The anti-acne cosmetics industry was a $2.3 billion market in 2020—and it’s projected to continue to grow throughout the rest of this decade, according to Grand View Research. That’s not too surprising when you consider how prevalent acne is:

• 95% of male adolescents suffer from acne 
• 85% of female adolescents suffer from acne
• 40% of both boys and girls experience moderate-to-severe acne

It’s not limited to the adolescent stage either: half of the teenage acne sufferers continue to struggle with acne in adulthood. And women and men report acne flare-ups when they’re experiencing hormonal changes.  

Acne is often more than just blemishes and a nuisance: there are emotional and mental health-related repercussions. Acne patients are more likely to have low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even loneliness, per Grand View Research, because of the negative social stigma of acne. 

Non-Comedogenic Versus Comedogenic Oils

Acne sufferers often turn to the web to diagnose their acne condition. Dr. Google and internet beauty gurus have responded that certain common natural oils in skincare can provoke acne while other oils are considered helpful and even supportive for acne sufferers—or so-called non-comedogenic oils.

An oil that is non-comedogenic is one that won’t clog your skin’s pores, and shouldn’t encourage blackheads or pimples. Non-comedogenic oils are often used in moisturizers and skin creams, and also as carrier oils in other products that may be applied to the skin. For instance, a carrier oil will be paired with an essential oil so that it can be applied to the skin (typically essential oils shouldn’t go directly onto your skin).

There are four oils commonly used in cosmetic products that are considered off-limits by acne sufferers, as they have a high comedogenic rating—aka clog pores and exacerbate acne: 

•       Almond oil
•       Apricot kernel oil 
•       Avocado oil 
•       Coconut oil  

While there is some debate around this scale, ingredient-savvy consumers will notice if you have a facial skincare product that contains an acne-causing comedogenic oil, and this could fuel “bad press.” 

Recently, hemp seed oil has been trending as one of the most popular oils to incorporate into new cosmetic formulas. As with any other cosmetic ingredient, it’s important to understand the implications of ingredient selection and end-user perception. Cosmetic formulators and Instagram influencers alike are pleased to see a very favorable hemp seed oil comedogenic rating of zero. A zero on the comedogenic scale means it’s ideal for all skin types including those with acne-prone skin.

The Best Hemp Seed Oil for Skincare

That’s why Victory Hemp, the leader in hemp seed oil, developed V-ONE™ Hemp Heart Oil. V-ONE™ is ideal for cosmetic applications. Not only does hemp seed oil’s comedogenic rating of zero make it ideal for all skin types, but also there’s research that suggests it’s promising for acne-related inflammatory skin issues.

One particular study—published in 2018 in PLoS ONE—looked at hemp seed extracts and a type of bacteria that fuels acne. The researchers found that hemp seed extracts had three main acne-related benefits: antimicrobial activity against acne, helped lower acne-related skin inflammation, and also encouraged collagen and lipid synthesis in the skin.

Consuming hemp seed oil could promote skin health, too. There’s preliminary research that looks at consuming hemp seed oil, or supplementing the diet with the omega-3 ALA, which is the type of omega-3 fat found in hemp seed oil—these findings are fueling the next wave of "inside-out beauty" products: supplements. Promising studies include hemp seed oil or omega-3 supplements to improve dry skin and eczema, preventing sunburn, and thwarting some age-related skin thinning. 

Bottom line: Social stigma is fueling the anti-acne cosmetics industry. And simultaneously, there’s a growing interest for natural skincare products. Choosing V-ONE™ Hemp Heart Oil meets both of these growing consumer interests. But also, V-ONE™ is easier to formulate with than traditional hemp seed oil: V-ONE™ has the clarity of a refined oil and the skin-healthy nutrients of a traditional green hemp seed oil thanks to our proprietary process that extracts oil from the hemp heart of the hemp seed.

Are you interested in using—or trialing—V-ONE™ in your next skincare formula? Contact us here!