Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides: 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:

All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides?

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides is a plant derived lipid created by reacting cold pressed hemp seed oil with the ethyl ester of the amino acid glycine. The result is a smooth semi fluid ingredient rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic and alpha linolenic acid but with added nitrogen groups that improve its stability and skin affinity. Interest in hemp based skincare took off in the late 2010s thanks to the oil’s lightweight feel and balanced omega profile. Chemists soon modified the raw oil with glycine ethyl ester to boost its emulsifying and protective traits giving rise to this amide version that now appears in modern clean beauty formulas.

Manufacturing starts with food grade hemp seeds which are cold pressed to extract their green gold oil. The oil is refined to remove pigments and odor then reacted with ethyl glycinate under controlled heat and vacuum. The process forms amide bonds, producing a clear, low scent fluid that is easily incorporated into water in oil or oil in water emulsions.

Because it brings softness, barrier support and self emulsifying properties, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides shows up in moisturizers, soothing masks, anti aging creams, lightweight facial oils, after shave balms and hair leave in treatments where a non greasy touch is desired.

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking ingredient helps improve both the feel and performance of personal care products

  • Emollient: fills microscopic cracks on the skin surface so it feels smoother, softer and more flexible while adding a light non occlusive layer of comfort
  • Skin Protecting: reinforces the skin barrier by supplying essential fatty acids that limit water loss and shield against everyday environmental stress
  • Emulsifying: helps water and oil based ingredients blend into a stable cream or lotion which improves texture, consistency and shelf life without the need for extra synthetic emulsifiers

Who Can Use Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides?

This ingredient suits most skin types including normal, dry, combination and even oily skin thanks to its light texture and balanced fatty acid profile. Very acne prone users should still pay attention to the full product formula because richness from other oils or butters, not this amide itself, could feel heavy on their skin.

Since it comes from plant seeds and involves no animal derived substances or by products, it is considered appropriate for both vegetarians and vegans.

No data suggests that topical use poses a special risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used as directed. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should have a chat with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare to be extra safe.

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no added concern about photosensitivity. As with any emollient, keep bottles tightly closed and away from direct heat to maintain freshness.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from one person to another. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for most people when the product is formulated and used properly.

  • Mild redness or stinging in individuals with very reactive or compromised skin
  • Contact dermatitis in users allergic to hemp seed components or amide structures
  • Temporary breakouts in skin already prone to clogged pores if the overall formula is too occlusive
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If any uncomfortable reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

The amide form of hemp seed oil keeps the original oil’s high linoleic to oleic acid ratio, which makes it thin, quick to absorb and less likely to sit on the surface and block pores. The added glycine groups further reduce its tendency to harden or form a heavy film. For these reasons it earns a low score of 1.

Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides without major concern.

If a formula pairs this ingredient with thick waxes or butters, the overall product could still feel heavy, so always consider the full ingredient list.

Summary

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Ethyl Glycinate Amides acts as an emollient, skin protector and self emulsifier. Its mix of essential fatty acids smooths rough patches and helps seal in moisture, while the amide structure lets it cling to the skin surface and support the natural barrier. At the same time its balanced oil-water affinity lets it hold formulas together so creams stay silky and stable.

It is an up-and-coming ingredient that is gaining space in clean beauty and lightweight moisturizers but is still newer and less common than classic plant oils.

Current data shows it is generally safe with a very low rate of irritation or pore clogging. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so do a small patch test when trying any product that features this ingredient.

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