Cosmetics and Soaps

Publication Year:

2003

Image retrieved from www.motherearthnews.com on February 20th, 2014.
Hemp oil makes a high-quality, economical base for cosmetics that use pure oil. Each hemp seed contains about 30 percent oil. which is extruded when the seeds are pressed.
Hemp oil is easily absorbed by the skin and with its high content of nutrients, makes nourishing skin-care products. It's currently used as base for lip gloss, makeup, hand lotions, shampoos, and soaps. Companies such as the body Shop now sell hemp-based cosmetics and soaps.
If you prefer to make your own, try the following recipe for hemp soap, from Gail Cohen of Toronto, which makes five or six medium-sized bars:

HEMP SOAP

Molds (muffin tins, special soap molds, or any small glass or metal container)

1 lb (500 g)	melt-and-pour clear soap base (available at soap-supplies stores or online at www.soapscope.com, where I buy it)
1 tbsp (15 ml)	hemp oil (use clear oil so your soap won't have bits of residue or be really dark)
1 tsp (5 ml)	color, fragrance, or essential oils, if desired (green tea and lemongrass complement hem oil).

1. Microwave soap base in a glass container, being careful not to let the soap base boil. Alternately, melt soap base in a double boiler or in a bowl over a pot of simmering water. be sure you keep a lid on the bowl that is holding your soap; this will keep the moisture from evaporating from your soap base.

2. When the soap melts, add the hemp oil slowly, stirring gently to avoid creating bubbles. Add fragrance, color, or essential oils at this point and gently stir to combine.

3. Pour the soap slowly into the molds. Any bubbles may be removed by a spritz of rubbing alcohol.

4. Allow the soap to cool and harden for a couple of hours undisturbed (depending on the size of the molds). If you must speed the drying time, place your soap in the freezer, being careful that the soap doesn't freeze. Once your soap has set, remove bars from their molds. Voila, they're ready to use. Because the soap is high in emollient vegetable glycerin, be sure to wrap your finished soaps in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.

pp. 80-82 Hemp by Mark Bourrie (2003)