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- Best for face: Life-Flo Pure Hemp Seed Oil
- Best carrier oil: Aura Cacia Organic Hemp Seed Oil
- Best soothing oil: Sky Organics Organic Hemp Seed Oil
- Best for inflammation: Nature’s Beneficials Hemp Oil
- Best for food: Nutiva Organic Hemp Seed Oil
- Best cold-pressed oil: Carrington Farms Organic Hemp Seed Oil
- Best organic oil: Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Seed Oil
- Best taste: Foods Alive Organic Hemp Oil
Hemp oil comes from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. It doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, or the cannabinoids found in cannabidiol (CBD) oils. So, using hemp oil, also called hempseed oil, won’t get you “high.”
The oil can be applied topically or taken orally as a food supplement or additive. It’s a great source of nutrients, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Hemp oil has all 20 amino acids, making it useful for building and repairing muscles. Plus, it contains dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Read on to discover some of our favorite hemp oils.
If you’re looking for a topical hemp oil, you’ll probably want a lightweight oil that helps with skin care issues and pain relief. For oral oils, you’ll probably be looking for a good taste as well as additional health benefits.
We looked for oils that included all these qualities and considered the cost of the oils.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $1.00 per ounce
- $$ = $1.00–$2.00 per ounce
- $$$ = over $2.00 per ounce
Topical hemp oils
Hemp oils can be used topically for a variety of hair and skin care uses. It may help treat symptoms related to some skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne rosacea.
Below is a list of some of the best topical hemp oils available. Always check with your doctor before ingesting any medicinal oils.
Best for face
Life-Flo Pure Hemp Seed Oil
Price: $$$
Life-Flo Pure Hemp Seed Oil helps to replenish and soften dry skin. You can use it to clean your face or as a moisturizer. The oil has a calming effect that helps to clear up acne, rosacea, and eczema.
This oil also works well for face massages with or without gua sha and roller tools. If it feels too heavy for your skin, you can add a few drops to your moisturizer.
Pros
- hydrates and softens skin
- calms redness and irritation
- moisturizes hair and scalp
Cons
- may be irritating (according to some reviewers)
- bottle may leak
Best carrier oil
Aura Cacia Organic Hemp Seed Oil
Price: $$
This organic hempseed oil has a grassy, nutty aroma. It contains vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which may help reduce signs of aging and damage from ultraviolet irritation.
The oil has high chlorophyll levels, which gives it a light green color. It’s non-GMO, cruelty-free, and free of synthetic ingredients.
This oil absorbs easily into the skin, making it a good option for people wanting a lightweight moisturizer. You can use it as a carrier oil and blend it with other oils. You can also add a small amount to your favorite moisturizer.
Pros
- excellent carrier oil
- lightweight formula absorbs easily
- gently calms and nourishes sensitive skin
Cons
- bottle is messy to use
- contains sunflower oil, which is not listed on product page
- unpleasant odor (according to some reviewers)
Best soothing oil
Sky Organics Organic Hemp Seed Oil
Price: $$
This cold-pressed hempseed oil is made on small farms in Canada and then bottled in the United States. Its high fatty acid content makes it nourishing for the skin.
The oil is suitable for all skin types, including skin that’s oily or acne-prone, as it’s nongreasy and doesn’t leave residue behind. It also helps with certain skin conditions like eczema.
Pros
- excellent scalp and hair treatment
- hydrates and soothes dry, sensitive skin
- alleviates muscle pain
Cons
- may cause skin irritation for some
- no expiration date on bottle
- product leaks and arrives with no protective seal (according to some reviewers)
Oral hemp oils
Hemp oils can be taken orally either as a supplement or incorporated into a variety of meals. Check with the manufacturer to see if the oil requires refrigeration.
Hempseed oil isn’t recommended for cooking, as the fatty acids are destroyed at high heat.
Below are some of the best hemp oils on the market.
Best for inflammation
Nature’s Beneficials Organic Hemp Oil Extract Drops
Price: $$$
This cold-pressed hempseed oil has anti-inflammatory benefits that help relieve pain and stress, promote better sleep, and reduce anxiety. It works exceptionally well for men and women over the age of 40 and helps with overall health.
It’s made with the entire hemp plant, including the leaves, stem, seeds, stalks, and flowers, which helps ensure you get all the nutrients possible in this oil.
The organic, vegan oil has a peppermint flavor and is free of GMOs, gluten, and dairy.
Pros
- alleviates mild joint and muscle pain
- reduces inflammation
- calming effect
Cons
- expensive option
- may cause upset stomach and diarrhea
- several reviewers say it had no effect
Best for food
Nutiva Organic Hemp Seed Oil
Price: $$$
This organic hempseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and chlorophyll. It’s also full of omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which help improve skin.
Use this oil to enhance the flavor of salads, pasta dishes, and smoothies. You can visit the Nutiva website for recipe ideas.
Pros
- earthy, nutty flavor
- treats eczema and acne
- reduces pain and inflammation
Cons
- may expire quickly
- bottle leaks
Best cold-pressed oil
Carrington Farms Organic Hemp Seed Oil
Price: $$
This organic hemp oil is cold-pressed and of food-grade quality, helping to enhance the flavor of various dishes. It’s full of essential fatty acids that may help to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and improve your mood.
It’s gluten-free, hexane-free, solvent-free, chemical-free, and vegan.
This oil is easy to add to savory dishes, desserts, and smoothies. You can find recipes on the Carrington Farms website.
Pros
- cold-pressed
- food-grade quality
- organic
Cons
- some reviews say the website isn’t user-friendly
- bottle may leak
Best organic oil
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Seed Oil
Price: $$
This organic, cold-pressed oil is free of additives and GMOs. The farmer-owned Canadian company follows good manufacturing practices (GMP) at their wind-powered facility to ensure a fresh, high quality product.
This oil has a nutty taste and is a great addition to dips, dressings, and soups. You can also use it as a salad dressing on its own.
Visit the Manitoba Harvest website for recipe ideas. To use this oil as a supplement, take 1 tablespoon per day.
Pros
- a delicate nutty, earthy flavor
- moisturizes and soothes irritated skin
- alleviates neuropathy pain
Cons
- plastic bottle may leak
- some customers received a nearly-expired product
Best taste
Foods Alive Organic Hemp Oil
Price: $$
Foods Alive makes this artisan, cold-pressed oil at low temperatures using seeds grown in mineral-rich soil. The company tests each seed used in the pressing process for taste, smell, and quality.
Rich in nutrients, this organic hemp oil is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 acids. Plus, it’s unrefined and free of preservatives.
Pros
- light, pleasant taste
- small batch artisan oil
- alleviates pain and soreness
Cons
- thick, sticky consistency may not be ideal for skin care
- bottle may leak
Here’s a quick look at how our picks compare:
| Product | Pricing | Our pick for | Standout features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life-Flo Pure Hemp Seed Oil | $$$ | best for face | softens skin, calms redness, moisturizes hair and scalp |
| Aura Cacia Organic Hemp Seed Oil | $$ | best carrier oil | lightweight formula absorbs easily, nourishes sensitive skin, high chlorophyll levels |
| Acure The Essentials Hemp Seed Oil | $$$ | best scent | lightweight hydration, quick absorption, balances skin |
| Sky Organics Organic Hemp Seed Oil | $$ | best soothing oil | excellent scalp and hair treatment, hydrates dry, sensitive skin, alleviates muscle pain |
| Nature’s Beneficials Hemp Oil | $$$ | best for inflammation | organic, alleviates mild joint and muscle pain, calming effect |
| Nutiva Organic Hemp Seed Oil | $$$ | best for food | earthy, nutty flavor, may improve eczema and acne, reduces pain and inflammation |
| Carrington Farms Organic Hemp Seed Oil | $$ | best cold-pressed oil | reduces inflammation, food-grade quality, organic |
| Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Seed Oil | $$ | best organic oil | delicate earthy flavor, soothes irritated skin, alleviates neuropathy pain |
| Foods Alive Organic Hemp Oil | $$ | best taste | small batch artisan oil, alleviates pain and soreness, cold-pressed |
Most quality hemp oils have been cold-pressed using a modern steel press. This process helps the oils maintain their full nutritional value, flavor, and aroma.
When choosing a hemp oil, always buy from a reputable manufacturer that’s clear about their practices and standards.
They should be willing to answer any questions and provide appropriate documentation to support their claims. Many companies offer a money-back satisfaction guarantee.
The increased focus on hemp, cannabis, and CBD has led to many questionable companies offering products that are mislabeled and don’t live up to their claims, so beware of companies that make wild or exaggerated health claims. To get a feel for the company, visit its website.
Hemp oil can be used topically as a moisturizer on its own or diluted with other oils, lotions, or hair products. When used topically, you don’t need to wash off the hemp oil. It can safely absorb into your skin.
You can also use it as an oil cleanser. In this case, you do need to rinse it off after use.
Hemp oil can also be taken orally in a few ways. To use hemp oil as a supplement, take 1 tablespoon per day. It can also be added to salad dressings, soups, and sauces, or used in oatmeal, smoothies, and baked goods.
Make sure you like the taste before adding it to a large serving of food.
Hemp oil can be taken at any time of day.
Hemp oil is legal and doesn’t contain THC or CBD. It won’t cause you to feel “high” or test positive on any drug test. Hemp oil is generally well tolerated, but it can cause digestive side effects, such as cramps, diarrhea, and nausea in some people.
When taking hemp oil orally, always start with a small dose and gradually increase the amount you take over a period of time, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Using hemp oil on your skin may produce mild irritation. Always do a skin patch test before using hemp oil on your skin. To test for allergic reactions, place a small amount on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
If you have low blood pressure or any liver, gastrointestinal, or other health conditions, talk with your doctor before taking hemp oil. It’s important to exercise caution when using hemp oil, as it can cause drowsiness.
What’s the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
Hemp oil derives from the seeds of Cannabis sativa plants, though it doesn’t contain psychoactive ingredients. People use it topically, as a supplement, or in foods.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil derives from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of Cannabis sativa plants. Depending on the type, it contains CBD and other compounds, including THC. CBD oil may be beneficial for pain, inflammation, and mental health.
Does hemp oil get you high?
No, hemp oil does not get you high because it doesn’t have psychoactive ingredients.
What are the benefits of using hemp oil?
Hemp oil may help to prevent cancer, inflammatory conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Using it topically may reduce dry, itchy skin and improve conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Do you have to be 21 and over to purchase hemp oil?
No, you do not have to be 21 to purchase hemp oil. It’s legal since it doesn’t contain THC or CBD.
When used properly, hemp oil can be a healthy addition to your wellness and skin care routine. Choose a product carefully, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Be aware of how the oil affects you when used topically or taken orally. Adjust your use accordingly, and discontinue it if any adverse effects occur.
