The role of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in cosmeceuticals and personal care: A systematic review

Abstract

The hemp botanical resource has a wide scope of application in cosmeceutics and personal care. Hemp, rich in essential fatty acids, cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD), flavonoids, terpenoids, and antioxidants, possesses several therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sebo-regulatory, and photoprotective effects. This review exposes the history, phytochemistry, and mode of action of hemp in promoting dermatological applications. Priority attention is given to the combined application of hemp seed oil and CBD to promote bioavailability and skin penetration via emulsions, nanoemulsions, liposomes, and solid nanoparticles. The clinical tests apprise about the possibility of using hemp to cure acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia, and oxidative skin damage. The regulatory environment, safety concerns, and its acceptability in the market have been a topic of discussion, and there is a need to standardize the cannabinoid content, mode of administration, and clinical evidence of clinical effectiveness. Due to the existing regulatory and formulation challenges, hemp-based cosmeceuticals stand at the core of personalized skincare and trichology due to the multifunctional nature of its bioactive compounds.