Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder?

Cannabis Sativa Seedcake powder is the finely ground meal left after pressing oil from hemp seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. While the oil is removed for food and skincare, the leftover seedcake is rich in proteins, fibers, and small amounts of fatty acids that remain in the solids. Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years for textiles, food, and more recently for personal care. As manufacturers looked for ways to use every part of the seed, the seedcake found a new purpose in cosmetic formulas.

The process starts with cleaned, dried hemp seeds that are cold pressed to extract oil. The compressed cake is then milled into a consistent, soft powder. This powder goes through sieving to remove large particles and is often heat treated to ensure it is microbiologically safe. The result is a natural, plant based ingredient that adds texture to skincare and body care products.

You will most often see Cannabis Sativa Seedcake powder in face and body scrubs, cleansing powders, exfoliating masks, solid shampoo bars, and some rinse off soaps where a gentle polishing effect is desired.

Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulas this ingredient serves a clear purpose that supports smoother, fresher looking skin.

Abrasive: The fine yet firm particles help lift away dead surface cells and impurities when massaged over the skin. This mild mechanical exfoliation can leave skin feeling softer, looking brighter, and better prepared to absorb follow up products.

Who Can Use Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder

This gentle plant derived scrub agent suits most skin types that can tolerate mild physical exfoliation, including normal, combination, oily and even dry skin that is not overly sensitive. Those with very delicate, inflamed or actively broken skin may find any abrasive powder too rough and should opt for a chemical exfoliant instead.

The ingredient is sourced solely from hemp seeds and processed without animal derivatives, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.

Current data shows no specific concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder is used in rinse off or wash off cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is negligible, yet this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should clear new products with a doctor first.

The powder does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with sun exposure. It is also free of psychoactive compounds so drug testing or mind altering effects are not an issue.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder differ from person to person. The points below outline potential but uncommon effects when the ingredient is used correctly in cosmetic products.

  • Transient redness or flushing – the mechanical action of scrubbing can temporarily stimulate circulation
  • Mild stinging or sensitivity – overzealous rubbing may disrupt the skin barrier
  • Micro-abrasions – aggressive use on delicate areas can create tiny surface tears
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – rare sensitivity to residual seed proteins may cause itching or rash
  • Eye irritation – fine particles can feel gritty and inflame the eyes if they are not rinsed away promptly
  • Flare up of existing inflammatory conditions – eczema or rosacea may worsen if physical exfoliants are used during active phases

If any irritation or adverse reaction occurs, stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder is a dry, fibrous particulate that does not melt into pores or leave an oily film so its likelihood of clogging follicles is very low. It is usually used in rinse off scrubs where the powder is washed away within minutes further reducing any chance of buildup.

Because of this, most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing the powder without worrying about new comedones, provided they avoid harsh rubbing that might inflame active pimples.

The only caveat is that overly aggressive mechanical exfoliation can aggravate already inflamed blemishes which is an irritation response rather than true pore clogging.

Summary

Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder is mainly valued as a gentle abrasive that physically lifts dull surface cells and debris so skin feels smoother and looks brighter. The fine plant particles polish rather than scratch, allowing cleansers, masks and scrub bars to deliver a mild yet effective exfoliation.

While not the most famous ingredient in mainstream beauty aisles, it is gaining traction with eco conscious brands that want upcycled, waste reducing raw materials and with formulators looking to replace plastic microbeads.

Current data shows the powder is safe for topical use in rinse off products with a very low comedogenic rating and no psychoactive concerns. As with any new cosmetic, it is wise to patch test a small area first to confirm personal tolerance before adding it to a regular routine.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search