Hemp for Clothing and Skincare

Liz Filmer
26 May 2024

Hemp is amazing. Cultivated for multi-purpose use over thousands of years, this eco-friendly "hero" plant is used in food products, textiles, biofuels and even building materials. Two of the most popular uses for Hemp currently however are Skincare and Clothing. 


What Is Hemp Fabric?

Hemp fabric is created from fibres from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant. Over thousands of years, Cannabis sativa has been bred for two distinct purposes. One is selective breeding to create strains high in THC and other cannabinoids. The other is the breeding of Cannabis sativa to produce stronger and better fibres with reduced levels of psychoactive cannabinoids like THC. As a result, two distinct strains of Cannabis sativa have emerged. 

Organic Hemp Fabrics

The stalks of the hemp plant consist of two layers: The outer layer is formed from rope-like bast fibres and it is these that are used for textile purposes; the inner, woody layer is commonly used for fuel, building materials, and animal bedding. 

Once the outer layer of bast fibres is stripped from the hemp plant, it is processed into rope or yarn. Hemp rope is so strong that it was once the top choice for rigging and sails on maritime ships

More countries are now welcoming the mainstream cultivation of industrial hemp, indicating that the modern renaissance of hemp fabric is reaching its peak. 

Hemp fabric is similar in texture to cotton but also feels somewhat like canvas. It doesn't shrink easily and is highly invulnerable to pilling. Because the fibres from this plant are long and sturdy, hemp fabric is very soft but still highly durable. A standard cotton T-shirt can last 10 years at the most whereas a hemp T-shirt can last double or triple that time. 

Hemp Fabric Qualities

Hemp is lightweight, meaning that it is highly breathable, effectively facilitating the travel of moisture from the skin to the atmosphere, making it ideal for hot climates. Hemp fabric is easy to dye and is highly resistant to mould, mildew, and potentially harmful microbes. 

Hemp fabric softens with each wash and its fibres don't degrade in the wash. Organic hemp is relatively easy to produce making it sustainable and ideal for clothing.

Hemp for Skincare

With each little seed overflowing with potential benefits, it’s no surprise that hemp seed oil has become such a popular ingredient in the beauty industry in recent years. There are a multitude of ways to use hemp oil for skin, from face to body. 

What is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil AKA hemp oil, comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. Packed with protein and nourishing fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6*, hemp has been the best-kept secret in skincare, health and beauty.

Hemp seed oil is a versatile substance that is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. The seeds contain only trace levels of cannabinoids and are richer in nutrients and fatty acids that help to nourish both skin and hair. This makes hemp oil an extremely popular ingredient in food and skincare products.

Like other carrier oils, Hemp Oil can be used 'as is' on the skin, hair, and nails to benefit from its enriching moisturizing and soothing effects. A highly versatile oil, Hemp Oil can be easily incorporated into various formulations for cosmetic products, as well as at-home beauty and skin care remedies.

Hemp is especially known for having high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as Gamma-Linolenic Acid (Omega-6) and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3) that are optimally balanced and give rise to exceptional moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to beautifying and anti-ageing uses, Hemp Oil can be helpful for a variety of common skin ailments, such as dry skin, acne, eczema, psoriasis, scars, and oily skin

Hemp seed oil is wonderfully nourishing. This intense moisturiser is believed to provide practical relief to tight, dry skin. Considered more than simply a quick fix, hemp seed oil is believed to restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Naturally, that makes hemp a hero for all kinds of dry skin conditions all over the body.

More From Soft Secrets:

How Hemp is Changing Fashion

Hemp Batteries

Hemp & Cannabis, the Difference

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Liz Filmer