on the comedogenic scale and even though that still has a very low risk of clogging pores, it is not as good as the hemp seed oil. Since I switched to only using hemp seed oil, my skin has been noticeably clearer, I have less redness and my skin is never dry anymore. It really is the best moisturizer for acne prone skin! I’m really happy with the results and I’m going to keep it as the only product I use in my skin regimen.
Thank you for the information! I found it extremelt helpful.
I wonder if you have any tips for how to store this oil while traveling? I am going on vacation in April, and it will not be practical to transport my hemp oil cold. Will it spoil if I bring some in a small glass jar?
Hi Melissa, you don’t have to keep it in the fridge while traveling. I often have it just on my counter.
It is good to read about these oils and these are really useful.
can you mix both hemp seed oil and Jojoba oil and some drops of neem oil together…..i have oily skin with minor acne issues.
Yes, that sounds like a great combination for acne prone skin.
Hi I have rosácea.. can tea tree oil and the hemp seed oil be mixed? To put on my face? Thank you
Yes, you can mix them. I would only add a little bit of tea tree oil though as it is very potent.
I used the Citrus Clear Moisturizer when i was 16 but then stopped when my skin cleared up but when i was 18 my skin got really bad again so i started using it a gain and i dont know why i eveer stopped it helped clear my skin. I have oily skin and it doesnt make it shiny if you use a pea sized amount. Also i love the tingely effect it has it wakes you up and reaaly makes you feel clean and clear.
I just started using the oil cleansing method 3 days ago with hemp seed oil and tea tree oil – just wondering how long it took using this method to clear your skin? Do you find that it heals faster when you do breakout? I get hormonal acne on my jawline and chin and mouth area (at least I think that’s hormonal acne) except it happens ovulation and period and spends the other weeks healing… I’m hopeful that this will help because nothing else has after 12 years of trying everything, but wondering how long it takes to become (mostly) clear?
I think you could see an improvement in a week or two. Hope your skin clears up soon!
Found this blog about hemp oil for the skin and I have to say it’s cleared up my forehead acne just like that. Been using your method of application. Do you have any recommendations for non comedogenic sunscreen? I seem to have a problem with most sunscreens. Thanks for the posting on hemp oil it’s saved my face for sure.
I’m so glad it’s cleared up your acne! That’s amazing! I just started using the sun bum brand for sunscreen and it’s non-comedogenic. So far, it’s been working good.
I have an oil that contains both hemp and tea tree. What are your suggestions about those two oils together? Can both oils be safely used on my face? My skin is damaged from past acne. I have scarring, discoloration and I still get breakouts. Your reply is very much appreciated.
That sounds great! Tea tree oil is also helpful to prevent and treat acne.
Hi Lori,
Great page! I have extremely oily skin and am thinking of using this hemp oil lightly on my face. I currently use jojoba oil and like it but it’s sometimes too oily for me. Based on your experience, do you think the hemp oil could help combat my oily skin?
It has definitely helped my oily skin. I think keeping my face moisturized with the oil and not stripping the oils from my skin prevents my skin from over producing more oil.
Hello Lori, I am about to start using this as a face moisturuzer and cleaner as well! I am not sure that what you have pictured is Hemp Seed Oil though, I believe that is just Hemp Oil. What is the difference and have you used Hemp “SEED” oil before using what you have pictured>
I believe they are the same? In my research, the terms were used interchangeably.
I’ve been using hemp seed oil as my OCM for about 2 months now and I’ve started breaking out and my skin is dry. Do you think I should continue using it?
Do you think your skin is worse now than before using the OCM? You could try using jojoba oil instead of the hempseed oil to see if your skin changes.
Where can I buy the hemp seed oil at?
I linked it above in the article. You should also be able to find it at any local health food store.
My friend just gave me a bottle of Hemp Oil. I’ve been using it to clean my makeup brushes, but have done research on using it for rosacea prone skin! I was using this new topical (Tazorac) b/c my dermatologist thought I could try it out. After using it for a couple of days (at night) my skin just burns now whenever I put anything on it, very frustrating!
I tried the hemp oil, and it still burns, but my face looks less red. So I guess I’ll keep trying it out. I’m really not too sure what to do. When you described how to use it as a moisturizer, you still have to wipe it off at night?
Thanks for the help, sorry I’m a noob at this hemp oil stuff! 🙂
I do pat it off a little before I go to bed after it has time to absorb, so that it doesn’t get all over my pillow. But you definitely don’t need to. You can leave it on 🙂
Great info! I am doing exactly what you stated in the comments, ACV and hemp oil. My skin is looking better than it has in years! I’m 35 w/ normal, acne prone skin and the hemp oil is just amazing! I tone w/ ACV (full strength, but recommend others start w/ 50/50 water-ACV) and rub a few drops of hemp oil into my face and neck directly following the ACV.
I do agree with the post about cutting out dairy. I seem to handle cheese ok but I definitely notice break outs if I consume ice cream or yogurts. I do not agree w/ using olive oil on acne prone skin. For me personally, it does not give me the benefits of clear, soft, even tone skin like the hemp oil. Although, I do understand we all have different skin types. If you are searching for an oil that agrees w/ your skin and have not tried hemp, I highly recommend it. I too was using jojoba for years and liked it.. But LOVE the hemp.
So happy to hear your skin is looking better! 🙂
I’ve been trying to find an oil to use as a moisturizer. I’ve always used Clinique dramatically different gel and it works pretty good, but I’m wanting to use natural things on my face. I do have oily skin and experience occasional breakouts. Do you have a diy recipe for hemp seed oil as a moisturizer that also has any essential oils added for anti aging? Or a recipe for a good eye cream?
You can add any essential oils you would like to it. I would only add a few drops to about 1/4 cup of the hempseed oil.
Does this work for the smell? I’ve been using it for a week and the results are really good. However I find the smell of the hemp oil very off putting.
Thoughts, Ideas?
Hmm..you could add a drop of essential oil to it to change the scent.
Don’t forget to get plenty of Vitamin C in the diet to maintain soft skin and ward off wrinkles. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and you will get wrinkles without collagen. Also, don’t wash with soap on a daily basis. Soap washes off the oils that Lori is here telling you to put on. Rinse yourself off with hot water sans the soap. Unless of course if you really are covered in dirt from working in the garden, then soap is needed. If all you’ve been doing is hanging out at the shopping mall and watching tv, you do not need soap! Soap is harsh on skin no matter what its made out of! Poly-unsaturated fats, like hempseed oil, are ok for the skin but I think mono-unsaturated fats, like olive oil, peanut oil and sesame seed oil, is best. Our body naturally deposits mono-unsaturated fats in the skin and tends to use poly-unsaturated fats for nerves and brain tissue. The Romans, Greeks and other Mediterranean people commonly used olive oil on their skin. People in India commonly use sesame seed oil. Native Americans often used bear grease. Saturated fats will work but doesn’t absorb into the skin as well as mono or poly-unsaturated fats. If you get too much oil on your skin, rub your skin with paper towel but not too much. Paper picks up excess oil easily. Lori, I don’t mean to be stealing your thunder here but I am a Nutritionist with a lot of personal experience.
Olive oil and peanut oil all that breaks my face out more. Like really bad. Hemp seed oil is perfect for my skin and helps my acne. It’s light and moisturizing. I love hemp seed oil. It’s my favorite. I’ve tried everything else and it’s all broke my skin out worse. So I agree hemp seed oil is great!
If you consume dairy products and are getting regular breakouts of acne, stop consuming dairy products- all dairy products including your favorite snack crackers that have whey proteins and hydrolyzed casein. Easier said than done. You wouldn’t believe what products contain something derived from dairy. Something about dairy stimulates an inflammatory response in many people including the production and excretion of sebum in the skin. The sebum clogs your pores and you get acne. After sufficiently eliminating dairy from your diet, it can take a week or two for your skin to clear up. If after getting cleared up you eat some dairy, acne can take 3 days to a week to appear. Its not an overnight reaction. It takes a few days. While your skin is clearing up, scrub good and hard with something like a loofa sponge to encourage the process.
I discovered this about two years ago when I was in the process of making yogurt, a lot of yogurt. I was making and eating a lot of yogurt whilst getting my cultures going. Then, I had a terrible breakout of acne. From my waist up, I was suddenly covered with little red bumps. I looked it up and sure enough, dairy causes sebum production. Its probably a lot more common than is admitted since dairy is pushed so hard as a calcium source- as a Nutritionist, I’m guilty of this but people don’t like the alternative. For my calcium source, I pressure cook bones to soften them. Then, I grind them up and will add a heaping teaspoon to my rice and beans. It adds a lot of flavor and a heck of a lot more calcium than I’d be getting from dairy. Vegans may champion on about plant sources of calcium but those sources don’t provide much and aren’t easy to absorb. Our ancestors ate a lot of bone marrow and no doubt chewed on the soft ends of bones after boiling them for long periods- the basic step to making stocks/broth. Canned fish with the bones is also a good source of calcium- salmon, jack mackeral, sardines. The canning process makes the fish bones safe to consume. I used to like dairy products a lot making my own yogurt and cheese, but alas I like acne even less. Its hard to cut out dairy entirely and I can usually tell if I’ve inadvertantly eaten something with dairy b/c I’ll get a bit of a breakout. But its nice to have clear skin after all these years. I’m no longer a teenager! No funky products needed; just cut out the dairy!
I agree my skin has improved dramatically after going vegan ??
I have tried the cod liver/ butter oil you suggested and I am waiting for the hemp seed oil for in the mail. The cod liver/butter oil is working slowly but surely. Only seeing a difference in the painful cystic acne. I am wondering about blackheads and whiteheads. I have quite a few in the T-zone. Will the hemp seed oil help with that? If not, is there something else I could try for that? I am a previous user of chemicals to get rid of my acne, and I have made the switch to all natural.
Thank you
Glad you’ve seen some improvement! The hempseed oil might help with the blackheads/whiteheads. I’ve been applying ACV mixed with water and leaving it on for about an hour then applying the hempseed oil on top of that and my skin has REALLY been clear! There’s even less blackheads around my nose. So, I’m not sure if it’s the combination of the two or just one of them.
I find your skin beautiful, so I will certainly try what works for you.
Thank you Emalia! The hempseed oil has really been helping my skin. I still get a breakout once in awhile. Hoping to one day have completely clear skin and no breakouts 🙂