Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Hemp Soap?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

Hemp soap generally contains hemp oil, either as its base or as one of its main ingredients. The essential fatty acids in hemp are said to be beneficial for the skin. They are said to help support skin health and slow the signs of aging. Hemp oil may also be useful in preventing acne. The oil derived from hemp plants is also considered a powerful moisturizer, and hemp soap is often recommended for dry skin.

Unlike many other types of plant oils, hemp oil is said to contain a high ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids. While both types of essential fatty acids are generally considered beneficial to health, omega-3 fatty acids are considered very valuable for their anti-inflammatory properties. Hemp oil typically contains three times as many omega-3 fatty acids as omega-6 fatty acids. When applied to the skin in the form of hemp soap, these fatty acids can help ease the inflammation of acne. They can also slow the oxidation caused by free radicals, to help skin maintain a youthful appearance.

Soap can be made with hemp oil.
Soap can be made with hemp oil.

The oils in hemp plants are considered light enough for daily skin care. Many hemp soap products contain a mixture of plant oils considered beneficial for skin health, such as grapeseed oil or almond oil. Some soap makers believe using hemp oil as a soap base can overwhelm the skin, leaving it oily, so hemp soap typically contains a relatively small amount of the oil.

The hemp oil in hemp soap is emollient and is often recommended to people who have dry or easily irritated skin.
The hemp oil in hemp soap is emollient and is often recommended to people who have dry or easily irritated skin.

Hemp plants have been considered valuable for a number of purposes throughout history. Their seeds are generally rich in complete proteins, and are considered easier to digest than some other sources of vegetable protein. Hemp seeds also contain large amounts of vitamin E and other minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. When ingested, the seeds are said to provide a number of health benefits. They may support immune health and cardiac function, as well as helping to prevent inflammatory and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and arthritis.

The fibers of the hemp plant have long been used to weave durable rope and fabric, and they are still used to make rope today. The seeds have been used as a folk remedy for cancerous lesions. Some believe that hemp may be one of the oldest crops cultivated by humans. The oldest piece of hemp fabric ever discovered is believed to date back to about 8,000 BCE.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@discographer-- I actually love the scent of my hemp seed oil soap. It's one of the major reasons I keep buying it. The most important thing when buying hemp soap is that it should be organic (and vegan) and should be triple milled. Soap that has been triple milled lasts very long.

discographer

@bluedolphin-- Hemp soap also helps with swelling and soreness. I use it after workouts to help with sore muscles and it seems to help with recovery. My hemp soap also has neem oil in it though and I think neem oil also has some of the same benefits. So I might be experiencing better results thanks to both ingredients. But I highly recommend this for people with sore muscles or even after injury. It's very nice.

I'm not too fond of the scent but since it doesn't linger on for too long, it doesn't bother me much. It's definitely worth it considering the benefits.

bluedolphin

Aside from fighting acne and aging, I believe that hemp soap is also therapeutic and helps detoxify the skin. It has a nice scent first of all, so it makes bathing and showering more pleasant overall. But I also think that the beneficial compounds and fatty acids help detoxify the skin of toxins.

In Chinese medicine and other Eastern medical traditions, it is believed that toxins from illnesses and unhealthy food and routines accumulate in tissues. It is possible to remove these toxins through skin and I think that hemp soap can help. I certainly feel better and more relaxed after showering with this soap.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Soap can be made with hemp oil.
      By: Hayati Kayhan
      Soap can be made with hemp oil.
    • The hemp oil in hemp soap is emollient and is often recommended to people who have dry or easily irritated skin.
      By: CandyBox Images
      The hemp oil in hemp soap is emollient and is often recommended to people who have dry or easily irritated skin.