The Forbidden Fruit

The bane of hemp’s existence is its roots with the Marijuana plant, which unlike hemp, does have a considerable THC content. Hemp on the other hand, or industrial hemp, as its referred to by the Canadian government, can be used as a base for making food (milk, flax seed-alternative), clothing (organic cotton or bamboo alternative) or biofuel energy. Some might argue this is the root of its struggle existing in the alternative world and preventing it from entering the mainstream. One company aiming to help change the image of hemp in the United States is California-based startup The Heeling Seed. The comprehensive skin and hair product collection is based on virgin organic hempseed oil extracted by cold pressing high-grade hempseeds. The result is an oil rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs), protein and vitamins and minerals.

The 100% vegan line offers products for the face, body and hair. Free of parabens, artificial colors and perfumes, the line claims that the omega-content in hempseed oil is great for healing and moisturizing, and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, many makers of hemp skincare lines say one of the benefits is the ability of hempseed oil to penetrate the skin’s upper layers to get in and do its work. After all, caviar, peptides and vitamins are great, but do nothing if they cannot penetrate the epidermis. Still let’s be honest—it’s nice to see an honest brand that doesn’t misuse the word organic and yet, has no visible signs of damaging detergent-like ingredients often found in skincare, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. While the products’ English Daisy scent is feminine, in a bind, it could be chocked up as a green, earthy scent to justify men’s use. The products are simultaneously light but nourishing, and absorb quickly. Even in the cold northeast winters, the facial cream appeared moisturizing enough when applied after a serum. The body cream soothes dry skin and left no residue.

We think this may be one step in the direction of a responsible company whose livelihood is tied to a plant in dire need of rebranding. While Canada’s Hemp Oil Canada has been making personal care and edible hemp-based products for years, we think the American market needs a different approach—one like that of The Healing Seed. Try it for a while, and once you realize you aren’t getting high by absorbing the rich hempseed oil, you might tell your friends this hemp thing may have promise…

Bonus: According to The Healing Seed website, the company plans to introduce a face scrub and a face mask in 2009.

Legalizing Hemp: For one perspective on hemp’s potential, check out this editorial by politician Cynthia Thielen in the Star-Bulletin of Hawaii, a state that has been trying expand agricultural efforts through hemp for more than a decade.

Where: Products are very reasonably priced and range from $10.95 for a 3-ounce hand cream to $13.95 for a 10-ounce hair conditioner. For more information, to buy online, or to find a retailer near you carrying The Healing Seed, visit The Healing Seed website.