Hemp Seed Oil: Evidence and Safety
Hemp seed oil is pressed from hemp seeds and is not CBD oil. See what small skin and joint trials show, what they do not, plus allergy, rancidity and label cautions.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Quick safety points
- Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil. The seeds do not naturally contain THC or CBD, and only trace amounts can be picked up during harvest and processing. [1][2] See hemp seed oil vs CBD oil.
- Trace THC does show up. A study of hempseed oils bought in Croatia measured THC from 3.23 to 69.5 mg per kilogram of oil, and its authors judged that not all of the samples came from industrial hemp. [1] That is one market, so check the label and any batch report.
- Hemp seed allergy exists. In a 2026 survey of 127 allergy experts, hemp was the second most reported "emerging" food for allergic reactions (33%). [3] If you react to seeds or nuts, ask an allergist before using it, and patch test first (how). We did not find a source on skin (contact) allergy to the oil itself.
- It is rich in polyunsaturated fats, which oxidize (go rancid) more easily than other fats. [4][5] Smell it, and store it cold, dark and sealed.
- Babies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, pets and medicine interactions: not described in the sources we read for this oil. The FDA's food review covered human food only, not animal food. [2]
What hemp seed oil is
Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of Cannabis sativa L. (the hemp plant). It is a liquid, fatty oil. The sources we read do not describe the pressing methods in detail; cold-pressed (pressed without added heat) and refined versions exist. [4] The main fats are linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, both polyunsaturated. [5] Hempseed oil also contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid, and the amounts vary a lot from sample to sample. [1] Describing how it feels on the skin is beyond what our sources say; as a liquid oil it is lighter than a solid butter such as shea.How it is used
- On skin: sold in lotions, gels, balms and massage blends; researchers are also building skin gels from the oil. [6][8] Whether any of these beat a plain moisturizer was not tested in the sources we read.
- On hair and scalp: sold for this; we did not find a human trial. Proper evidence not found in the sources we read.
- By mouth, as food: this site treats it as a food oil. See hemp foods and hemp seed oil and hemp seeds. This page only covers external use and the research on skin.
Traditional use (not proof)
The sources we read for this page do not document traditional uses of the seed oil. Long use as a food and fiber crop does not show that the oil helps skin.What research shows
Human research on the seed oil itself is small. Be careful with the many studies of CBD or "hemp extract" products: they are about a different product, even when the label says "hemp oil".| Use | Who, how many, how long | Product | Result | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atopic dermatitis (eczema), swallowed | People with atopic dermatitis; 20-week randomized, single-blind crossover; number of people not given in the abstract [7] | Hempseed oil by mouth vs olive oil | Dryness and itchiness improved and medication use fell; skin water loss showed a trend that was not significant [7] | Preliminary (one small trial, single-blind) |
| Atopic-type skin, applied | Healthy adults; before-after, no placebo group; number not given [8] | Hempseed or flaxseed oil in a lab-made gel form | Roughly halved skin water loss and reduced redness with the best formulation [8] | Very preliminary (not eczema patients, special formula) |
| Knee osteoarthritis, applied | 90 patients, 2 months, three groups [9] | Hemp seed oil rubbed on the knee vs diclofenac gel vs placebo | Better pain and WOMAC scores than placebo, and no difference from diclofenac [9] | Preliminary (one trial; side effects not reported in the abstract) |
| Atopic dermatitis, applied | 9 adults, forearms, no control group mentioned [10] | Ointment with 30% CBD, 5% CBG and hemp seed oil | Better hydration, less redness [10] | Cannot tell the oil's part; not a seed-oil test |
| Skin conditions, cannabinoids overall | 3,359 people in 17 studies [11] | Cannabinoid products (the abstract does not name seed oil) | Small reduction in itch; no clear effect on dryness, redness or eczema scores [11] | Not about seed oil |
Eczema itself: a 2023 review of supplements for atopic dermatitis (18 studies, 881 people) found weak evidence for any single supplement. [12]
In the lab, hemp oil on dog skin cells under allergy-type stress restored a barrier protein and lowered some inflammation signals. [13] Cell results do not show what happens on human skin.
Proper evidence not found in the sources we read for hemp seed oil as an acne treatment, a hair-growth product or an anti-aging product.
Claims checked
| Claim | What sources show |
|---|---|
| "Hemp seed oil is CBD oil" | No. The seeds do not naturally contain CBD or THC. [2] No topical cannabis medicine is approved in the EU, US or Australia. [14] |
| "It does not clog pores" | The "comedogenic rating" lists come from old animal tests. A 2006 study of six acne-prone people concluded that products with so-called comedogenic ingredients are not necessarily comedogenic. [15] We found no trial on hemp seed oil and acne, so it neither is nor is not proven safe for acne-prone skin. |
| "It cures eczema" | One small crossover trial of swallowed oil reported less dryness and itch. [7] That is not a cure, and it does not show a skin cream works. |
| "It will make me fail a drug test" | A 2026 systematic review of CBD and "hemp oil" products and drug tests found that positives mainly came from products with undeclared or excess THC, mislabeling or contamination; five of eight human-exposure studies found no positives above cutoff. [16] It did not look at seed oil alone. If testing matters, ask the testing body or a clinician. |
| "It can make you high" | The FDA says the hemp seed ingredients it reviewed (including the oil) cannot make people high. [2] |
Forms, grades and why they matter
- Cold-pressed (unrefined): keeps more of its polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants than refined oil, but oils high in these fats oxidize more easily. [4]
- Refined: not described for hemp in our sources.
- Food grade vs cosmetic grade: the FDA's review concerned hemp seed oil as a human food ingredient. [2] The same page does not address seed ingredients in cosmetics specifically.
- Blends and "hemp" creams: many contain CBD or other additives. The ointment in [10] also held CBD and CBG, so its results cannot be credited to the seed oil.
- Label words: "hemp oil" can mean seed oil or a CBD extract. Look for "seed oil" and the Latin name. [1]
Safety and cautions
- Allergy: hemp allergy is reported by experts, and a 2026 case report title describes allergy to the fatty part of hemp seed, but we could not read its content. [3] Patch test, and be careful with seed, nut or sesame allergy.
- Rancidity: see below. If it smells different from when you bought it, replacing it is the simple, safe choice.
- THC traces: possible; see the table above. [1]
- Pets: the FDA says hemp-derived ingredients have not been approved for animal food. [2] Skin use on pets is not described in our sources, so ask a vet.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, babies, medicines: not described for the seed oil in the sources we read.
- Surgery and blood thinners: not described.
Quality and storage
Polyunsaturated oils are prone to oxidation; cold-pressed oils with high unsaturated fat are especially so, and shelf life depends on storage conditions, moisture, harvest time and the plant variety. [4][5] Practical steps that follow: buy small bottles, keep them closed and away from light and heat, and discard oil that smells off. The sources we read do not give a shelf-life number for hemp seed oil.Related pages
Uses studied and safety checks for Hemp Seed Oil
Read the safety checks first. Each card says whether a finding comes from people, from the lab or from tradition, which product and way of use was tested, and how strong the evidence is. A finding for one product or one way of using it does not carry over to another.
Check before you use (5)
- Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil. The FDA says hemp seeds do not naturally contain THC or CBD; seed ingredients hold only trace amounts picked up in processing. CBD-product results do not apply to the seed oil.
- Trace THC in hempseed oils. A Croatian market study measured THC from 3.23 to 69.5 mg/kg and judged that not all samples came from industrial hemp. Check identity and batch reports.
- Drug-test positives with CBD and hemp oil products. A 2026 systematic review found positives mainly came from undeclared or excess THC, mislabeling or contamination; seed oil alone was not separated.
- Hemp seed allergy. In a 2026 expert survey, hemp was the second most reported emerging food for allergic reactions (33%). Skin allergy to the oil was not found in the sources read.
- Rancidity of polyunsaturated oil. Oils rich in polyunsaturated fats oxidize more easily; shelf life depends on storage, moisture, harvest time and variety.
Hemp seed oil by mouth and atopic dermatitis
Preliminary or mixedOne small 20-week crossover trial reported less dryness, itch and medicine use on swallowed hempseed oil than on olive oil.
Supplements: Preliminary; one small trial.
Hemp seed oil and skin barrier (applied)
Preliminary or mixedIn healthy adults, gels made from hempseed or flaxseed oil roughly halved skin water loss and reduced redness; a before-after study without a placebo group.
Supplements: Very preliminary.
Topical hemp seed oil and knee osteoarthritis
Preliminary or mixedIn 90 patients over 2 months, rubbed-on hemp seed oil improved pain and WOMAC scores versus placebo, with no difference from diclofenac gel.
Supplements: Preliminary; needs replication.
Hemp oil in cannabinoid ointments: seed oil share unknown
Not enough evidenceA 9-adult pilot of an ointment with 30% CBD, 5% CBG and hemp seed oil reported better skin hydration; the effect of the oil alone cannot be told.
Supplements: No verified benefit of the seed oil itself.
Hemp seed oil and acne or pore clogging
Not enough evidenceNo trial of hemp seed oil and acne was read. Comedogenic rating lists are not reliable predictors for finished products.
Supplements: No verified evidence either way.
Hemp oil and skin cells in the lab
Lab or animal research onlyHemp oil restored a barrier protein and lowered some inflammation signals in dog skin cells under allergy-type stress.
Supplements: None shown for people from lab findings alone.
Connected topics
Open a group to see how each topic connects and how strong the evidence is.
Health goals (1)
- Healthy SkinPreliminary or mixed
One small crossover trial of swallowed oil in atopic dermatitis and a before-after gel study reported better skin measures; evidence is limited.
Body systems (2)
- Integumentary SystemPreliminary or mixed
Skin barrier and dryness findings come from small, early studies.
- Skin, Hair & BeautyPreliminary or mixed
One small trial of swallowed oil in eczema and a gel study reported better skin dryness or water loss; limited.
Body parts (1)
- SkinPreliminary or mixed
Skin dryness, itch and water-loss measures changed in small studies of the oil by mouth or in a gel.
Conditions & symptoms (1)
- EczemaPreliminary or mixed
One small crossover trial of swallowed hempseed oil in atopic dermatitis reported less dryness, itch and medicine use; no trial of the oil as a cream.
Frequently asked questions
Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?
No. Hemp seed oil is pressed from seeds, which do not naturally contain CBD or THC; CBD oil is an extract in an oil. [2] "Hemp oil" on a label can mean either.
Does hemp seed oil help eczema?
One small 20-week crossover trial of the oil swallowed reported less dryness, itch and medicine use than olive oil. [7] There is no good trial of the oil as a cream on eczema, and a review of supplements found weak evidence overall. [12]
Will hemp seed oil clog my pores?
We could not find a trial. Comedogenic rating lists are not reliable predictors for finished products. [15] Test a small area first.
Can hemp seed oil show up on a drug test?
Seed oil can carry trace THC. [1] A 2026 review of CBD and hemp oil products found positives came mainly from products with extra THC or mislabeling. [16] If it matters, ask the testing body.
How do I know if it has gone rancid?
Oils rich in polyunsaturated fats oxidize easily. [4] Trust your nose: a sharp, paint-like or fishy smell means throw it out.
References
- Petrovic M, Debeljak Z, Kezic N, Dzidara P. Relationship between cannabinoids content and composition of fatty acids in hempseed oils. Food Chem 2015. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract via Europe PMC).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including CBD: Questions and Answers. Read 2026-10-24.
- Faust L et al. Experts' perspectives on allergic reactions to emerging food sources, pollen and insects. Allergol Select 2026. Read 2026-10-24 (record summary; the case report "Allergy to the Fatty Part of Hemp Seed", PMID 42825381, had no abstract and was not read).
- Dash B et al. Cold pressed oils: a systematic review on physicochemical properties, nutritional composition and pharmacological activities. Front Nutr 2026. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract; general to cold-pressed oils, not hemp-specific).
- Floares Oarga D et al. Method-dependent variability in hempseed lipidomics. Molecules 2026. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Hwang HY et al. Polysaccharide-based hemp seed oil nanoemulgel and skin inflammation in a psoriasis mouse model. Int J Biol Macromol 2026. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract; describes the oil as rich in PUFA and GLA and tested topically in mice; used here only to show skin products exist).
- Callaway J et al. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat 2005. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract; funding and number of participants not in the record).
- Vitek M, Gosenca Matjaz M. Hempseed or flaxseed oil-based lyotropic liquid crystals and skin barrier function. Acta Pharm 2024. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Abbasifard M et al. Effect of topical hemp seed oil on knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Pain Manag Nurs 2025. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Burczyk DD et al. Skin biophysical parameters in atopic dermatitis after an ointment with 30% CBD and 5% CBG. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2025. Read 2026-10-24 (record summary).
- Sermsaksasithorn P et al. Cannabis and cannabinoids in dermatology: systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2025. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Weber I et al. Clinical efficacy of nutritional supplements in atopic dermatitis: systematic review. JMIR Dermatol 2023. Read 2026-10-24 (record summary).
- Tortolani D et al. Hemp oil, blackcurrant seed oil and vitamin D3 in canine keratinocytes under atopic-type stimulation. BioFactors 2026. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Jardim C, Delgado-Charro MB. The regulatory environment surrounding cannabis medicines in the EU, the USA, and Australia. Pharmaceutics 2025. Read 2026-10-24 (record summary).
- Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006. Read 2026-10-24 (abstract).
- Ovat DY et al. Impact of CBD and hemp oil use on drug test results: a systematic review. Int J Legal Med 2026. Read 2026-10-24 (record summary).