Going Green: Breaking Down Hemp Seed and CBD in Skincare + More

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CBD, Hemp Seed Oil Marijuana Legalization, Cannabis Sativa Oil and more. Unless you’re living under a rock, you have heard a lot of buzz about a magic green plant. These buzzwords are being talked about more than the Kardashians on E! Network. Do these ingredients actually help your skin? Are these ingredients actually in the skincare, as advertised? Will these ingredients get you high? 

It’s 2020 - Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg are friends. So, just relax and know that CBD and hemp seed oil in your skincare is not anything to be afraid of, depending on the products. Seriously, you should be more scared of the nitropropane-1,3-dio in your shampoo. 


Hemp Seed Oil Breakdown:

  • This oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is a strain of the Cannabis Sativa species 

  • The hemp plant is from the same species as cannabis aka marijuana, but they are entirely different plants 

  • Cannabis (marijuana) contains THC, the psychoactive compound that creates a high, which is clearly the big difference here

  • Hemp seeds are extremely rich in healthy fats, protein, minerals and vitamins 

Hemp Seed Oil Benefits:

  • Fights inflammation of the skin 

  • Reduces redness and dryness

  • Used to treat acne, psoriasis and eczema

  • Soothes and decreases the appearance of scars, wounds, etc 

  • Provides skin with antioxidants that are nourishing and moisturizing 



CBD Oil Breakdown:

  • CBD is extracted or pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant or a cannabis plant

  • CBD is short for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in every variety of the Cannabis Sativa species, such as marijuana and hemp

  •  There are many cannabinoids in the Cannabis Sativa species, however THC and now CBD are the most well-known

  • Differing from THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it has no effect on cognitive brain activity and does not cause a *high*

  • CBD oil can be used topically or orally 

*Basically, CBD can be derived from hemp or marijuana plants but either way, it is still only CBD, one ingredient extracted from the plants. I like to think of CBD as the more beneficial key player when it comes to all things green. You get the benefits with no high. 

CBD Oil Benefits:

  • Acts as a pain reliever, with no harsh side effects 

  • Helps reduce anxiety and depression

  • Fights inflammation inside the body and the skin

  • Soothes acne and various skin issues 

  • Acts as a sleep aid, with no harsh or groggy side effects

  • A powerful anti-aging and wrinkle fighting source 

*CBD is booming right now in the world of health, wellness and cosmetics. The benefits are potentially endless. However, because it is somewhat new to the scene, there is only so much scientific evidence to back it up. I personally love the benefits of CBD and encourage others to try it. But, do your research! The only downfall of CBD is that the industry is in overload mode. Meaning, companies are pumping out new products left and right, which puts the question of  potency, sourcing, etc at hand. Make sure your CBD is from reliable, trustworthy sources!


The world of all things green can get really confusing. After reading this, I hope you have a little clarity. But, just a few more things to keep in mind when looking for these ingredients in skincare and cosmetics, specifically. Several BIG (I am talking Sephora level) companies are branding their products in very deceitful ways. 


  • Just because a product is in a green bottle and has the word ‘Cannabis’ in its name, does not mean it contains CBD (or THC)

  • Promoting and describing products by using the words ‘cannabis sativa’, ‘herbal infusion’ or ‘hemp’ does not mean it contains CBD (or THC)

  • Companies are able to dance around what they are actually selling by advertising Cannabis Sativa oil as an ingredient in a deceitful way, but like we learned earlier, hemp and marijuana are both part of this species 

  • So, 9 times out of 10, the product you are interested in contains only hemp seed oil 

  • Hemp seed oil is very beneficial (a frequent Intune ingredient) but it is NOT the same as CBD (or THC)

  • If you’re looking for CBD in your skin care it will be 100% clear on the label

  • And THC will not be in any skincare products on major shelves because it is not federally legal (duh)



Things can get sticky and hazy when navigating your way through the Cannabis Sativa world, but you will be fine if you do your research and read your labels. Maybe, dip your toe into the green water by trying an Intune product, today!

Mary Landers Ward