CBD Herbal Body Moisturizer
Hemp Heritage CBD Upgrade
Pros & cons.
- +Built on Hempz's proven 25-year hemp seed oil body lotion formula
- +300mg CBD adds anti-inflammatory potential to an already effective moisturizer
- +Refreshing eucalyptus and tea tree scent creates a spa-like application experience
- +Absorbs quickly without greasy residue or clothing transfer
- +Vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified with paraben-free formula
- +Pump dispenser ensures hygienic, controlled product dispensing
- −CBD concentration (~0.35%) may be too low for significant therapeutic effects
- −Costs roughly twice as much per ounce as the non-CBD Hempz Original
- −Eucalyptus and tea tree oils can irritate sensitive skin types
- −Contains isopropyl palmitate, a known comedogenic ingredient
- −Difficult to attribute specific skin benefits to the CBD versus the base formula
The full review.
About Hempz
Hempz didn’t just ride the hemp wave — they built the surfboard. In 1998, when hemp-anything in a beauty product still raised eyebrows and occasionally triggered conversations with store security, Hempz launched the Original Herbal Body Moisturizer and essentially created a category. Twenty-five years and a cultural revolution later, hemp seed oil is so mainstream it’s in your grocery store checkout aisle. So when the brand that normalized hemp body care adds CBD to the mix, you pay attention. The question is whether the addition of cannabidiol transforms a proven formula or simply adds a trendy three-letter suffix to the label.
Texture
The base formula is quintessential Hempz — a smooth, medium-weight lotion built on isopropyl palmitate, shea butter, dimethicone, and glycerin. It’s the kind of body moisturizer that does its job so reliably it becomes invisible. Absorbs within a couple of minutes, doesn’t transfer to clothing, leaves skin soft without a greasy film. The hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa seed oil) provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a ratio that closely mirrors skin’s natural lipid composition. After 25 years, Hempz has this base down cold.
Reality
The CBD addition is where things get interesting — and slightly complicated. The product contains 300mg of cannabidiol across the 8.5oz bottle, which works out to roughly 35mg per ounce or about 0.35% by weight. In the context of CBD topicals, this is modest. Clinical studies exploring CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects on skin have often used concentrations of 1% or higher, though many commercial CBD products operate at similar or lower concentrations than this one.
Topical CBD works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) present in the skin’s endocannabinoid system. When it reaches these receptors, it can help modulate inflammatory responses, reduce itching, and potentially support barrier function. The science is genuinely promising — but ‘promising’ is the operative word. We’re past anecdotal but well short of conclusive, and the specific concentration in this lotion leaves room for reasonable skepticism about whether you’re getting enough CBD per application to trigger meaningful receptor activity.
Scent
The eucalyptus and tea tree oil pairing gives this variant a fresh, herbaceous scent that reads as spa-like rather than medical. It’s a pleasant departure from the Original’s floral banana profile and feels appropriate for the CBD wellness angle the product is going for. Both oils have genuine antimicrobial properties — tea tree in particular has robust clinical evidence supporting its antibacterial and antifungal activity. In a body moisturizer, they contribute both scent and a mild functional benefit, though they’re also known sensitizers for those with reactive skin.
Works for
The vitamin complex is a nice touch that often goes unnoticed: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), and dual forms of vitamin E (tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate). These aren’t present at treatment concentrations — this is body lotion, not a serum — but they add a layer of antioxidant protection that complements the CBD’s own free-radical-scavenging properties.
Best for
The aloe vera inclusion is functional but positioned low in the INCI list, suggesting it’s present for skin-conditioning more than therapeutic soothing. The formula is paraben-free and vegan, which aligns with Hempz’s broader brand commitments and the Leaping Bunny certification they hold.
How to Use
Performance as a daily body moisturizer is exactly what you’d expect from Hempz — reliable, pleasant, and effective. Skin stays hydrated throughout the day, the lotion absorbs cleanly, and the scent is present but not overpowering. It works well applied to slightly damp post-shower skin, which maximizes the glycerin’s moisture-trapping ability. For dry patches, rough elbows, or winter-stressed skin, it delivers adequate but not exceptional moisturization — those needing heavier duty hydration might want to layer with a body oil.
Common Complaints
The value question is where this product faces its toughest scrutiny. The regular Hempz Original comes in a 17oz bottle for a similar price, meaning you get roughly half the product for the same money when you choose the CBD version. If the CBD is the main draw, that premium needs to deliver a noticeable benefit over the non-CBD formula. In honest terms: most users will struggle to identify a clear difference in how their skin feels compared to the regular Hempz lotion. The moisturizing, softening, and scent experiences are all excellent — but they were excellent before CBD entered the picture.
Who Should Buy
Hempz CBD Herbal Body Moisturizer is a genuinely good body lotion from a brand that’s earned its credibility in this specific category over a quarter century. The CBD inclusion adds theoretical anti-inflammatory benefit and definite shelf appeal, but at this concentration, the practical difference from the brand’s non-CBD products is subtle at best. If you’re already a Hempz loyalist and curious about CBD, this is a safe and pleasant place to explore. If you’re specifically seeking therapeutic CBD benefits for inflammation or skin conditions, a product with higher CBD concentration and less reliance on fragrance might serve you better.
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Water, Isopropyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Sorbitan Stearate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cannabidiol, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 40, Triethyl Citrate, Carbomer, Nylon-12, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid. It interacts with the skin's endocannabinoid system via CB1 and CB2 receptors and TRPV1 channels. A 2019 review in the Journal of Dermatological Science shows topical CBD has anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antioxidant properties, which can help manage eczema, psoriasis, and acne. However, most clinical studies use higher concentrations than cosmetic CBD products.
Cannabis sativa seed oil (hemp seed oil) differs from CBD but works alongside it. It has no cannabinoids but contains linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) in a roughly 3:1 ratio. A 2005 study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that dietary hemp seed oil improved atopic dermatitis symptoms. This suggests its fatty acid profile modulates skin when lipids integrate into the skin barrier.
Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil has strong antimicrobial evidence. A 2006 review in Clinical Microbiology Reviews established tea tree oil's broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In a body moisturizer, this offers mild surface-level antimicrobial benefits, though this product's concentration is likely too low for the clinical effects seen in research.
Combining CBD with hemp seed oil is theoretically synergistic. The fatty acid-rich seed oil may help CBD penetrate the skin by improving its solubility in the skin's lipid matrix. No published clinical trials have studied this specific combination, but the pharmacological rationale supports this formulation.
References
- Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders — Journal of Dermatological Science (2019)
- Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties — Clinical Microbiology Reviews (2006)
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists view topical CBD with cautious optimism. Board-certified dermatologists note that CBD shows anti-inflammatory properties in labs and some clinical trials, but cosmetic concentrations are often lower than those in clinical research. For this product, dermatologists would likely see the well-formulated moisturizing base as good for dry skin, but would tell patients not to expect CBD-specific therapeutic effects at this concentration. For patients with eczema or psoriasis seeking CBD benefits, dermatologists typically recommend products with higher, disclosed CBD concentrations and evidence-based formulations.
Guidance
Where it fits in your routine.
Apply a large amount to clean, damp skin after bathing or showering. Massage in circles until absorbed, focusing on dry or rough areas like elbows, knees, and shins. Use daily for best results. Wait 2-3 minutes for full absorption before dressing. Reapply to dry patches throughout the day as needed.
At $23 for 8.5oz, the price is roughly $2.70 per ounce. This costs more than the Hempz Original, which is roughly $1.35 per ounce for the 17oz size. The CBD addition causes this price gap. Value depends on your goals: as a hydrating, pleasantly scented body lotion, the price is reasonable. As a CBD therapeutic product, the low concentration makes the markup over the non-CBD version hard to justify. A 2.25oz travel size costs $7.30 for those who want to trial the product before committing.
Body lotion users wanting CBD skincare from a trusted hemp heritage brand. It works for normal to dry body skin and provides a eucalyptus-tea tree aromatherapy experience. It offers CBD anti-inflammatory benefits without the need for a clinical-grade product.
This concentration is modest for those seeking strong therapeutic CBD effects for specific skin conditions. People with essential oil sensitivities should avoid the eucalyptus and tea tree oils. Budget-conscious shoppers get equivalent moisturizing benefits from the larger, cheaper Hempz Original.
Product details.
Medium-weight lotion. It is thicker than a typical body lotion but absorbs without a heavy residue. The smooth, creamy consistency spreads easily over large body areas.
Aromatic eucalyptus and tea tree blend — fresh, herbaceous, and spa-like. The scent is noticeable during application but doesn't linger on skin.
The pump bottle uses Hempz's signature style with green CBD-line branding. The pump dispenses controlled amounts and keeps the product hygienic. A smaller 2.25 oz travel size is also available.
It applies smoothly and absorbs within one to two minutes. The eucalyptus and tea tree scent feels refreshing. Skin feels soft and hydrated immediately. The CBD causes no tingling or irritation. The formula does not transfer to clothing after it absorbs for a few minutes.
6-8 weeks with daily full-body application
12 months
All Year
The backstory.
Hempz has been the hemp seed oil body care standard for over 25 years. When the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD in the United States, Hempz was uniquely positioned to integrate CBD into their existing formulation expertise. The CBD Herbal Body Moisturizer line brought cannabidiol into their proven lotion base, marrying the brand's hemp heritage with the wellness ingredient of the moment.
About Hempz
Legacy Brand (20+ years)Hempz was founded in 1998 and pioneered hemp-based beauty products in the United States. Now celebrating over 25 years in the market, the brand is the largest hemp seed oil beauty brand in the world. Hempz is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan, with all products made in the USA. Their CBD line expanded their hemp expertise into cannabinoid-infused skincare.
Common myths.
CBD in body lotion causes a high or a positive drug test.
This product contains cannabidiol (CBD), not THC — the psychoactive compound in cannabis. CBD does not intoxicate. Hempz CBD products are THC-free. Topical CBD does not enter the bloodstream in meaningful amounts, so a positive drug test is unlikely.
Hemp seed oil and CBD are the same thing.
These are different compounds from the same plant. Hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa seed oil) comes from pressed seeds; it has omega fatty acids but no cannabinoids. CBD (cannabidiol) comes from flowers and leaves and interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This product contains both.
FAQ.
Does the CBD in Hempz body moisturizer actually work?
Topical CBD has shown promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in preliminary research. At 300mg per 8.5oz bottle, the concentration is modest. You're more likely to notice the general moisturizing benefits from the shea butter and hemp seed oil base than specific CBD effects, though some users report reduced irritation and redness with consistent use.
Is Hempz CBD body moisturizer legal everywhere?
The 2018 Farm Bill makes hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal in the United States. Hempz CBD products are THC-free. CBD regulations vary by state and internationally; check local laws if you are outside the US.
Can I use Hempz CBD lotion on my face?
This product is for body use. It contains eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils that irritate facial skin. The isopropyl palmitate base is comedogenic and causes facial breakouts. Hempz offers separate facial products for face application.
How does this compare to the regular Hempz Original body moisturizer?
The CBD version adds 300mg of cannabidiol to a hemp seed oil and shea butter base. It uses a eucalyptus-tea tree scent instead of the Original's floral banana. The CBD version costs more and has a smaller 8.5oz size compared to the Original's 17oz. The Original offers better value for basic moisturizing. The CBD version adds potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Will Hempz CBD lotion show up on a drug test?
No — Hempz CBD products contain no THC, and topical CBD does not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. Using this body moisturizer carries virtually no risk of a positive drug test.
What the community says.
"Deeply moisturizing without feeling greasy"
"Refreshing eucalyptus and tea tree scent"
"Absorbs quickly into skin"
"Soothes dry and irritated skin patches"
"Pump dispenser is convenient and hygienic"
"CBD concentration may be too low to notice specific benefits"
"Essential oils can irritate sensitive skin"
"Difficult to distinguish CBD benefits from regular moisturizer benefits"
"Smaller size than the non-CBD Hempz products at a higher price"