Scottish Hemp in Skincare: Benefits, Heritage & Home Remedies
Scottish Hemp: The Quiet Powerhouse of Skincare
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a humble yet historic plant—cultivated in Scotland for centuries and revered for its many uses, from textiles to remedies. In skincare, it’s quietly become a botanical hero. Scottish-grown hemp is gentle yet effective, rich in nutrients that soothe, hydrate and repair the skin without clogging pores or disrupting its natural balance.
At Raven Botanicals, we use cold-pressed hemp seed oil in several of our products. This golden oil is light in texture, quick to absorb and packed with the kind of plant power that nourishes all skin types—especially those in need of rescue.
A Scottish Legacy Rooted in the Land
Hemp was once a common sight in Scottish agriculture. From as early as the 16th century, farmers grew hemp across regions like Fife, the Borders and Aberdeenshire. It was such a vital crop that landowners were often required by law to grow a quota of it each year, especially during times of naval expansion when rope and sailcloth were in high demand.
Scotland’s climate suited hemp well. It thrives without chemical inputs, grows fast, suppresses weeds naturally and restores soil health between rotations. In coastal villages, it was used to make nets and sails; in inland crofts, it was spun into linen-like cloth or pressed into oil for lamp-light and medicine.
Today, as hemp returns to regenerative farms across Scotland, it carries with it this heritage of usefulness, resilience and quiet strength.
Why Hemp Loves the Skin
Hemp seed oil is one of the most balanced plant oils in nature. It contains the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, making it deeply nourishing without being heavy. It also boasts rare gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a potent anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce redness and support cell regeneration.
Other benefits include:
Restores the skin’s lipid barrier, improving moisture retention
Calms irritation from acne, eczema, rosacea or psoriasis
Helps balance sebum production in oily skin
Offers antioxidants that support ageing or environmentally stressed skin
It’s a dry oil that disappears into the skin—leaving it soft, supple and supported from within.
Not CBD—Just Beautiful Balance
Unlike CBD oil, which is derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, hemp seed oil is pressed solely from the seeds. It contains no cannabinoids or psychoactive compounds, making it completely safe and legal, but no less powerful.
Used topically, hemp seed oil doesn’t interfere with the skin—it works alongside it. And for those with sensitive or problematic skin, that kind of gentle harmony makes all the difference.
Heritage in a Bottle: Rescue Serum
Hemp seed oil plays a central role in Rescue Serum, Raven Botanicals’ potent skin-saving treatment. Formulated to tackle redness, breakouts, dehydration and irritation, it harnesses the power of broad-spectrum Scottish hemp alongside homegrown nettle, blackcurrant seed oil and marine algae.
This multi-tasking oil serum delivers a high concentration of phytonutrients, vitamins and essential fatty acids that:
- Soothe irritation
- Support collagen production
- Promote healing
- Reduce hyperpigmentation
- Restore skin clarity
Good for all skin types. Especially great for struggling skin. Rescue Serum won’t clog pores and is suitable for both adolescent and mature complexions.It’s best applied to damp, freshly cleansed skin.
Handmade in small batches. Cruelty-free. Vegan. Palm oil free. Preservative-free. Recyclable packaging.
Home Remedies with Hemp
If you want to explore hemp beyond skincare, here are two easy ways to tap into its soothing, balancing qualities at home.
Hemp Seed Oil Facial Steam (for tired or congested skin)
- Boil a kettle and pour hot water into a heat-safe bowl.
- Add a few drops of hemp seed oil and a teaspoon of dried chamomile or lavender.
- Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, allowing the steam to open your pores and carry the plant’s calming compounds deep into the skin.
- Steam for 5–8 minutes, then pat dry and apply a serum or oil.
Soothing Hemp & Oat Bath Soak (for itchy or irritated skin)
- Mix 1 cup of finely ground oats with 1 tablespoon of hemp seed oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Tie into a muslin cloth or old sock and steep in a warm bath.
This blend calms dry, itchy or inflamed skin and leaves the body feeling soft and nourished.
ROOTED, RESPONSIBLE, RICH IN HERITAGE
At Raven Botanicals, we believe the best skincare begins with plants—especially those grown close to home. There’s a quiet wisdom in traditional herbs like hemp, nettle and yarrow, and a deep sense of connection when we use ingredients cultivated in our own soil. That’s why we prioritise British-grown botanicals wherever possible, supporting regenerative farming and reducing the distance from field to face. Plant-based skincare isn’t just effective—it’s rooted, responsible, and rich in heritage.
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Conclusion
At Raven Botanicals, we champion the power of homegrown botanicals—and our Scottish hemp is no exception. In our mighty Rescue Serum, hemp seed oil works in harmony with nettle, blackcurrant, and marine algae to calm inflammation, balance oil production, and deeply nourish the skin barrier. Grown without fuss and full of goodness, this gentle yet hard-working plant is ideal for skin that’s stressed, sensitive, or simply in need of a little extra care.
The Author: Charlotte Harvey, Founder, Raven Botanicals
Charlotte is the co-founder of Raven Botanicals, a natural skincare brand rooted in the wild beauty of the Scottish landscape. With a background in botany and forensic science, Charlotte brings a unique blend of scientific insight and plant wisdom to every formulation. Passionate about gentle, purposeful skincare, she champions the philosophy of botanical minimalism - helping others find confidence through nature-led rituals that nourish both skin and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is industrial hemp and how is it different from cannabis?
Industrial hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant grown specifically for its fibre and seeds. Unlike marijuana, it contains less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound) and won’t cause a high. In skincare, hemp is prized for its nutrient-rich seed oil—not for any intoxicating effects.
Is industrial hemp oil good for all skin types?
Yes, hemp seed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and it balances natural oil production. Its lightweight texture and anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for oily, dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin alike.
How does hemp seed oil benefit the skin?
Hemp seed oil is packed with essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9), vitamins A and E, and antioxidants. It deeply hydrates, calms inflammation, supports the skin barrier, and helps soothe conditions like eczema, redness, and breakouts.
Is hemp in skincare legal and safe to use daily?
Yes, hemp-derived ingredients like hemp seed oil are completely legal in skincare across the UK and most countries. When cold-pressed and unrefined, it's gentle enough for daily use and delivers long-term benefits for skin health.
