Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters: 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
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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 Glycereth-8 Esters?

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters is a plant-derived ingredient created by joining cold-pressed hemp seed oil with Glycereth-8, a water-loving form of glycerin. Through a process called transesterification the fatty acids in hemp seed oil bond with Glycereth-8, producing a new molecule that mixes easily with both water and oil. The result keeps many of hemp seed oil’s skin-friendly omega fatty acids while gaining the light, non-greasy feel of glycerin derivatives.

Hemp seed oil has been used for centuries as a nourishing food and folk remedy. As cosmetic chemists looked for greener alternatives to petroleum-based emollients, they began experimenting with hemp oil in the late 1990s. By modifying it with Glycereth-8 they achieved better stability and spreadability, leading to its first appearances in moisturizers and hair conditioners in the early 2000s. Today it is included in creams, lotions, serums, leave-in conditioners, cleansing balms and lip care products that aim for a natural, silicone-free texture.

Manufacturing starts with sustainably farmed hemp seeds that are cold pressed to obtain the oil. The oil is then purified and reacted with plant-sourced Glycereth-8 under controlled heat and catalysts. After filtration and quality checks the finished esters form a clear to pale yellow liquid that is easy to blend into water or oil phases during product formulation.

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking ingredient helps formulas feel silky while staying evenly mixed.

  • Emulsion stabilising: Keeps water and oil components from separating so creams and lotions stay smooth and uniform over time which improves shelf life and consumer experience
  • Emollient: Softens and smooths the skin by forming a lightweight conditioning layer that reduces moisture loss without a heavy or greasy afterfeel

Who Can Use Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters

This ingredient is generally suitable for all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and even oily skin that dislikes heavy creams. Its lightweight finish makes it a good choice for people who struggle with greasy residue while the omega fatty acids help soothe dryness and flakiness. Those with very acne-prone skin should still monitor how their skin reacts because any oil-derived component can occasionally trigger clogged pores in sensitive individuals.

The material is plant sourced with no animal by-products so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

There is no research showing that topical use poses a special risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when formulated correctly and used as directed. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review all skincare products with their healthcare provider first just to be safe.

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used in daytime or nighttime routines without extra sun precautions beyond the usual recommendation to wear sunscreen daily.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters vary from person to person. The points below list possible side effects although most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used.

  • Mild irritation such as stinging or burning on very sensitive skin
  • Redness or itching linked to a rare allergic reaction to hemp seed components
  • Temporary breakouts if the product is too rich for an individual’s pore activity
  • Contact dermatitis in people already allergic to other plant oils in the Cannabis family

If any uncomfortable reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters keeps most of hemp seed oil’s lightweight fatty acids while losing much of the thicker plant waxes that can clog pores. The added Glycereth-8 boosts water solubility and gives the molecule a thinner texture that spreads without leaving residue. Together these factors put the ingredient on the very low end of the comedogenic scale.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases, though individual reactions can vary.

The final comedogenic impact depends on the overall formula. If the product includes richer butters or heavy silicones the rating of the finished item may be higher than that of this single component.

Summary

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Glycereth-8 Esters works as an emollient that softens skin and an emulsion stabiliser that keeps water and oil mixed. It does this by pairing the nourishing omega fats of hemp seed oil with the water-friendly properties of Glycereth-8, creating a molecule that conditions while lending slip and stability to creams, lotions and hair products.

Although not yet a mainstream buzzword it is quietly gaining traction in natural-leaning and silicone-free formulas thanks to its plant origin and light feel.

Current data and consumer use suggest it is safe for most skin types with a low risk of irritation. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a product before full-face use to ensure personal compatibility.

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