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Welcome to Skincarma.

These are the musings of Carmine Montalto, NYC-based writer, skincare junkie and brand guru. The former copywriter at Kiehl’s, Carmine has more than 25 years of experience in beauty. Through the Skincarma Blog, he puts all of his product wisdom to work demystifying the ever-evolving world of skin care. 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: KIEHL’S CANNABIS SATIVA SEED OIL HERBAL CONCENTRATE – THE BEST FACE OIL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

KIEHL’S | CANNABIS SATIVA SEED OIL HERBAL CONCENTRATE

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This review was originally part of my blog article titled, My Favorite Facial Oils for Combatting Cold Weather with Kiehl's, Codex Beauty, Herbivore & More! You can catch the full piece here.

If BYBI’s Bakuchiol Booster is something its founders determined “doesn’t yet exist,” consider Kiehl’s hemp-derived Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate right alongside it.

To clarify, and it bears repeating over and over again, the ingredient Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is not the same thing as Cannabidiol, or CBD. Both are simply different components of the hemp plant.

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that’s relatively new to the scene. Also known as Hemp Seed Oil, like Sea Buckthorn it’s characterized as one of the best actives for the skin by Ms. Begoun. It’s a terrific nourishing emollient oil that’s also rich in replenishing fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants. All of which are superb for maintaining and restoring skin health.

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Here’s what Paula has to say about this multifaceted active:

“From the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Because both hemp and marijuana are from the genus Cannabis, they are often thought (erroneously) to have similar properties. In cosmetics, hemp seed oil is used as an emollient and to supply skin with omega fatty acids it needs to replenish itself and strengthen its surface against moisture loss. Specifically, hemp seed oil contains the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and the omega-6 fatty acid — linoleic acid.

Hemp seed oil also contains beneficial phospholipids, plant sterols, amino acids (it’s especially high in the amino acid arginine) and is a rich source of antioxidant vitamin E.

Another benefit of hemp seed oil is that it seems to enhance the benefits of cannabidiol, also known as CBD. This is likely due to the interaction between trace amounts of cannabinoids in hemp seed oil and pure cannabidiol.”

Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate is by no means a one-hit wonder. There are several beneficial actives in the formula. To start, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is itself the number one ingredient of just 12, which I presume puts it at about 65-75% of the formula.

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At ingredient number three is Vitamin E, a multi-beneficial active that’s both a reliable moisturizer and a potent antioxidant. The goodness continues with common, effective Sunflower Seed Oil.

Regrettably, there are a few drawbacks in the formula with the inclusion of two big skincare no-no’s: Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil and Mentha Piperita Oil, more commonly known as Geranium Oil and Peppermint Oil — one of the worst skin irritants, right up there with the dreaded lavender.

As they say, you can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

This is no perfect oil — but it’s a damn good one. I wouldn’t recommend it for those with truly sensitive or sensitized skin. By sensitized I mean skin that’s inflamed for one reason or the other. My skin can become sensitized when I use a strong Glycolic Acid peel — as was the case this past week with a professional facial.

There’s just something that’s so pleasing about the Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate. It’s resides somewhere between a greasy oil and a dry oil. And I love the mildly herbaceous scent.

SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate for $52 here.



The Ingredient List of the Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate:

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