Hemp lotion is a moisturizer containing oils from the Cannabis sativa plant. Its safety during pregnancy depends entirely on its specific ingredients. The question of using these products while expecting is complex because the ingredients may not be regulated like traditional medications, making it difficult to determine potential risks to the developing fetus. The core concern is differentiating between the components derived from the hemp plant and understanding how they interact with the body.
Differentiating Hemp Components
The term “hemp” is used broadly, but three distinct components from the plant have different safety profiles.
Hemp seed oil is derived exclusively from the seeds and contains negligible amounts of cannabinoids like CBD or THC. It is primarily a moisturizing ingredient rich in fatty acids and is generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. CBD is often included in lotions for its potential soothing properties. The safety of topical CBD during pregnancy remains unknown due to a lack of clinical studies on its effects on a developing fetus.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound that is definitively advised against during pregnancy. Trace amounts of THC may be present even in “full-spectrum” CBD products. THC is known to cross the placenta, and its exposure has been linked to potential adverse outcomes for the baby.
How Topical Products Enter the System
The skin acts as a protective barrier, but topical application carries a risk of systemic absorption. Standard topical products are primarily designed to interact only with the skin’s surface. For a compound to enter the bloodstream, it must pass through the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis.
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC are lipophilic, meaning they bond with fats, which helps them penetrate the skin barrier. While absorption is generally low with typical lotions, factors like the product’s formulation, concentration, and the condition of the user’s skin can increase uptake. Specialized transdermal products are explicitly designed to deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream using penetration enhancers.
Applying a product to broken or irritated skin can dramatically increase the amount of substance that enters the system. Even small amounts of THC entering the maternal bloodstream have the potential to cross the placenta. The possibility of systemic circulation warrants caution with any product containing active cannabinoids.
Current Medical and Regulatory Stance
Major medical organizations advise strongly against using any cannabis-derived products during pregnancy and lactation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women abstain from all cannabis use, including CBD, before, during, and after pregnancy. This is due to the lack of human clinical trials to confirm safety and the known risks associated with THC exposure.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any CBD products for use during pregnancy. The FDA warns against using CBD, THC, or marijuana in any form while pregnant or breastfeeding. THC is capable of passing through the placenta and can affect fetal brain development. Prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with increased risks of low birth weight and neurocognitive challenges.
Because cannabis products are not regulated like pharmaceutical drugs, there is a risk of mislabeling or contamination, meaning a product advertised as “CBD” could contain unsafe levels of THC. Medical guidance is to avoid these products entirely unless they are certified to contain only pure hemp seed oil. This stance is based on the principle that there is no established safe level of THC exposure for the developing fetus, and the safety of CBD remains unproven.
Safe Skincare Options During Pregnancy
Since caution is advised with most hemp-derived products, pregnant individuals should opt for well-studied, non-cannabinoid alternatives for moisturizing and skin care. Many common ingredients have long-established safety records for use during this period.
Cocoa butter and shea butter are widely recommended for their ability to deeply moisturize and improve elasticity. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and coconut oil are excellent for boosting skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture, while coconut oil provides deep moisturization.
Petroleum jelly is another highly effective and safe option, as it creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture. Other safe alternatives include lanolin, often used to soothe sensitive skin, and mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients provide relief for common pregnancy-related skin changes without the systemic absorption concerns linked to unproven compounds. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help confirm the safety of any new skincare product before use.