the history of cannabis in skincare: a timeless ritual, reimagined by hai.
cannabis in beauty isn’t new—it’s ancient. long before modern skincare routines and luxury formulations, hemp and cannabis-derived oils were used across cultures for their healing, soothing, and restorative properties. today, as cannabis re-emerges in wellness and beauty, we’re not starting a trend—we’re continuing a legacy. at hai., we honor this history while bringing a modern, intentional approach to plant-based care.
ancient rituals, global roots
cannabis has been used in beauty and skincare throughout history, stretching all the way back to 2700 BCE, ancient times and middle ages. the trend of hemp and CBD has been resurfacing over the last several years in hand creams, scents, makeup and body care products.
ancient china
the main use of cannabis at this time was mostly hemp seeds and oils, which were used for their moisturizing and healing properties. there are several writings from that time which mentions hemp was used for clearing skin ailments and inflammation. some of the most common skin issues at the time were acne and skin diseases. at home chinese remedies still use hemp today.
egypt
egypt has long been connected to famous, simple and innovative beauty tricks for the time, one of the most famous is how cleopatra bathed in milk for soft skin. cannabis, again hemp, was used to create thicker balms and salves in order to moisturize dry, cracked and inflamed skin. it was also used to create bandages in order to heal burned, wounded and sores on the skin. hemp is even mentioned in old egyptian texts as being used by cleopatra herself.
india
much like china and egypt, India also utilized hemp for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. at this point hemp seed oils and balms were now being used to treat infections as well as prevent them from starting.
medieval and renaissance periods
at this point in history the oils were used as a digestible remedy, which modern science does not recommend, but it was used in that way to help fight off colds, infections and other ailments. hemp seed products were now being sold at apothecaries. it was used in bathhouses and really saw the big boom of the popularity of the ingredient.
20th century
with increasing regulation, cannabis largely disappeared from the beauty space. it wasn’t until the 1990s, through renewed research and scientific studies, that the plant’s therapeutic potential—especially cannabinoids like cbd—began to re-enter the conversation.
21st century
today, cannabis has re-established itself as a powerful ingredient in skincare. with growing legalization and awareness, hemp and cbd are now celebrated for their ability to hydrate, protect, and restore the skin—bridging ancient wisdom with modern science.
benefits of cannabis in skincare
as skincare evolves, cannabis continues to prove its relevance—offering benefits that align with today’s most common skin concerns.
anti inflammatory properties
inflamed skin is one of the most common skin concerns today. acne, eczema and psoriasis are all practically universal issues in this day and age and CBD can help reduce redness and calm inflamed areas.
antioxidant benefits
environmental stressors like pollution and uv exposure accelerate signs of aging. cannabis is rich in antioxidants, helping to protect the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and support a healthy, radiant glow.
deep hydration
hemp seed oil is packed with essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which help strengthen the skin barrier. this keeps skin hydrated, plump, and balanced—without clogging pores.
acne support
cbd is known for helping regulate sebum production, one of the leading causes of breakouts. by balancing oil levels while maintaining hydration, cannabis-based skincare offers a gentle yet effective approach to clearer skin.
the hai. approach
at hai., we see cannabis as more than an ingredient—it’s a ritual. rooted in centuries of use and redefined for modern lifestyles, our approach to cannabis is intentional, clean, and experience-driven.
whether it’s through solventless formulations or thoughtfully designed products, we’re continuing the lineage of cannabis in wellness—bringing it into everyday rituals that feel elevated, effective, and personal.
because skincare, like cannabis, is about more than results—it’s about how you feel in the process.
