At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about hemp seed oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Please note: One study on this page tested hemp seed oil taken by mouth in people with atopic dermatitis, which is a medical use. We share it for transparency. ORY® hemp seed oil products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat any condition.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa). In ORY® products, it helps skin and hair feel soft and moisturized with a light feel. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Hemp seed oil is a food and cosmetic oil, not a cannabinoid product. FDA says no cannabis-derived ingredient is currently prohibited in cosmetics, but products must be safe and must not make drug claims. We found no final CIR conclusion specifically for hemp seed oil.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- What it shows: FDA page on cannabis-derived ingredients in cosmetics.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Hemp seed oil contains mostly linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), with some gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), vitamin E, and chlorophyll, which gives it a green color. |
Verification: Supported. Its fatty-acid profile is well documented. It oxidizes quickly.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review of plant oils.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Hemp seed oil suits most skin types, including oily and combination skin. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews suggest linoleic-rich oils suit the skin barrier. We found no clinical studies of topical hemp seed oil by skin type.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review of plant oils.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, hemp seed oil helps hair feel soft and conditioned. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Oils are commonly used to soften hair and reduce the look of frizz; we found no controlled clinical studies of this oil on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, or hair loss.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: General review.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
5. Benefits
Claim: Hemp seed oil helps skin feel soft and moisturized. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a small crossover study of 16 people with atopic dermatitis, drinking hemp seed oil daily improved dryness and itch compared with olive oil. That was an oral study of a medical condition and does not show a topical effect. ORY® does not make eczema, itch, or acne claims.
Citations:
- Callaway, J., et al. (2005). Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 16(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630510035832
- What it shows: Oral (not topical) study.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review of plant oils.
- Callaway, J., et al. (2005). Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 16(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630510035832
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Hemp Seed Oil is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. ORY® limits hemp seed oil to 15% of oils in soap because it goes rancid quickly. Its green color comes from chlorophyll; it is not used as a colorant.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–100% | Facial oils, serums, creams, and body oils. |
| Haircare | 2–50% | Hair oils, scalp oils, and conditioners. |
| Handmade Soap | 5–15% of oils | Conditioning oil. |
| Cosmetics | 5–20% | Lip balms, light foundations, and makeup removers. |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- What it shows: FDA cosmetics guidance on cannabis-derived ingredients.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
7. Pros
Claim: A light oil with a balanced omega-6 and omega-3 profile. |
Verification: Supported. Composition is well documented.
Citations:
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
- What it shows: Review.
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
8. Cons
Claim: Hemp seed oil goes rancid quickly, has no final CIR conclusion, and is often confused with CBD oil. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Short shelf life. Refrigerate; about 6–9 months.
- Oral evidence only. The eczema study was dietary.
- CBD confusion. Hemp seed oil contains no meaningful cannabinoids.
- Marketplace rules. Some retailers restrict hemp-named products.
- No final CIR conclusion found.
Citations:
- Callaway, J., et al. (2005). Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 16(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630510035832
- What it shows: Oral study.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- What it shows: FDA page.
- Callaway, J., et al. (2005). Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 16(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630510035832
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- What it shows: FDA page.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Callaway, J., et al. (2005). Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 16(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630510035832
- Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
