How Hemp Can Reform the Skincare Industry
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Hemp: The Versatile Skincare Product
The skincare industry is among the most rapidly evolving industries in the world, adding new innovations by means of ingredients, methods, and technologies regularly. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness regarding the ingredients that compose beauty products and the process involved in these products. The beauty industry has witnessed a pivot towards more natural, local and organic ingredients, which have several benefits and are less harmful to the skin. Consumers are also interested to know whether the brand they use is sustainable, ethical, and driven by a socially-responsible mindset. This has led to the emergence of ‘conscious’ skincare, which essentially hints at the mindful consumption of beauty products while reaping the many benefits that natural ingredients have to offer. One such ingredient is ‘hemp’, which is a variety of the cannabis Sativa plant.
Conscious Skincare and Hemp
Hemp is often regarded as a star crop because it can be used in multiple ways in various products ranging from nutrition and wellness to clothing and medicine. Owing to its multiple uses, hemp is referred to as the ‘trillion-dollar crop’. This is due to the fact that almost all parts of the plant, from the seeds to the flowers, have commercial potential across a range of domains. In India, there has been growing awareness regarding its usage, and the business ecosystem is also set to flourish in the upcoming years. The industrial hemp market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 34%, from $4.6 billion in 2019 to $26.6 billion in 2025.[1]https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/industrial-hemp-market-84188417.html
There are numerous varieties of the hemp plant, which is extremely helpful to the farmers if grown and utilised correctly. Indian Hemp market is a trillion-dollar market if India enters this segment exhaustively. Over the years, a new consciousness has developed around hemp usage due to its several advantages. But even though the commercial attention that hemp has received is recent, its usage is not, especially in India. Hemp has historically been used in India, and its presence can be traced back to the Vedic times. In fact, its consumption and applications also have a religious and spiritual history.[2]https://indianexpress.com/article/research/cannabis-in-india-a-rather-long-story-with-its-highs-and-lows-6592020/
Due to its resourcefulness, it is no surprise that the beauty industry is utilising hemp for skin and hair care products. It also comes with an array of advantages as it is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties making it the ultimate holy grail for skincare. However, hemp is not just a fad in the beauty industry; rather, it brings a fresh change with its sustained benefits for the skin as well as the environment and economy. As per The Prohibition Partners, the projected rise of the hemp skincare market globally is $959 billion by 2024 from $710 million in 2018.[3]https://thegreenfund.com/is-hemp-the-next-miracle-in-skincare
What Makes Hemp a Star Skincare Ingredient?
There are many reasons that make hemp the star ingredient for skincare products. Let’s take a look at the core reasons which contribute to its timeless appeal.
A Plethora of Skin Benefits
Hemp as a skincare ingredient is a stellar performer, and it is useful for all skin types and has a lasting impact. CBD oil (Cannabidiol) which is derived from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the hemp plant, is also an impressive product as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Hemp seed oil, which is made from cannabis Sativa plant seeds, is also helpful in improving several skin conditions. These can be used in oil forms like hemp seed oil or CBD oil or can be added to skincare products. They can also be added to bar soaps, face cleansers, moisturisers, serums and more.[4]https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hemp-seed-oil-vs-cbd-oil#hemp-seed-oil
Hemp oil is also popular due to its non-comedogenic properties, meaning it does not clog pores, making it a formidable skincare ingredient. It is also rich in fatty acids, which are good for the skin and help create a skin barrier and retain water. It is also known to possess calming and soothing properties helping with dry, irritated skin or balancing oily skin. The hemp oil itself has a decent texture which absorbs quickly and does not leave the skin feeling greasy.[5]https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Headlines/Promotional-Features/Hemp-Seed-Oil-Trendy-sustainable-with-proven-efficacy-for-skin Moreover, it is also rich in essential vitamins, such as B3, C and E, which are important for healthy skin and promote glow.
Hemp is helpful in treating skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and dryness. It also boosts skin immunity with its high phytochemical content, which helps in preventing skin infections.[6]https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/beauty-tips-hemp-up-your-skincare-regime/story-X0MuQQvfLOTCNX7pI4KWFL.html In addition to all this, hemp aids active skin regeneration and has anti-ageing properties.
Versatility as a Skincare Product
Conscious skincare is not only about the sustainability of ingredients but also about conscious consumption. Hemp products can be used for other uses than skincare. Even within skincare, it has a multitude of properties and advantages, making it a versatile wonder drug. For instance, hempseed oil is good for both skin and hair. CBD oil has other wellness properties, such as pain relief. It is proven to have helped with chronic pain and reducing inflammation.[7]https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475#benefits It is also helpful for sleep regulation and aids with sleep disorders.[8]https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/cbd-and-sleep
Hemp Is Sustainable
Hemp is a sustainable and renewable resource which is an added gain to its potential. It is easily grown across climate and soil types. Additionally, it does not require pesticides as it is able to combat pests that are otherwise prominent. It grows in a compact area and is thus fruitful to grow on a small patch of land. The crop itself does not allow topsoil erosion to take place. It yields greater rewards by accommodating in a smaller area and is overall conducive for the farmers. It is a profitable crop considering its widespread appeal and demand. A good and regulated hemp industry also has the potential to generate employment to work on its diverse plantation and products. Overall, it will contribute towards a sustainable agriculture industry.
Key Points of the Article:
- Due to its resourcefulness, it comes as no surprise that hemp is being utilised by the beauty industry for skin and hair care products. As a skincare ingredient, it is a stellar performer, and it is useful for all skin types and has a lasting impact.
- Hemp is a sustainable and renewable resource which is an added gain to its potential. It is easily grown across climate and soil types.
The Conscious Skincare Revolution Is Here
Hemp has brought about significant reform in the skincare industry by breaking the stigma around cannabis, and this has to do with its numerous excellent qualities for the skin. With rising awareness about conscious and natural skincare, one can also discern that it is beneficial in the long run because it helps several industries.
At a collective level, hemp contributes to the environment-friendly agriculture sector and conducive crop management for farmers. With its multiple uses, it is a versatile ingredient that goes beyond skincare, and many times, the same skincare product is useful elsewhere. This shows that hemp can fundamentally reform the skincare and beauty industry with its sustained profits. The way it can expand beyond individual consumption and positively impact other sectors might be the next big shift required in the wellness industry. The conscious skincare revolution is timely and relevant, and hemp is here for it.
FAQs
- Are hemp beauty products safe?
Hemp is a legal ingredient with several benefits. The beauty products are made from natural ingredients and are safe to use, and they can be used on the face, the body and the hair.
- Is hemp good for the skin?
Hemp is like a superfood for the skin and can be utilised extensively. It has essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, soothing properties and more essential for good skin health.
- Can I use my hemp seed oil for both skin and hair?
Yes, hemp seed oil is generally good for both skin and hair unless specified otherwise. It has dynamic properties that boost both skin and hair glow.
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