Hemp seed oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing carrier oil packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and it is one of the best natural oils for soothing the dry, tight skin that Australian winters bring. In soap making it adds a silky, non-greasy conditioning boost without altering scent, and at home it works as a standalone facial oil or as the base of a simple balm. Below we cover what it actually is, how it behaves in cold process and melt and pour soap, and a beginner recipe you can make this weekend.
In this article
- What is hemp seed oil, and is it legal in Australia?
- Why is hemp seed oil good for winter skin?
- How do you use hemp oil in soap making?
- How does hemp oil compare to other soap making oils?
- Beginner recipe: hemp and shea winter balm
- How do you store hemp oil so it doesn't go rancid?
- FAQ
What is hemp seed oil, and is it legal in Australia?
Hemp seed oil is cold pressed from the seeds of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa), the same low-THC crop grown commercially across Victoria, Tasmania and NSW. It is not the same thing as CBD oil or hemp seed extract tinctures: hemp seed oil for skincare and soap making contains no meaningful THC or CBD, is not a controlled substance, and is sold legally over the counter and online right across Australia. What you are buying is essentially a nutrient-dense vegetable oil, similar in category to olive or sunflower oil, but with a fatty acid profile that is unusually well suited to skin.
Why is hemp seed oil good for winter skin?
Cold, dry air strips moisture from skin faster than it can be replaced, and Australian homes running heaters indoors make it worse. Hemp seed oil helps on three fronts.
- High linoleic acid content. Hemp oil is naturally rich in linoleic (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic (omega-3) acids, which support the skin's own barrier and help it hold onto moisture.
- Non-comedogenic. It has a comedogenic rating of zero, so it absorbs quickly without leaving the greasy film heavier oils can, making it suitable for combination and acne-prone skin as well as dry skin.
- Calming on irritated skin. Its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular choice for eczema-prone and sensitive winter skin.
How do you use hemp oil in soap making?
Hemp oil can be used in both cold process and melt and pour soap.
- Cold process soap: Use hemp oil at 5 to 15% of your total oil weight. Because it is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, using too much can soften the bar and shorten shelf life, so most soap makers treat it as a "boost" oil rather than the base oil.
- Melt and pour soap: Stir hemp oil into melted soap base at 1 to 2 teaspoons per 500g of base, right before pouring. This is the easiest way for beginners to try it, since there is no lye calculation involved.
- Superfatting: Many soap makers reserve hemp oil for the superfat (the small percentage of oil added at the end of cold process soap making that is not converted to soap), so its conditioning properties survive the process intact.
Cold pressed from Australian-grown industrial hemp seed, ideal for soap superfatting, balms and facial oil blends.
How does hemp oil compare to other soap making oils?
| Oil | Best for | Shelf life | Feel on skin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp seed oil | Winter dry skin, sensitive skin, facial oils | 6 to 12 months (best refrigerated) | Light, fast absorbing, non-greasy |
| Olive oil | Base oil for cold process castile-style soap | 12 to 24 months | Heavier, conditioning |
| Jojoba oil | Longevity in blends, balancing oily skin | Extremely stable, 24+ months | Silky, mimics skin's natural sebum |
Beginner recipe: hemp and shea winter balm
No lye or safety gear required, this is a melt and pour balm perfect for first-time makers, and it makes a genuinely useful gift for the colder months.
You will need:
- 50g Shea Butter (Refined & Organic)
- 30g Beeswax Pellets
- 20ml Australian Hemp Oil
- A heatproof jug or double boiler
- 2 to 3 small tins or jars to set the balm in
Method:
- Melt the shea butter and beeswax pellets together gently over a double boiler until fully liquid.
- Remove from heat and stir in the hemp oil. Adding it off the heat helps protect its delicate fatty acids.
- Pour into your tins while still liquid and leave undisturbed to set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
- Cap and label. Use within 6 months for the freshest hemp oil benefit.
A rich, certified organic base butter that pairs beautifully with hemp oil in balms and body butters.
Pure, unbleached beeswax pellets that firm up balms so they hold their shape in tins and jars.
How do you store hemp oil so it doesn't go rancid?
Hemp seed oil has a shorter shelf life than oils like olive or jojoba because of its high polyunsaturated fat content, so it oxidises more readily. Keep it in a dark glass or opaque bottle, store it in the fridge or a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight, and use it within 6 to 12 months of opening. A faint sharp or "crayon-like" smell is the first sign it has turned and should be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
No. Hemp seed oil is cold pressed from the seeds and contains negligible amounts of CBD or THC. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves and is regulated separately in Australia.
Can I use hemp oil on sensitive or eczema-prone skin?
Many people with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin find hemp oil soothing thanks to its anti-inflammatory fatty acid profile, though it is always worth patch testing a new oil on your inner arm first.
How much hemp oil should I use in cold process soap?
Most soap makers use hemp oil at 5 to 15% of total oil weight, or reserve it entirely for the superfat, since higher amounts can soften the finished bar.
Does hemp oil have a scent?
Unrefined hemp oil has a mild, earthy, nutty aroma. It is subtle enough that it will not overpower an essential oil or fragrance oil blend.
Can I use hemp oil on its own as a moisturiser?
Yes. A few drops applied to damp skin or mixed into your regular moisturiser works well as a lightweight winter treatment, especially on the face and hands.
Ready to try hemp oil in your next batch?
Shop Australian-grown, cold pressed hemp oil along with the shea butter and beeswax to make your own winter balm at home.
Shop Australian Hemp Oil →Fast Australia-wide shipping from Soapmaid.