With many more of us keen to create eco-friendly skin and hair routines [1], hemp is having its moment in the beauty spotlight. Its sustainable credentials are impressive: not only is it a zero-waste crop, but it is also four times more effective at capturing CO2 than trees.
Not to be confused with cannabis or CBD [2], hemp is part of the same family but a completely different plant. THC levels are much, much lower in hemp (it's been said that you would need to smoke a whole field to get high). Packed with natural fatty acids, hemp oil is a superstar skincare ingredient and excellent for hydrating dry areas, reducing inflammation, and soothing skin.
It's been used in beauty products by The Body Shop since the '90s, and a plethora of other brands are now jumping on the bandwagon. Get your hemp fix with our edit of the best products.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
One Hemp Hand Protector [3] (£12) from The Body Shop is reportedly sold every nine seconds around the world, and we are not surprised considering the superior formula. Offering heavy-duty hydration without that dreaded greasy residue, this is a skin saviour for those with dry or cracked hands.
Dr Organic Hemp Oil 24hr Rescue Cream
Harnessing hemp oil's deeply moisturising powers, Dr Organic Hemp Oil 24hr Rescue Cream [4] (£9) provides comforting relief for those with dry, tight, or sensitive skin.
Votary Super Seed Facial Oil
What celebrity facialist Arabella Preston doesn't know about skin care isn't worth knowing, and her Votary range is a reflection of that. The cult Votary Super Seed Facial Oil [5] (£70) is a cocktail of 21 skin-loving oils including hemp.
Eve Lom Radiance Face Oil
A blend of hemp, avocado, and abyssinian oils, Eve Lom Radiance Face Oil [6] (£60) gives skin that lit-from-within glow we all crave.
Josh Rosebrook Nourish Conditioner
Hair deserves the hemp treatment too. If you're suffering from dry texture or brittle ends, try incorporating the Josh Rosebrook Nourish Conditioner [7] (£32) into your hair routine and watch as your hair returns to its former glossy glory.
Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil
Boost your skin's nightly repair mode with Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil [8] (£62), an intensive overnight treatment containing hemp oil.
Kure Bazaar Organic Cuticle Oil
Give yourself a salon-worthy at-home mani with Kure Bazaar Organic Cuticle Oil [9] (£32). This exclusive blend of 10 organic oils including hemp will nourish, moisturise, and strengthen your nails.
Hemptouch Calming Face Cream
A natural solution for those suffering with acne, redness, or oily skin, Hemptouch Calming Face Cream [10] (£30) uses hemp oil to soothe inflamed skin.
Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap
Bar soap is back, and our all-time favourite is Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap [11] (£5). Made with certified fair trade ingredients and organic hemp oil, when mixed with water, it makes a soft, smooth lather that won't dry your skin.
Therapi Lemon Myrtle Honey Moisturiser
Therapi Lemon Myrtle Honey Moisturiser [12] (£32) is a lightweight and easily absorbed organic moisturiser for combination skin.