Hemp oil: a virtuous plant good for the skin and the planet
History and Symbolism
Hemp (cannabis sativa) is a virtuous, precious, and profoundly modern plant. Long misunderstood or poorly perceived, hemp is now making a comeback due to its extraordinary benefits. It's a plant that's good for the skin and for the planet.
For millennia, hemp was a discreet but essential companion to humanity. Hemp grows quickly, everywhere, without artifice or fuss. As early as 8000 BC, it was cultivated in Asia for its fibers, seeds, and leaves. It was used for everything: making paper, weaving sails, building ropes, and feeding animals and people. In ancient China, it was also used in medicine to calm inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and treat burns. In 17th-century France, Colbert mandated its cultivation in Breton ports to supply the royal navy. But hemp gradually fell into oblivion with the rise of cotton and the bad image of its cousin, cannabis. It wasn't until the 21st century that we finally rediscovered what hemp truly is: a resilient, generous, and sustainable plant with multiple resources.
Extraction and Properties
Hemp oil (Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil), a light green color, is obtained by cold pressing its seeds (not its flowers). It has a light texture, is quickly absorbed, and has a remarkable nutritional composition. Its balance of omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid) is almost perfect. Several studies demonstrate its natural anti-inflammatory effectiveness. On the skin, its effectiveness has been shown in strengthening the barrier and soothing inflammation. It is particularly valuable for dry, sensitive skin, prone to eczema or redness.
In our creations
Hemp oil embodies everything we stand for at Domaine Singulier: the intelligence of nature. In Savon de Belle Façon, the hemp oil used comes from France. It is certified organic and cold-pressed to preserve all its benefits. It is combined with three other pure vegetable oils, including sweet almond, and shea butter for a synergy and perfect balance between effectiveness, care, and sensoriality.
Questions you might ask. And we answer them.
How is hemp cultivated in France? Hemp is a robust, economical, and naturally ecological plant that grows without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. It is generally cultivated organically or sustainably, often rotated with other crops to regenerate the soil. Hemp is sown in spring between March and May depending on the region and harvested between August and September when the seeds mature. Hemp is one of the rare crops where 100% of the plant is utilized.
How can you recognize quality hemp oil? Good hemp oil is distinguished by its light green color, delicate plant scent, and light texture. At Domaine Singulier, we select French, organic, and cold-pressed varieties – a requirement for purity and traceability.
Is hemp comedogenic? No, hemp oil is not comedogenic. Thanks to its fine texture and composition very similar to human sebum, it penetrates easily without clogging pores. On the contrary, it helps to naturally regulate sebum production. Its proven soothing and repairing action also makes it ideal for calming sensitive and reactive skin. In short, it's a joy for all skin types.
On the INCI list for Savon de Belle Façon, it says "Sodium Hempseedate"? "Sodium Hempseedate" is simply the name for saponified hemp oil; it results from the cold saponification process. Once saponified, the oil changes its chemical structure and becomes soap. Regulations therefore require them to be named sodium + the name of the oil to indicate that it is the saponified version. For Savon de Belle Façon, we start with the raw, organic, and unrefined ingredient.
How is hemp good for the planet? Hemp is an excellent example of sustainable agriculture. It grows quickly (in less than 100 days), with very little water and no need for chemical inputs. Its deep roots improve soil structure, and its cultivation captures more CO2 than most forests. Another virtue: every part of the plant can be used – nothing is wasted. Textile fibers, insulation, food, cosmetics... Hemp embodies a form of ecological intelligence that we particularly appreciate at Domaine Singulier.