Hemp in Cosmetics: What’s Legal in the UAE After the 2025 Decree?

Hemp skincare is no longer a simple yes-or-no topic in the UAE.

After Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025, the UAE now has a clearer legal framework for industrial hemp. But that does not mean every hemp-labelled cosmetic is legal. The key question is not whether a product says “hemp” on the front. The key question is which hemp ingredient it contains.

In simple terms, hemp seed oil and hemp stalk oil cosmetics may be permitted in the UAE if they are completely free from THC and any cannabis-derived compounds that may produce a narcotic effect. CBD skincare, hemp extract cosmetics, full-spectrum hemp cosmetics, and broad-spectrum cannabinoid products are not included in the current permitted cosmetics exception.

That distinction matters for consumers, travellers, retailers, and beauty brands.

Are Hemp Cosmetics Legal in the UAE?

Yes, but only in a narrow category.

Under the UAE’s 2025 industrial hemp framework, cosmetic products containing industrial hemp are generally restricted. The exception is for cosmetics that contain oils extracted from industrial hemp seeds or stalks, provided they are completely free from THC, THC precursor acids, and other cannabis-derived compounds that may produce a narcotic effect.

This means a moisturiser containing Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil may fall within the permitted category. A serum containing CBD, cannabidiol, hemp extract, Cannabis Sativa Extract, full-spectrum hemp, or broad-spectrum hemp should be treated as prohibited unless a future Cabinet decision creates a specific exception.

The UAE government’s own legislation update describes the cosmetics rule in this way: hemp cosmetics are prohibited except for products containing oils extracted from hemp seeds or stalks and any other exceptions determined by Cabinet decision.

What Changed After the 2025 Decree?

Before the 2025 decree, the clearest public position came from Dubai Municipality. In January 2019, Dubai Municipality clarified that hemp seed oil used in cosmetics did not have narcotic properties and was extracted by pressing seeds, similar to olive oil or coconut oil. Gulf News also reported that Dubai Municipality confirmed the sale and purchase of hemp seed oil was legal in cosmetics and healthcare products.

The 2025 decree moves the discussion from a Dubai-level clarification to a federal legal framework. It formally regulates industrial hemp activities across the UAE, while keeping strict controls on cannabis-derived products.

The important point is this: the decree does not open the door to all hemp beauty products. It creates a controlled exception for specific hemp-derived oils used in cosmetics.

Legal vs Prohibited Hemp Cosmetic Ingredients in the UAE

Ingredient on cosmetic label	UAE status	Why it matters
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil	Generally permitted if THC-free	This is hemp seed oil, pressed from seeds
Hemp Seed Oil	Generally permitted if THC-free	Common name for Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Hemp stalk oil / stem oil	May be permitted if THC-free	The decree refers to oils from seeds or stems/stalks
CBD	Not currently permitted as ordinary cosmetics	CBD is not part of the seed/stalk oil exception
Cannabidiol	Not currently permitted	This is the full name for CBD
Cannabis Sativa Extract	Not currently permitted	This usually refers to plant extract, not seed oil
Hemp Extract	Not currently permitted	May contain cannabinoids
Full-spectrum hemp	Not currently permitted	Usually includes multiple cannabinoids and may include THC
Broad-spectrum hemp	Not currently permitted	Usually includes cannabinoids, even if THC is removed
CBG / CBN	Not currently permitted	These are cannabinoids, not seed/stalk oils

Why Hemp Seed Oil Is Treated Differently

Hemp seed oil is different from CBD oil.

Hemp seed oil is made by pressing hemp seeds. It is commonly listed on cosmetic labels as Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil. Despite the word “Cannabis,” this ingredient refers to seed oil, not CBD and not cannabis flower extract.

CBD oil is different. CBD, or cannabidiol, is usually extracted from the flowering parts of the hemp plant. It belongs to a different legal and regulatory category.

This is why two products that both say “hemp” can have very different legal statuses in the UAE.

A face oil containing Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil may be acceptable. A face oil containing Cannabidiol or Cannabis Sativa Extract should not be treated as legal consumer skincare in the UAE.

What the 2025 Decree Says About Cosmetics

Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2025 prohibits the import or manufacture of several categories of industrial hemp products, including food products, food supplements, veterinary products, smoking products, and cosmetic products, unless a specific exception applies.

For cosmetics, the exception covers products containing oils extracted from the seeds or stems of industrial hemp, provided they are completely free from THC in all forms, THC precursor acids, and other cannabis-derived compounds that may produce a narcotic effect.

The decree also gives the Cabinet authority to amend or define permitted THC concentration rules for cosmetics, provided there is no narcotic effect and the limits and conditions are set by Cabinet resolution.

For now, brands and consumers should treat the permission narrowly: seed or stalk oil cosmetics only, with no THC and no psychoactive or narcotic-effect compounds.

Are CBD Cosmetics Legal in the UAE?

CBD cosmetics are not currently part of the permitted hemp cosmetics exception in the UAE.

That includes CBD face creams, CBD serums, CBD lip balms, CBD body oils, CBD massage products, and CBD skincare purchased abroad. The fact that a product is sold legally in the UK, Europe, the US, or another market does not automatically make it legal in the UAE.

For UAE consumers and travellers, the safest rule is simple: if a cosmetic product lists CBD, cannabidiol, hemp extract, Cannabis Sativa Extract, full-spectrum hemp, or broad-spectrum hemp, do not bring it into the UAE unless you have verified its legal status through qualified regulatory advice.

How to Read a Hemp Cosmetic Label in the UAE

The front of a product can be misleading. Words like “hemp,” “plant-powered,” “green beauty,” or “cannabis skincare” do not tell you whether the product is legal.

The ingredients list matters more.

Look for permitted terms

These terms usually indicate the legal hemp seed oil category:

• Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
• Hemp Seed Oil
• Hemp seed extract only if clearly seed-derived and cannabinoid-free
• Hemp stalk oil or stem oil, if documented as THC-free

The most important word is “Seed.”

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is not the same as Cannabis Sativa Extract.

Avoid restricted terms

These terms should raise a red flag in the UAE:

• CBD
• Cannabidiol
• Cannabis Sativa Extract
• Hemp Extract
• Hemp Flower Extract
• Full-spectrum hemp
• Broad-spectrum hemp
• CBG
• CBN
• THC
• Tetrahydrocannabinol
• Phytocannabinoid-rich hemp

If any of these appear on the label, the product is outside the simple hemp seed oil cosmetics category.

Can Travellers Bring Hemp Skincare Into the UAE?

Travellers should be careful.

A hemp seed oil moisturiser or lip balm may be acceptable if the ingredient list shows Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil and does not show CBD, THC, hemp extract, or cannabinoid terms.

But CBD skincare or hemp extract skincare should not be packed casually for travel to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate. The product being “only skincare” does not remove the legal concern if it contains restricted cannabis-derived compounds.

Before travelling, check the label. If the product contains CBD or hemp extract, leave it out of your luggage.

What Hemp Cosmetic Brands Can Say in the UAE

Brands can build a strong story around hemp seed oil without borrowing CBD language.

Safe claim territory usually includes:

• Contains hemp seed oil
• Formulated with Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
• Rich in plant-based fatty acids
• Helps soften and moisturise skin
• Lightweight facial oil
• Supports the skin’s moisture barrier
• Suitable for daily skincare use

Brands should avoid claims that imply CBD, cannabinoids, narcotic effects, medical effects, or pharmaceutical benefits.

Avoid wording such as:

• CBD-infused
• Cannabinoid skincare
• Full-spectrum hemp
• Therapeutic hemp formula
• Treats eczema
• Reduces inflammation
• Calms anxiety
• Stress-relieving hemp skincare

Even if a product contains only hemp seed oil, using CBD-style marketing can create confusion and regulatory risk.

Advertising and Labelling Rules for Hemp Cosmetics

The 2025 decree also matters for marketing.

Article 16 states that advertising and promotion of industrial hemp products is prohibited unless approval is obtained from the licensing authority, under conditions issued in coordination with media regulation authorities.

The same article also requires certain product information to be displayed clearly, including the industrial hemp symbol, licence number and date, content and percentage of the compound used, indications and contraindications, and potential harmful effects where applicable. The label must be visible, irremovable, and shown in clear Arabic and English.

For beauty brands, this means UAE hemp cosmetic marketing should not be treated like ordinary global beauty marketing. Product claims, labels, influencer content, ads, packaging, and e-commerce pages should be reviewed before launch.

What Could Change Later?

The 2025 decree leaves room for future Cabinet decisions. That means the permitted category for hemp cosmetics could change over time.

However, this does not mean CBD cosmetics are already allowed. It only means the legal framework contains a mechanism for future changes.

Until a specific Cabinet resolution expands the category, businesses and consumers should follow the current rule: hemp seed oil and stalk oil cosmetics may be permitted if they meet the required conditions; CBD and hemp extract cosmetics should be treated as restricted.

Conclusion

Hemp cosmetics are legal in the UAE only in a specific, controlled form.

The safest permitted category is cosmetic products containing hemp seed oil, listed as Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, or qualifying hemp stalk/stem oil, provided the product is completely free from THC and restricted cannabis-derived compounds.

CBD skincare, hemp extract cosmetics, full-spectrum hemp products, and broad-spectrum cannabinoid products remain outside the current consumer cosmetics permission.

For consumers, the practical rule is simple: read the ingredients list, not the front label.

For brands, the strategy is even clearer: build around hemp seed oil honestly, avoid CBD language, verify compliance, and get regulatory guidance before importing, manufacturing, advertising, or selling hemp cosmetics in the UAE.

Legal note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. UAE hemp and cosmetics regulation may change through Cabinet decisions, executive regulations, emirate-level rules, and authority guidance. Consumers and businesses should verify current requirements before acting.

External Source

https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/3886/download

https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/hemp-seed-oil-is-it-legal-in-dubai-1.1547459122774

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/lifestyle/health/dubai-municipality-virugenetics-lab-to-detect-foodborne-viruses

https://productregistrationuae.com/uae-cosmetic-cpsr-guide-2025