This is a summary of research papers and studies
from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

ABOUT HEMP BUTTER

In the rapidly evolving landscape of natural skincare, hemp seed butter—derived from the Cannabis sativa plant—has emerged as a powerhouse ingredient for its unique chemical profile and versatile application. Unlike many heavy, occlusive butters, hemp seed butter is prized for its "dry feel" and its ability to provide exceptional hydration without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. 

Hemp butter is derived from cold pressing the seeds, it is a pomace, heavy fatty part of oil. Hemp seed oil is also one of the “driest” natural oils available, being absorbed quickly into the skin. It provides high fluidity and excellent lubricity without being greasy. The Hemp seed butter is produced using the fatty fractions and unsaponifiables (natural waxes / paraffins) which are collected during the cold pressing process and filtered from liquid part to get a butter-like material suitable for use on skin and hair.

Propertiesr

Hemp seed butter is typically produced from the oil of expeller-pressed seeds of the hemp plant. The manufacturing process often involves collecting the fatty fractions and unsaponifiables—such as natural waxes and paraffins—during the refining process and blending them with hydrogenated vegetable oils to achieve a smooth, "butter-like" consistency. 

Physically, the butter is characterized by a light, earthy aroma and a texture that melts efficiently upon skin contact, allowing for easy spreadability. It has high concentration of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). These fatty acids are vital for maintaining the skin's structural integrity. Hemp seed oil, the primary precursor to the butter, is recognized as one of the "driest" natural oils, meaning it penetrates the epidermis rapidly. 

Function 

Emollient and Lubricant

As a rich emollient, it fills the gaps between skin cells, smoothing the skin's texture and enhancing its overall "feel" and appearance.

Barrier Reinforcement

It helps support the skin’s hydro-lipid coat, which is essential for reducing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). By reinforcing this natural barrier, the butter ensures that intrinsic moisture remains trapped within the skin layers.

Carrier for Active Molecules

Hemp oil and butter act as an ideal carrier for other fat-soluble vitamins and therapeutic agents.

Skin Benefits 

The therapeutic potential of hemp butter extends across various skin types and conditions, making it a staple in formulations for dry, sensitive, and aging skin. 

Deep Hydration for Dry and Damaged Skin

Butters are fundamentally thicker than lotions, designed to provide intensive, long-lasting hydration. Hemp seed butter is particularly effective for extra-dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet. Its high EFA content makes it a "nutritive" treatment for damaged skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, where the skin barrier is often compromised.

Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing Effects

Hemp butter is naturally abundant in essential fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation. This makes it an ideal choice for calming itchy or irritated skin. Formulations with hemp-derived lipids have been shown to provide significant relief for sensitive skin types that may react poorly to synthetic ingredients. 

Anti-Aging and Elasticity Improvements

As skin ages, it naturally loses elasticity and becomes prone to fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidants and fatty acids found in hemp seed butter work to combat oxidative stress and improve skin elasticity. Regular application has been noted to diminish the appearance of fine lines, helping the skin maintain a more youthful and "polished" look. 

Hemp butter is primarily utilized in skincare as an ultra-rich moisturizing agent specifically designed to hydrate the skin and reduce the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Its efficacy is derived from the bioactive compounds found in the hemp plant, including essential fatty acids, cannabinoids like CBD, and potent antioxidants. 

Targeted Reduction of Wrinkles and Fine Lines

• Direct Application: Hemp butter is specifically positioned in the market to target and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Fatty Acid Role: It contains oleic acid (omega-9), which is not produced by the body but is effective at maintaining skin softness, enhancing radiance, and reducing wrinkles.
• Collagen Synthesis: Components within hemp oil promote the synthesis of collagen, the primary protein responsible for maintaining smooth, elastic, and youthful-looking skin.

Combating "Inflammaging"

• Definition: The sources highlight the concept of "inflammaging"—aging that is accelerated by chronic, low-level inflammation. This process leads to the breakdown of the extracellular matrix and subsequent skin wrinkling.
• Inhibiting Matrix Degradation: Hemp extracts have been shown to suppress Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine that triggers the production of enzymes responsible for breaking down collagen and the skin matrix. By reducing IL-6, hemp products help slow down this degradation and stimulate the replenishment of the skin matrix.

Deep Hydration and Moisture Retention

• Replenishing Lipids: Hemp seed oil, a major component of hemp butter, has a fatty acid composition that closely resembles the skin's natural lipids. Applying it topically replenishes these lipids and compensates for lower ceramide levels, which significantly increases moisture retention.
• Emollient Properties: As a high-performance moisturizing emollient, it leaves the skin feeling soft and supple while acting as a barrier to protect against external aging factors.

Antioxidant and Photoprotective Properties

• Neutralizing Free Radicals: Hemp butter is rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, which act as antioxidants to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• Cellular Recovery: These antioxidants help accelerate cell growth and provide faster recovery for healthy-looking skin, particularly in areas showing discoloration or age-related damage.
• UV Protection: Hemp seed oil has shown potential as a low broad-spectrum UV protectant (with an estimated SPF of 6), helping to deflect some UV rays that contribute to premature aging without blocking the absorption of Vitamin D.

Structural Support through Phytochemicals

• Flavonoids: These plant metabolites help delay skin aging by inhibiting the specific enzymes—collagenase, elastases, and hyaluronidases—that break down the skin's structural support network.
• Phenols: Compounds like phloroglucinol glucoside found in hemp are specifically noted for their potential to combat skin aging.

Safety 

One of the most compelling reasons for the rise of hemp seed butter is its safety profile. In tests, hemp-based delivery carriers showed no effect on cell viability, suggesting the absence of irritant effects. Because it can be produced in fragrance-free, ultra-refined versions, it is considered a "gentle" option for those with the most sensitive skin. 

Conclusion

Hemp seed butter represents a sophisticated blend of traditional botanical wisdom and modern dermatological science. Its physical property as a "dry" butter allows it to solve the common consumer complaint of greasiness while still delivering the intense nourishment required by dry and aging skin. Hemp butter stands out as a promising, eco-friendly, and highly effective solution in the global skincare market.