Hemp Soap: Everything You Need To Know
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It’s no secret that hemp is a miracle plant, but do you know how incredible hemp soap is? Maybe you already know about hemp milk , hemp fuel , and even how it’s used to make WAMA’s fabulous hemp racerback bralette . You may think that’s all you need to know about hemp! But I’m here to tell you that when it comes to soap there’s much more where that came from.
The physical benefits you can enjoy with hemp soap are numerous, as it’s a great remedy for many skin issues. Hemp soap is also a far more environmentally-friendly choice than conventional soap. Talk about a win-win! Now you’re curious, right? Don’t worry, I’m going to tell you how hemp soap is made, how it affects your skin, and what it’s good for.
Then, since I know you’ll be anxious to start using hemp soap yourself, I’ll give you the deets on how to choose the hemp seed oil soap that’s right for you, and where to buy them. Read on and I have a feeling that you (and your skin) will be thankful you did.
HOW HEMP SOAP IS MADE
Hemp soap is made using hemp seed oil, which is also often referred to as “hemp oil”. Hemp oil is a clear greenish oil that’s harvested by cold-pressing hemp seeds that have had their shells removed either mechanically or manually. The oil has a nutty flavor and scent.
To make hemp soap, hemp oil is often mixed with other oils like coconut or olive oil that are then combined with sodium hydroxide in a process called saponification . (Which sounds just like what it is – making soap!) This is basically a fancy way of describing the chemical process that occurs when the right proportions of fatty acid and a base are combined. When this happens, the oils you used go from clear to opaque. At that point, scent (often provided by essential oils) is added. When it cools, the result is freshly made soap!
5 GREAT HEMP SOAP BENEFITS
Hemp soap can do so much more than just wash you off. Hemp seed oil soap’s high amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as all nine essential amino acids that your body uses to make protein, affect your skin in a number of ways. Spoiler alert: All of them are good.
1. HEMP SOAP HELPS REGULATE YOUR SKIN'S OIL PRODUCTION
Your body produces its own oils, but hemp oil can help regulate that oil production . This is important because when your skin produces too much oil it can cause acne. (Ugh!) And when it produces too little, your skin can become overly dry. (Not good either!) This regulating ability makes hemp soap a great choice no matter if you have oily, dry, or even combination skin.
2. HEMP SOAP MOISTURIZES YOUR SKIN
Hemp oil is naturally moisturizing , which is a big part of what makes hemp soap so nourishing for your skin. After all, there’s no better time to lock in moisture than while you’re in the shower and your skin is wet! The fats found in hemp oil soap, like those Omega-3s, Omega-6s, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), are similar to your body’s natural lipids. This allows them to penetrate your skin better without clogging your pores. While soft and smooth are in, blackheads are definitely O-U-T! There’s no need to put up with skin congestion to prevent dryness.
3. HEMP SOAP IS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Hemp soap’s GLA is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that encourages skin growth and new cell generation. The GLA in hemp soap, in combination with its Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, can help to calm inflamed skin conditions , including acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, sunburns, and atopic dermatitis by reducing redness and swelling, without harsh chemicals. Just hearing that is soothing, isn’t it?
Hemp oil is so powerful it’s also used in products for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases because it can reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. Who wouldn’t want some of that in their body wash? Let’s get your blood flowing, girl! It’s also great for other burns on your skin too. Keep a bar in the kitchen for those times you accidentally touch a hot pan. (Hey, it happens to all of us!)
WHAT KIND OF HEMP SOAP YOU SHOULD BUY
There are two basic types of hemp soap: hemp bar soap and liquid hemp seed oil soap. Each can suit slightly different preferences or needs. Hemp bar soap tends to just be used for washing your face, hands, and body. And it does that well, as we have seen!
Liquid hemp seed oil soap can be used this way, too. But it can also be used for many other cleaning jobs, like making DIY dish detergent or even your own hemp-soap-based toothpaste! No matter if you want to stick to using hemp soap on your skin or also for other uses, here are 7 great hemp soap options for everyone.
1. FOR MULTI-TASKERS: DR. BRONNER'S
Dr. Bronner offers both hemp bar soap and liquid hemp seed oil soap, in the form of their Pure-Castile Liquid soap, which comes in eight scents and sizes ranging from 2oz to 1 gallon. By diluting this soap you can clean not only your face, body, and hair, but also your laundry, floors, windows, and even pets! It can do it all!
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2. FOR PURISTS: ZATURAL'S
This brand makes their delightful hemp soap with 30% pure hemp oil and hemp powder. It’s lightly scented with rosemary, peppermint, and lavender essential oils. If you know your skin loves hemp oil, this will really shower it with love (pun intended)!
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3. FOR GIFT-GIVERS: THE YELLOW BIRD
The Yellow Bird’s Patchouli, Hemp, and Clay Bar soap can be purchased in packs of 5 to share with friends (at a 20% discount). Their cute packaging makes it ready to gift. Give four to friends and keep the free one for yourself!
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4. FOR SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE MINIMALISTS: COVE
With only 7 ingredients and 7 scents to choose from, you can get regular deliveries of Cove’s Pure and Vegan Castile soap made without palm kernel oil. Like other liquid hemp soaps, this one can also be used on the body, pets, and for household cleaning. And you can save 10% with regular deliveries!
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5. FOR CBD LOVERS: MYREMEDE
My Remede’s Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Lavender and Mint Soap also contains 50 mg CBD oil. Get the benefits of both hemp oil and the relaxing effects of CBD oil in one little bar!
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6. FOR BARGAIN SHOPPERS: NUBIAN HERITAGE
Nubian Heritage ’ s Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver Bar Soap is less than $1 an ounce. This one is a great way to dip your toe into the hemp soap experience (and the rest of your body too)!
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7. FOR DIYERS: PIFITO
Try Pifito’s hemp seed oil melt and pour soap base to make your own hemp soap. For those with the time, patience, or DIY know-how, you can create hemp soaps with the scents of your dreams by adding your own combination of essential oils to the mix. Cypress, pine, and sandalwood hemp soap? Hey, I’d try that!
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CONCLUSION: HEMP SOAP IS THE BEST SOAP
There are so many hemp soap benefits—whether you’re looking to treat acne, heal, prevent aging, or just keep your skin nourished and moisturized. It’s clear that your soap can do so much more than clean when you choose hemp soap.
Since hemp soap is not only great for your skin but also great for the environment this makes it a product you can truly feel good about both using and buying. Plus, just think of how soft and smooth skin will feel after your next shower as you slip on your favorite hemp triangle bralette and thong underwear on your next date night.
Have you tried hemp soap before? Which hemp soap benefit sounds the best to you? Let me know what you think in the comments below!