Hemp seed oil is legal in the UAE when it is used in compliant cosmetic products and contains no THC, CBD, or other cannabis-derived compounds that may create a narcotic or psychoactive effect.
That is the simple answer. The confusion comes from the word “hemp.”
Many people see Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil on a skincare label and assume the product is the same as CBD oil or cannabis extract. It is not. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves. In the UAE, that difference matters legally.
Dubai Municipality confirmed in 2019 that hemp seed oil in UAE used in cosmetics and healthcare products could be sold and purchased legally. In 2026, Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 gave the UAE a clearer federal framework for industrial and medical hemp products, including an exception for cosmetics containing oils extracted from industrial hemp seeds or stalks, provided they meet the law’s restrictions.
Is Hemp Seed Oil Legal in the UAE?
Yes, hemp seed oil in cosmetic products is permitted in the UAE, provided the product is compliant and does not contain THC, CBD, hemp extract, cannabis extract, or any other cannabinoid ingredient that may create a narcotic or psychoactive effect.
This means hemp seed oil can appear in products such as:
- Face oils
- Moisturisers
- Lip balms
- Body lotions
- Hair oils
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Cosmetic carrier oils
However, this permission does not automatically apply to every hemp product. Hemp foods, hemp supplements, CBD oils, CBD skincare, hemp extract products, full-spectrum hemp products, and broad-spectrum hemp products fall into a different and much stricter category.
Hemp Seed Oil vs CBD Oil: Why the Difference Matters
Hemp seed oil and CBD oil can come from the same plant species, but they are not the same product.
Hemp seed oil is made by pressing hemp seeds. The process is similar to pressing olives for olive oil or coconuts for coconut oil. It is not designed to extract cannabinoids from the plant.
CBD oil is different. It is usually extracted from the flowers, leaves, or aerial parts of the hemp plant, where cannabinoids are found. These extracts may contain cannabidiol, trace THC, or other cannabinoid compounds.
In the UAE, this distinction is central.
| Product | Source | Contains cannabinoids? | UAE consumer status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp seed oil | Seeds | No, when genuine and compliant | Permitted in cosmetics |
| Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil | Seeds | No, when genuine and compliant | Permitted in cosmetics |
| CBD oil | Flowers/leaves/ extract | Yes | Not permitted for ordinary consumer use |
| Hemp extract | Plant extract | Usually yes | Not permitted for ordinary consumer use |
| Full-spectrum hemp | Whole-plant extract | Yes | Not permitted for ordinary consumer use |
| Broad-spectrum hemp | Multi-cannabinoid extract | Yes, even if THC-free | Not permitted for ordinary consumer use |
The easiest way to remember it is this:
Seed oil is a cosmetic oil. CBD oil is a cannabinoid extract. UAE law treats them very differently.
What UAE Law Says About Hemp Seed Oil
The UAE’s position on hemp seed oil has developed in two important stages.
Dubai Municipality Clarification in 2019
In January 2019, Dubai Municipality confirmed that the sale and purchase of hemp seed oil was legal in cosmetics and healthcare products. This clarification helped separate hemp seed oil from cannabis and CBD products in the eyes of consumers and retailers.
This is why shoppers in Dubai and other parts of the UAE have been able to find hemp seed oil in skincare products such as face oils, serums, lip balms, and moisturisers.
Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025
Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025, which entered into force on January 1, 2026, regulates industrial and medical uses of industrial hemp in the UAE. The law defines industrial hemp by reference to a total THC threshold of not more than 0.3% on a dry-weight basis and creates a licensing framework for permitted industrial and medical activities.
For consumer products, the most relevant point is that the law prohibits many industrial hemp product categories, including food products, food supplements, veterinary products, smoking products, and non-compliant cosmetic products. But it creates an exception for cosmetic products containing oils extracted from industrial hemp seeds or stalks, subject to the requirement that they are free from THC and compounds that may produce a narcotic or psychoactive effect.
So, for everyday shoppers, the practical takeaway is:
Hemp seed oil skincare is allowed. CBD skincare is not the same thing. Hemp supplement in UAE and hemp foods in UAE are not treated like hemp seed oil cosmetics.
What Can Hemp Seed Oil Be Used For?
Hemp seed oil is mostly used in the UAE as a skincare and haircare ingredient. It is valued because it is lightweight, rich in fatty acids, and commonly described as non-comedogenic.
That said, skincare results vary from person to person. Hemp seed oil can be helpful for many skin types, but no cosmetic oil is guaranteed to suit everyone.
Facial Skincare
Hemp seed oil is often used in facial oils and moisturisers because it feels lighter than many traditional oils. It contains fatty acids that help support the skin’s moisture barrier, which can be useful in the UAE, where heat outdoors and air conditioning indoors can both leave skin feeling dry or unbalanced.
It may suit:
- Dry skin that feels tight after cleansing
- Oily or combination skin that does not tolerate heavier oils
- Skin that feels rough or dehydrated
- People looking for a lightweight facial oil
For sensitive or acne-prone skin, patch testing is still sensible. A low comedogenic rating does not guarantee that every person’s skin will react well.
Body Care
Hemp seed oil is also used in body lotions, creams, and massage oils. It can help soften dry areas such as elbows, knees, hands, and heels.
In the UAE, it may be especially useful for people dealing with dryness from air conditioning, frequent showers, sun exposure, or low indoor humidity.
Lip Care
Many hemp seed oil products appear in lip balms and lip treatments. The oil helps condition dry lips without feeling as heavy as some waxy or petroleum-based formulas.
For UAE residents, this can be useful during dry weather, long hours in air-conditioned spaces, or after sun exposure.
Hair and Scalp Care
Hemp seed oil can also be used in hair oils, masks, shampoos, and conditioners. It may help add softness and shine, especially for hair that feels dry from heat, humidity changes, hard water, or air conditioning.
It can be used as:
- A light scalp oil
- A pre-wash hair treatment
- A small finishing oil on dry ends
- An ingredient in hair masks or conditioners
Use a small amount first. Like any oil, too much can make fine hair look greasy.
How to Read Labels: What Is Legal and What to Avoid
The front of the pack can be misleading. A product may say “hemp,” “cannabis,” “plant-powered,” or “CBD-free” in large letters, but the ingredients list is what matters.
In the UAE, shoppers should look for the exact ingredient names.
Ingredients That Usually Indicate Legal Hemp Seed Oil
| Ingredient name | What it means | UAE cosmetic status |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil | Official cosmetic name for hemp seed oil | Permitted when compliant |
| Hemp Seed Oil | Common name for the same seed oil | Permitted when compliant |
| Oil from hemp seeds | Seed-derived oil | Permitted when compliant |
The key word is Seed.
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil may look alarming because it includes the word “Cannabis,” but in cosmetic labelling, it refers to hemp seed oil, not CBD oil.
Ingredients to Avoid in the UAE
| Ingredient name | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| CBD | Cannabidiol; a cannabinoid ingredient |
| Cannabidiol | Full name for CBD |
| Cannabis Sativa Extract | Plant extract, not seed oil |
| Hemp Extract | May contain cannabinoids |
| Full-Spectrum Hemp | Contains a wider cannabinoid profile |
| Broad-Spectrum Hemp | May contain cannabinoids even if THC-free |
| CBG / Cannabigerol | Cannabinoid |
| CBN / Cannabinol | Cannabinoid |
| THC / Tetrahydrocannabinol | Psychoactive cannabinoid |
A simple rule:
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil = hemp seed oil.
Cannabis Sativa Extract = not hemp seed oil.
That one word makes a major difference.
Is Hemp Seed Oil Legal as Food or a Supplement in the UAE?
No, not in the same way as cosmetic hemp seed oil.
This is one of the most important points for UAE consumers. Hemp seed oil in skincare is different from hemp seed oil sold as a cooking oil, capsule, dietary supplement, protein product, or edible wellness product.
Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 prohibits industrial hemp food products and food supplements, with a specific exception for roasted or processed non-viable hemp seeds under the referenced narcotics schedule framework.
So, for practical purposes:
| Product type | UAE status |
|---|---|
| Hemp seed oil face oil | Permitted when compliant |
| Hemp seed oil moisturiser | Permitted when compliant |
| Hemp seed oil shampoo | Permitted when compliant |
| Hemp seed oil lip balm | Permitted when compliant |
| Hemp seed oil capsules | Not treated like cosmetics |
| Hemp seed oil cooking oil | Not treated like cosmetics |
| Hemp protein powder | Not treated like cosmetics |
| CBD gummies | Not permitted for ordinary consumer use |
| CBD oil | Not permitted for ordinary consumer use |
If a product is meant to be eaten, swallowed, smoked, vaped, or used as a wellness supplement, do not assume it is allowed just because the word “hemp” appears on the label.
Where to Buy Hemp Seed Oil in the UAE
Hemp seed oil cosmetics are easier to find in the UAE than many people realise. They are usually sold as skincare, haircare, or bodycare products rather than as cannabis-related items.
Pharmacies
Large pharmacy chains in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other major UAE cities may carry skincare products containing hemp seed oil. These are usually found in the skincare, lip care, body care, or haircare sections.
When buying from a pharmacy, check the ingredients list even if the product is on a normal retail shelf. Look for Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil or Hemp Seed Oil.
Beauty and Skincare Stores
Beauty retailers often stock international skincare brands that use hemp seed oil in face oils, moisturisers, serums, and body products.
Do not rely only on the word “hemp” in the product name. Some international brands sell both hemp seed oil products and CBD products in other markets. Always check the UAE product label.
Organic and Wellness Stores
Some organic stores and wellness retailers may carry pure hemp seed oil for cosmetic use as a carrier oil. This can be useful for people who prefer simple, single-ingredient oils for skin or hair.
Make sure the product is sold for topical cosmetic use and does not include CBD, hemp extract, or edible supplement claims.
Online UAE Retailers
Online platforms usually offer the widest selection. They may carry pure hemp seed oil, hemp seed oil moisturisers, lip balms, shampoos, conditioners, and facial oils.
Before ordering online, check:
- Full ingredients list
- Product usage instructions
- Whether it is topical only
- Whether it contains CBD or hemp extract
- Whether the seller ships from inside the UAE or internationally
Be extra careful with international websites. A CBD product that is legal in the UK, US, Europe, or Australia may not be legal to import into the UAE.
Can You Bring Hemp Seed Oil into Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
You can generally bring hemp seed oil cosmetic products into the UAE if they contain only compliant hemp seed oil and no CBD, THC, hemp extract, cannabis extract, or other cannabinoid ingredients.
Before packing a hemp-branded skincare product, read the ingredient list.
Safe label terms usually include:
- Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
Avoid products that mention:
- CBD
- Cannabidiol
- Hemp Extract
- Cannabis Sativa Extract
- Full-Spectrum Hemp
- Broad-Spectrum Hemp
- CBG
- CBN
- THC
This is especially important when travelling from countries where CBD skincare is common. A CBD face oil bought legally abroad should not be treated as automatically acceptable at a UAE airport.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Thinking All Hemp Products Are the Same
Hemp seed oil, CBD oil, hemp extract, hemp protein, and hemp supplements are different product categories. UAE law does not treat them all the same way.
Mistake 2: Getting Scared by “Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil”
This is the official cosmetic ingredient name for hemp seed oil. The important word is Seed. It does not mean the product is CBD oil.
Mistake 3: Trusting the Front Label Only
A product called “Hemp Glow Oil” may be fine, or it may contain hemp extract. The front label is marketing. The ingredients list is the real guide.
Mistake 4: Ordering CBD Skincare Online
Some international online stores ship CBD skincare globally, but that does not mean it is safe or legal to order to a UAE address. Avoid ordering anything with CBD, cannabidiol, hemp extract, or cannabis extract.
Mistake 5: Assuming “THC-Free” Means UAE-Safe
A product can be THC-free and still contain CBD or other cannabinoids. In the UAE, THC-free does not automatically mean permitted.
Key Takeaway
Hemp seed oil is one of the clearest hemp-derived cosmetic ingredients in the UAE. It is permitted when used in compliant skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products, and when it does not contain THC, CBD, or other restricted cannabis-derived compounds.
The easiest way to shop safely is to read the ingredients list.
Look for:
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Avoid:
CBD
Cannabidiol
Hemp Extract
Cannabis Sativa Extract
Full-Spectrum Hemp
Broad-Spectrum Hemp
Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil. In the UAE, that distinction is everything.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UAE hemp regulations are developing, and product-specific compliance can depend on ingredients, lab testing, labelling, intended use, import route, and applicable federal or emirate-level rules.
Consumers should check product labels carefully. Businesses planning to import, manufacture, distribute, advertise, or sell hemp seed oil products in the UAE should seek advice from qualified UAE legal and regulatory professionals before making commercial decisions.
Is hemp seed oil legal in the UAE?
Yes. Hemp seed oil is permitted in UAE cosmetic products when the product is compliant and free from THC, CBD, and other restricted cannabis-derived compounds.
Is Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil legal in the UAE?
Yes. Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is the standard cosmetic ingredient name for hemp seed oil. The key word is Seed.
Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?
No. Hemp seed oil is pressed from seeds. CBD oil is extracted from parts of the plant that contain cannabinoids. UAE law treats them differently.
Can I buy hemp seed oil skincare in Dubai?
Yes. Hemp seed oil skincare can be found in pharmacies, beauty stores, wellness retailers, and online platforms in the UAE. Always check the ingredients list before buying.
Can I bring hemp seed oil into Dubai airport?
You may bring hemp seed oil cosmetic products if they contain only compliant hemp seed oil and no CBD, THC, hemp extract, cannabis extract, or other cannabinoid ingredients.
Is hemp seed oil edible in the UAE?
Do not treat edible hemp seed oil, hemp capsules, hemp protein, or hemp supplements the same as hemp seed oil cosmetics. UAE law restricts hemp food products and food supplements.
What ingredient names should I avoid?
Avoid CBD, cannabidiol, Cannabis Sativa Extract, Hemp Extract, Full-Spectrum Hemp, Broad-Spectrum Hemp, CBG, CBN, and THC.
Does hemp seed oil get you high?
No. Genuine hemp seed oil is pressed from hemp seeds and is not a cannabinoid extract. It is used as a cosmetic oil, not as a psychoactive product.
External Source
https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/3886/related-legislations
https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/hemp-seed-oil-is-it-legal-in-dubai-1.1547459122774
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