Eczema and psoriasis are two of the most common chronic skin conditions worldwide, together affecting hundreds of millions of people. Eczema — also known as atopic dermatitis — causes dry, red, intensely itchy patches that can crack and weep. Psoriasis produces thick, silvery-scaled plaques driven by an overactive immune response that accelerates skin cell turnover far beyond normal rates. While neither condition has a cure, both can be managed through a combination of moisturizers, anti-inflammatory treatments, trigger avoidance, and stress reduction.
In the search for natural adjuncts to conventional care, cold-pressed hemp seed oil has attracted growing attention from patients, dermatologists, and formulators alike. Unlike heavier plant oils that sit on the skin’s surface, hemp seed oil absorbs quickly and delivers a profile of fatty acids that aligns with what inflamed, compromised skin needs most: barrier repair, inflammation control, and deep moisture without pore congestion.
This article is written for anyone asking whether hemp seed oil for eczema and psoriasis is worth trying. We will explain the biological mechanisms behind the oil’s effects, review what research says, and provide practical guidance on how to use it safely and effectively — both topically and as a dietary supplement. As always, “hemp seed oil” throughout this article refers to oil pressed strictly from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. It contains no CBD, no THC, and no psychoactive compounds. It is a food-grade seed oil, not a cannabinoid product.
Understanding Eczema and Psoriasis
Before examining how hemp seed oil interacts with these conditions, it helps to understand what is happening beneath the skin’s surface.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder rooted in two interrelated dysfunctions: an overactive immune system and a compromised skin barrier. In healthy skin, the stratum corneum — the outermost layer — acts as a selectively permeable shield, retaining moisture and blocking irritants, allergens, and microbes. In eczematous skin, this barrier is defective, often due to genetic mutations in the filaggrin protein that normally helps bind skin cells together. The result is excessive transepidermal water loss and vulnerability to environmental triggers. The immune system, already primed toward allergic-type responses, reacts to these invading irritants with persistent inflammation, producing the characteristic redness, swelling, and relentless itch.
Psoriasis is fundamentally different in origin but shares the common thread of uncontrolled inflammation. It is an autoimmune condition in which T-cells — a type of white blood cell — mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. In response, the body accelerates the production of new skin cells to a rate roughly ten times faster than normal. Instead of shedding quietly, these excess cells pile up on the surface, forming thick, scaly plaques that are often painful and prone to cracking. Underneath, inflammation continues to simmer, fueling a cycle that can persist for years or decades.
What both conditions share — beyond their visibility and psychological impact — is a core of inflammation-driven tissue damage and barrier dysfunction. Any natural intervention that aims to help must address those two factors simultaneously. This is precisely where hemp seed oil’s unique composition becomes relevant.
Why Hemp Seed Oil May Help: The GLA Connection
The single most distinctive fatty acid in hemp seed oil is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 compound present at approximately 2–4% of the total oil. GLA is rare in the plant kingdom. The only other significant natural sources are evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil — all of which have been studied extensively for inflammatory skin conditions precisely because of this compound.
What makes GLA interesting for eczema and psoriasis is its role in the body’s inflammatory signaling cascade. Once absorbed — either through the skin or via digestion — GLA is converted into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). DGLA, in turn, serves as a precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, specifically those in the series-1 group. These prostaglandins help counterbalance the pro-inflammatory series-2 prostaglandins that fuel the redness, swelling, and itching characteristic of eczema and psoriasis flares.
A body of research, while not large by pharmaceutical standards, has explored GLA supplementation for atopic dermatitis. Some early trials — including studies in the 1990s and early 2000s using evening primrose oil and borage oil — reported measurable reductions in itching, scaling, and the need for topical corticosteroids. Not all studies have been positive; a 2013 Cochrane review found the evidence for evening primrose oil and borage oil in eczema to be inconsistent overall. However, the authors noted significant variation in study design, dosage, and treatment duration, and they stopped short of concluding GLA is ineffective. The picture that emerges from the literature is that GLA-rich oils help a subset of eczema patients — particularly those with moderate disease and no other effective options — and that response is highly individual.
Hemp seed oil offers GLA in combination with a uniquely balanced broader fatty acid profile, which distinguishes it from single-source GLA oils. The presence of both omega-3 and omega-6 in near-optimal proportion means that hemp seed oil supports anti-inflammatory pathways from multiple angles, not just through the GLA route alone.
Omega-3 and Omega-6: The Inflammation Balance
Inflammation is not a single on-off switch. It is a complex network of signals governed in part by the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids available in the body. Modern Western diets tend to be heavily skewed toward omega-6 — from vegetable oils, processed foods, and grain-fed animal products — while omega-3 intake from fatty fish, flax, and walnuts often falls short. This imbalance pushes the body toward a pro-inflammatory state, which may worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis where inflammation is already running high.
Hemp seed oil contains both omega-6 and omega-3 in a naturally occurring ratio of approximately 3:1. This ratio is widely regarded as optimal for human physiology and is rarely found in other commonly consumed oils. The dominant omega-6 is linoleic acid (LA), making up roughly 50–60% of the oil. The omega-3 is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), at roughly 15–20%. Neither LA nor ALA can be produced by the body — both are essential fatty acids that must come from diet or topical application.
For someone with eczema or psoriasis, this balanced profile matters because:
- LA reinforces the skin barrier. It is a direct precursor to ceramides, the lipid molecules that function as mortar between skin cells. Adequate LA intake is associated with lower transepidermal water loss and greater resistance to irritants.
- ALA provides anti-inflammatory backstop. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to compete with omega-6 for the same enzymatic pathways, reducing the production of strongly pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. While dietary ALA converts to the longer-chain EPA and DHA at limited efficiency, its direct anti-inflammatory effects still contribute meaningfully.
- GLA adds targeted inflammation control. As discussed above, GLA operates through a separate pathway that leads to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, complementing the barrier-building and anti-inflammatory work of LA and ALA respectively.
Taken together, the fatty acid trio in hemp seed oil addresses the two pillars of eczema and psoriasis pathology: barrier weakness and runaway inflammation. This is not a speculative claim — it follows from well-established lipid biochemistry, and it aligns with the outcomes observed in the clinical studies that have tested GLA-rich oils on inflammatory skin disease.
Skin Barrier Repair
The stratum corneum has often been compared to a brick wall: the dead skin cells (corneocytes) are the bricks, and the lipids that fill the spaces between them are the mortar. In eczema, the mortar is defective. Key lipids — including ceramides, which constitute roughly 50% of the intercellular matrix — are present in lower concentrations and altered proportions. The wall becomes porous, water escapes freely, and irritants gain entry.
Linoleic acid, the dominant fatty acid in hemp seed oil, plays a direct structural role in barrier repair. Within the epidermis, linoleic acid is incorporated into acylceramides, a specialized class of ceramides that are essential for forming the lamellar lipid sheets that seal the barrier. When linoleic acid is deficient — whether due to diet, genetics, or excessive washing — the barrier cannot self-repair efficiently. Topical application of linoleic acid-rich oils has been shown in multiple dermatological studies to accelerate barrier recovery after controlled damage, more so than oils dominated by oleic acid (such as olive oil).
For eczema patients specifically, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine evaluated fatty acid profiles in the skin of atopic dermatitis patients and found consistent linoleic acid depletion in both lesional and non-lesional skin, suggesting a systemic barrier defect. The authors concluded that lipid replacement therapy — meaning oils and moisturizers rich in physiological lipids — should be a cornerstone of eczema management. Hemp seed oil, with its 50–60% linoleic acid content, qualifies as a candidate for this role.
For psoriasis, the barrier issue is different in character but no less relevant. Psoriatic plaques have an abnormal lipid organization, and the accelerated cell turnover prevents the formation of a properly structured lipid matrix. While linoleic acid alone cannot normalize psoriatic cell proliferation, restoring the barrier reduces the secondary irritation, cracking, and infection risk that make plaques more painful and slower to heal.
Moisturizing Without Clogging Pores
Many people with eczema or psoriasis are understandably cautious about applying oil to already-troubled skin. The fear is that heavy, greasy products will sit on the surface, trap heat, and provoke more irritation or breakouts. This is a valid concern with oils like coconut oil (comedogenic rating of 4) or wheat germ oil (comedogenic rating of 5), which can indeed clog pores and worsen acne-prone or congested skin.
Hemp seed oil carries a comedogenic rating of 0 on the standard 0–5 scale. This means it is considered non-comedogenic: it does not tend to block pores or cause acne. The reason lies in its molecular composition. Hemp seed oil is predominantly made of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are lighter and less viscous than the monounsaturated oleic acid that dominates olive oil, avocado oil, and most nut oils. It spreads thinly, absorbs within minutes, and leaves little to no greasy residue.
This makes hemp seed oil suitable for application to the face, neck, hands, elbows, and other areas where psoriasis and eczema commonly appear. It can be used on children (with patch testing and parental supervision), on sensitive facial skin, and in skin folds where heavier products can cause maceration. For someone dealing with the dual challenge of eczema and acne — a combination that is more common than many realize, particularly in adolescents — a non-comedogenic moisturizing oil is important.
The oil also carries a secondary benefit for dry, cracked skin: it reduces friction. Dry eczematous patches can feel tight and painful when clothing or bedding rubs against them. A light coating of hemp seed oil creates a thin slip layer that reduces mechanical irritation, providing comfort in addition to moisturization.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Fatty acids are the headline act, but hemp seed oil also contains a supporting cast of bioactive compounds that contribute to its skin-soothing profile.
Vitamin E (tocopherols) is present in meaningful concentrations, particularly gamma-tocopherol, which has distinct anti-inflammatory properties beyond its well-known antioxidant function. Vitamin E neutralizes lipid peroxidation — the oxidative degradation of skin lipids that is triggered by UV exposure, pollution, and inflammation. In eczema and psoriasis, where inflammation generates oxidative stress locally, vitamin E helps break the cycle of damage that sustains flares.
Phytosterols are plant compounds structurally similar to cholesterol. In the skin, they contribute to barrier structure and have been shown to reduce erythema (redness) and calm irritation when applied topically. Some phytosterols also exhibit mild anti-inflammatory activity by modulating cytokine production.
Polyphenols and carotenoids, present in smaller amounts in unrefined cold-pressed hemp seed oil, add incremental antioxidant capacity. Their contribution is modest compared to the fatty acids and vitamin E, but in skincare — especially for chronically inflamed skin — the cumulative effect of multiple anti-inflammatory compounds working together is generally greater than any single component alone.
This synergistic profile is why cold-pressed, unrefined hemp seed oil is preferred for therapeutic skin applications. Refining processes strip away many of these minor compounds, yielding a neutral oil that is functionally a fatty acid delivery vehicle without the antioxidant bonus. For eczema and psoriasis, the cold-pressed form preserves the full spectrum of skin-relevant nutrients.
How to Use Hemp Seed Oil for Eczema and Psoriasis
Hemp seed oil can be used in multiple ways, and the best approach often combines topical application with dietary intake for systemic and local effects working in parallel.
Topical Application
Topical use is the most direct way to deliver the oil’s fatty acids and anti-inflammatory compounds to affected skin.
After showering: Apply 2–3 drops directly to clean, slightly damp skin within three minutes of patting dry. Damp skin absorbs oils more effectively than bone-dry skin, and the trapped surface moisture contributes to the hydration effect. Massage gently — do not rub — until the oil is mostly absorbed.
Frequency: Twice daily is a reasonable starting point, once in the morning and once before bed. For milder cases, once daily may suffice. Listen to your skin: if it feels adequately moisturized and comfortable, you are using the right amount.
Spot treatment: For isolated plaques or patches, place a single drop on the fingertip and dab it onto the area. Avoid aggressive rubbing, which can further irritate active psoriasis plaques.
Wet wrap option: For stubborn, very dry patches — particularly in children with moderate-to-severe eczema — a thin layer of hemp seed oil can be applied under damp cotton wraps or clothing overnight. This technique, known as wet wrap therapy, enhances penetration and maximizes moisturization. Consult a dermatologist before trying this at home.
Dietary Use
Systemic use supports the skin from the inside out. Fatty acids consumed through diet are incorporated into cell membranes throughout the body, including the skin.
Dosage: Start with 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 mL) daily with food. If tolerated well, gradually increase to 1–2 tablespoons per day over the course of two weeks. More is not necessarily better; the goal is consistent, moderate intake that supplies a steady stream of fatty acids.
How to take it: Mix into salad dressings, drizzle over roasted vegetables, blend into smoothies, stir into oatmeal or yogurt, or use as a finishing oil for soups and grain bowls. Hemp seed oil has a low smoke point (approximately 165°C / 330°F) and should never be used for frying or high-heat cooking, as heat destroys its beneficial fatty acids and generates oxidative byproducts.
Storage note: Hemp seed oil oxidizes more rapidly than olive or coconut oil because of its high polyunsaturated fat content. Store it in a cool, dark place and refrigerate after opening. Use within the period recommended on the label, and discard if it develops a bitter, paint-like odor — a sign of rancidity. Freshness matters for both safety and effectiveness.
Bath Soak
Adding hemp seed oil to a warm (not hot) bath can provide whole-body relief during widespread flares. Add 1–2 tablespoons of oil to the bathwater after the tub is filled, swish to disperse, and soak for 15–20 minutes. The thin consistency of hemp seed oil means it will form a light film on the water’s surface rather than a heavy slick, and some will adhere to the skin as you exit the bath. Rinse only if the residue feels uncomfortable; otherwise, pat dry gently and let the remaining oil absorb. Be cautious with the tub surface afterward, as residual oil can make it slippery.
Combining with Other Treatments
Hemp seed oil works well alongside most conventional eczema and psoriasis treatments. It can be applied before or after prescription topical medications, though it is best to leave a gap of 15–30 minutes between products so each has time to absorb without interference. For those using topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, the oil can serve as a moisturizing base that reduces the dryness and thinning often caused by long-term steroid use. If you use medicated shampoos or scalp solutions for scalp psoriasis, a separate nighttime scalp massage with a few drops of hemp seed oil can help calm the dryness and flaking that remains after medicated washes.
Important Precautions
- Patch test first: Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear. Wait 24 hours and check for redness, itching, or swelling before broader application. Hemp seed allergy is rare but real.
- Do not apply to broken or infected skin without medical guidance. If a patch is actively weeping, bleeding, or showing signs of bacterial infection (warmth, yellow crusting, spreading redness), hold off on topical oils and consult a dermatologist.
- Avoid the eye area: Like any oil, hemp seed oil can cause temporary blurring or irritation if it migrates into the eyes.
- Consistency over intensity: Results from natural oils are cumulative. A disciplined, moderate routine sustained over weeks and months will do more for your skin than aggressive short-term application.
For a broader guide on incorporating hemp seed oil into skincare across different skin types, see our article on how to use hemp seed oil for skin.
What Research Says
The scientific literature on hemp seed oil specifically for eczema and psoriasis is thin — no large-scale randomized controlled trials have studied hemp seed oil alone as an intervention for either condition. The evidence that does exist comes from adjacent research on GLA-rich oils and from the well-characterized biochemistry of the fatty acids in hemp seed oil.
GLA studies: Multiple trials on evening primrose oil and borage oil for atopic dermatitis have been conducted. A meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Dermatology found modest but statistically significant improvements in itching, scaling, and overall severity scores in patients receiving GLA compared to placebo. The effect was most pronounced in patients who were not simultaneously using potent topical steroids, suggesting that GLA’s anti-inflammatory contribution is most visible when it is not masked by stronger interventions. A 2013 Cochrane review was more reserved, finding the evidence base insufficient for a blanket recommendation but noting that some patients respond clearly and consistently.
Omega-3 research: Dietary omega-3 fatty acids have been studied in psoriasis with mixed but generally encouraging results. A 2014 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported that omega-3 supplementation reduced psoriasis severity in several small trials, though effect sizes were moderate and results were not uniform across all studies. The mechanism is believed to involve competition between omega-3-derived eicosanoids and the pro-inflammatory omega-6-derived leukotrienes that drive psoriatic inflammation.
Anecdotal evidence: Among patients and practitioners in the natural skincare community, reports of hemp seed oil providing relief for eczema and psoriasis are common and largely positive. Users typically describe reduced itching within days, softer and less flaky skin within one to two weeks, and fewer and less severe flares over months of consistent use. Anecdotal evidence is not a substitute for controlled research, but it can indicate promising directions worth investigating further.
Why the gap in evidence exists: Large-scale clinical trials are expensive, and hemp seed oil — as a natural, non-patentable food product — lacks the commercial incentive structure that drives pharmaceutical research. The absence of definitive evidence is not evidence of absence. What exists is a coherent biochemical rationale, encouraging pilot data from GLA and omega-3 trials, and a pattern of positive real-world reports that is difficult to dismiss. More dedicated research on hemp seed oil specifically for eczema and psoriasis is warranted and would be valuable to patients and clinicians alike.
The honest summary is this: hemp seed oil is not a proven medical treatment for eczema or psoriasis in the sense that a prescription drug is proven. It is a complementary, supportive option grounded in sound biochemistry, supported by indirect evidence from GLA and omega-3 research, and endorsed by a substantial body of anecdotal experience. It should be used alongside — not instead of — the treatment plan developed with your dermatologist.
Who Should Be Cautious
While hemp seed oil is well tolerated by most users, certain groups should exercise caution or avoid it altogether.
Hemp or cannabis allergy: Genuine allergy to hemp seeds is rare. Reported cases involve hives, swelling, respiratory symptoms, or — in very rare instances — anaphylaxis. Anyone with a known allergy to cannabis plants or hemp products should not use hemp seed oil. If you have general seed or nut allergies, a supervised patch test is advisable before personal use.
Very sensitive skin: Even non-comedogenic botanical oils can trigger contact dermatitis in a small minority of people with extremely reactive skin. Patch testing on a small area for 24 hours before broader application is recommended for anyone with a history of contact allergies or multiple product sensitivities.
Blood thinners: Omega-3 fatty acids, including the ALA in hemp seed oil, exhibit mild antiplatelet activity — they slightly reduce the tendency of platelets to aggregate. For most people, this is trivial and potentially beneficial. For those taking prescription anticoagulants (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) or antiplatelet medications (clopidogrel, therapeutic aspirin), there is a theoretical risk of additive effects. Consult your prescribing physician before adding hemp seed oil to your diet. For a more complete discussion, see our article on hemp seed oil side effects.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient safety data from controlled trials in pregnant or breastfeeding women. The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seed oil are, in principle, consistent with nutritional recommendations during pregnancy, but the absence of specific safety studies means that the precautionary principle should guide decision-making. Consult a healthcare provider.
Surgery: Discontinue hemp seed oil supplementation at least two weeks before any scheduled surgical procedure, due to the theoretical antiplatelet effect. Inform the anesthesiologist of all dietary supplements.
The bottom line: For the vast majority of people with eczema or psoriasis, hemp seed oil is safe to try. The precautions above are not unique to hemp seed oil — they apply to most plant oils and dietary supplements — and they exist primarily to protect the small minority of people with specific vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Living with eczema or psoriasis means navigating a daily reality of discomfort, visible symptoms, and the ongoing search for relief. While hemp seed oil does not offer a cure — nothing currently does — it offers a combination of properties that align well with what inflamed, compromised skin needs.
Its gamma-linolenic acid provides a targeted anti-inflammatory signal that has been studied specifically in the context of atopic dermatitis. Its balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio helps modulate the broader inflammatory environment that drives both eczema and psoriasis. Its linoleic acid directly supports barrier repair by supplying the raw material for ceramide synthesis, addressing the structural defect that lies at the heart of eczematous skin. Its vitamin E and phytosterols add antioxidant and calming support. And it does all of this in a lightweight, non-comedogenic carrier that absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue — making it practical for daily use on face and body.
The evidence, while not conclusive by the standards of pharmaceutical research, points in a consistently positive direction. The mechanisms are grounded in well-established lipid biochemistry. The anecdotal record among users is substantial and generally favorable. For someone seeking a natural, accessible complement to their existing eczema or psoriasis management plan, hemp seed oil is a reasonable and low-risk option to discuss with a dermatologist.
HEMPLAND organic hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from organically grown hemp seeds to retain the full spectrum of fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytosterols that make this oil relevant to skin health. If you are exploring natural approaches for inflammatory skin conditions and want to learn more about how hemp seed oil fits into a broader skincare strategy, our guide on hemp seed oil for wrinkles covers complementary anti-inflammatory and barrier-supportive benefits from a different angle.
Contact Us for more information about HEMPLAND organic hemp seed oil and our full product range.
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting any new skincare product or dietary supplement, particularly if you have a diagnosed skin condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking prescription medications.