As a term “cannabis” is like an umbrella, under which both hemp and marijuana fall. They are two different varieties and used for different purposes. Short and simple:

1. Hemp -> calming, non-intoxicating 

2. Marijuana -> THC -> intoxicating

Broad-spectrum hemp extract comes from industrial hemp and intoxicates the user just as much as walking in hemp shoes would — not at all. 

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is a compound extracted from marijuana and it gives the feeling of being high.

Looking more closely, both hemp and marijuana contain various compounds — but in very different concentrations: hemp contains very little THC, while marijuana contains a lot of THC. This means that when plant extract is extracted from hemp, there may still be a small trace of THC present.

Depending on country, hemp-derived ingredients used in consumer products are allowed to contain 0,2%-0,3% of THC. This varies in different market areas and in some countries the legislation is stricter — for example in the Netherlands it is 0,05%.

In our products, the THC content is either 0% or 0.01%, and this is verified by our raw material supplier located in Croatia. You can find the certification documents on our website. Additionally, every batch of our hemp extract is tested by the University of Turku to confirm the THC content in our products. You can also find the reports from the University of Turku on our website. 

Blank& produces cosmetic products, and we focus on skin well-being — soothing, moisturizing, and making your skin glow beautifully.

Hemp-derived ingredients have been approved as safe cosmetic ingredients since 2021, which is why you may not have encountered them in skincare products until recently. 

Read more about plant extracts in skincare on our website.

Large-scale hemp processing is not yet established in Finland, but the growing conditions here are ideal for hemp cultivation — and the plant is increasingly talked about as a raw material for a sustainable future.

Hemp is a climate crop

Not only is our climate well-suited for hemp, but hemp also benefits the climate itself. It is seen as a promising solution in the fight against climate change: hemp improves soil health, requires no pesticides, and is an excellent carbon sink. In one year, hemp can sequester as much carbon as a 10-year-old forest — all without the need for chemical inputs. Around midsummer, hemp grows at its fastest, adding up to 10 centimeters in height per day!

As a crop, hemp is highly ecological and also one of the most versatile and sustainable sources of protein.

A complete source of protein: Hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. The protein content is high, approximately 25–30%.

Rich in healthy fats: Hemp seeds are packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which are important for heart and brain health. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is ideal (around 3:1), which is optimal for preventing inflammation.

High in fiber and gluten-free: Whole hemp seeds contain a significant amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which supports gut health, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps manage cholesterol levels.

Packed with vitamins and minerals: Hemp contains vitamin E (an antioxidant), magnesium (for muscle and nerve function), phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins.

Highly versatile: Hemp seeds can be added to porridge, smoothies, or sprinkled on salads. Hemp seed flour can be used in baking or as a protein supplement. Hemp seed oil is perfect for salad dressings. Hemp protein powders and plant-based hemp drinks are also available.

Versatile, ecological, healthy — so what’s holding hemp back?

As a raw material in cosmetics and as a food ingredient, hemp is excellent — but it can be used for much more: textile fibers, building materials, paper, biocomposites, furniture, fiberglass, soil, growing mediums, fuel... As one headline puts it: “Hemp — the forgotten superplant that could revolutionize agriculture.”

So why hasn’t that revolution happened yet? Why isn’t hemp Finland’s next Nokia?

What’s slowing hemp’s rise to stardom are mostly outdated and skeptical perceptions. Hemp is often associated with intoxication, even though industrial hemp is non-intoxicating (i.e., it contains only trace amounts of THC). Legislation has long been restrictive, and while industrial hemp is now legal to cultivate in many countries (including Finland), it still involves licensing procedures, monitoring, and bureaucracy — all of which deter farmers. In addition, processing and refining hemp requires specialized equipment. Finland currently lacks the infrastructure needed for large-scale hemp processing, and logistics and value chains are not yet developed in the same way as they are for grains or oil crops.

Still, the future of hemp looks bright. As climate change, sustainability, and regenerative agriculture become increasingly important, interest in hemp continues to grow. Consumers are showing rising interest in hemp oil, hemp protein, hemp textiles, and biocomposites.

Hemp's future looks bright from an economic perspective too. Across Europe, hemp is increasingly used in textiles, building materials, food products, and biocomposites. We have ideal growing conditions for this sustainable crop — so what are we waiting for?

Read more on the European Comission´s website

• calming irritated and stressed skin

• reducing itching and redness, e.g. after shaving

• repairing small skin damages

• balancing sebum production, which supports acne care

• fighting free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant properties — helping to preserve skin's youthful appearance

Where does our plant extract come from?

Broad-spectrum hemp extract is derived from hemp. It is non-psychoactive and does not cause intoxication. Hemp also grows in Finland, but the extract we use comes from Croatia, as Finland currently lacks the production infrastructure required for cosmetic-grade hemp extract.

Our active plant extract is an official cosmetic ingredient and is listed in the EU's Cosing cosmetics database.

Is plant extract the same as hemp seed oil?

No. While hemp seed oil is an excellent moisturizer, it does not contain the same active compounds as broad-spectrum hemp extract, nor does it have the same versatile benefits.

How can you tell hemp extract and hemp seed oil apart?

Products with active hemp extract are usually more expensive than those containing only hemp seed oil. On the INCI list, active plant extract ingredients appear under specific ingredient names, while hemp seed oil is listed as Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil.

How do I use Blank& skincare?

Just like any other cosmetic products: Our face oils are easily applied with fingertips. Amio is designed to awaken skin and mind in the morning, while Evie is a soothing evening ritual.

Veya is a face mist used like a toner and/or as a setting spray.

Neo is a targeted booster: apply directly on itchy, irritated, or dry skin, or mix a few drops into your usual cream.

Etna is both a lubricant and a care for your vulva, applied directly to mucous membranes.

Glisa is a natural lubricant especially designed for anal sex.

Pro tip: Blank&'s popular lubricants Etna and Glisa not only increase pleasure but also reduce skin friction. Apply a little to rubbing heels or chafing thighs — your skin (and feet) will thank you!

Can Blank& products show up in a drug test?

Our products are cosmetics for external use. There is absolutely no risk of them appearing in a drug test.

Our products cannot show up in tests since they contain no intoxicants. The THC content is either 0% or 0.01% (the EU legal maximum is 0.2%). Drug tests only detect THC.

Can Blank& products be stopped at customs if I travel with them?

Outside Europe, this depends on the country you're traveling to, as legislation varies. Within Europe, you can safely bring our cosmetics with you.

Is Blank& skincare safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Using our cosmetics externally is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed.

Can I use Blank& products on children's skin?

Yes — our cosmetics can be safely applied to the whole family's skin. However, keep in mind that Amio and Evie contain high concentrations of active ingredients that children's skin simply doesn't need.

Can plant extract skincare be harmful?

Blank& is a cosmetics brand, and our products are for external use. Broad-spectrum hemp extract is an EU-approved cosmetic ingredient and is not harmful when used as directed in skincare.

Atopic dermatitis affects over a million Finns at some point in their lives, and the condition is partly hereditary. It is linked to irregularities in the immune system and the skin's structural properties. Environmental factors (such as allergens, stress, etc.) can make symptoms worse.

Why Traditional Atopic Skin Treatments Aren't Always the Best Choice

We Finns are an atopic nation, and pharmacy moisturizers and cortisone creams are familiar staples for many. Traditionally, those with atopic skin are advised to use exactly those products.

But what if you have atopic skin and want to use natural cosmetics? Pharmacy moisturizers are far from natural — they often contain synthetic and petroleum-based ingredients like paraffin, petroleum jelly, and silicones, as well as plastic-derived compounds that improve texture.

The problem with these ingredients is that they don't truly help the skin function better or feel healthier. Instead, they act more like temporary band-aids for symptoms — or may even make them worse.

Cortisone creams, on the other hand, should not be used for long periods. Prolonged use can cause skin thinning, dilated blood vessels, discoloration, and inflammation of hair follicles.

Plant Extract – A Natural Alternative for Atopic Skin

So what would be a solution that treats atopic skin without plastic-based ingredients, using raw materials that actually nourish the skin — not just cover up the symptoms, but address the deeper issues?

The answer lies in plant extract oil. Plant extract, derived from hemp, is naturally anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, soothing, balancing, redness-reducing, and sebum-regulating. Its benefits extend to nearly every skin type — especially atopic skin.

How Plant Extract Helps Atopic Skin: Key Benefits

We call plant extract nature's own multitasker, and for people with atopic skin, it's a dream ingredient. We've tested our facial oils with dozens of trial participants, and especially among those with atopic skin, we've received feedback about visible, positive changes. The most common customer reports include reduced redness, itching, and flaking. Similar results have been observed in scientific studies, which are listed at the end of this article. It's no coincidence we've chosen plant extract as the core ingredient in our products — its effects are genuinely impressive.

The calming effects of plant extract aren't limited to atopic skin — it can also benefit people with psoriasis and acne. We wanted to create a natural alternative to pharmacy moisturizers and cortisone creams, and we encourage you to try plant extract oil for atopic skin. It has no side effects.

All Blank& products contain carefully selected plant extracts, but our facial oils have the highest concentrations. In our Amio and Evie facial oils, the plant extract content is just under 10%, and in our Neo Oil Booster it's 20%. You can use Amio and Evie directly on your face, while Neo is designed for targeted application. You can either apply a few drops to areas with redness, itching, dryness or mix it into your own moisturizer.

You can find Amio, Evie, and Neo on the Blank& online store. As a tip: on each product page, you'll find reviews from others who have tried them.

References

• Atopic dermatitis study with topical plant extract ointment, 2025

• Improvement in atopic dermatitis using topical plant extract application, 2025

• Therapeutic effect of plant extract ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars, 2019 

• Observational study of topical plant extract gel on sensitive dry skin, 2020 
  

We believe it absolutely should be. And sexual health is a topic that deserves to be talked about just as openly as mental health.

Holistic thinking means a comprehensive approach, where a person is seen as a whole: physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Sexuality is one of our basic needs and an important part of our identity:

The Body and Pleasure:
Sexuality is not just physical activity — it includes listening to your body, touch, pleasure, and having an accepting relationship with your body.

Emotions and the Psyche:
Sexuality is closely linked to emotions, self-esteem, trauma, and the ability to be present.

Relationships:
Sexuality is about interaction, intimacy, and trust. From a holistic perspective, it connects to how we relate to others.

Spirituality and Meaning:
For some, sexuality has a spiritual dimension — such as feeling connected to something greater, transcending oneself, or experiencing sacredness through sex.

Self-Acceptance:
Holistic sexuality emphasizes acceptance — of your body, desires, boundaries, and identity.

Sex and sexuality benefit us on many levels: sex relaxes and reduces stress, improves mood, increases intimacy and connection with a partner, can boost the immune system (according to some studies), helps with sleep, may relieve pain, supports hormonal balance, and enhances body awareness.

A holistic approach to sexuality is empathetic, accepting, and respectful of humanity. Sexuality is not a separate part of who we are — it's deeply intertwined with our body, mind, emotions, and relationships. That's why viewing it holistically can often be both liberating and healthy.

Blank& has launched two lubricants (Etna and Glisa), designed not only to provide a safe and essential option for intimate moments — alone or together — from a chemical perspective, but also to help create moments where we can be freely ourselves, just as we are — without shame about our lubricant.

Read more about sexual wellness here.

Hemp is a versatile and valued ingredient in both cosmetics and nutrition. A hemp leaf on a product label does not always tell you which hemp-derived ingredient is inside. One of the most reliable ways to know what you are using is to check the ingredient list.

On the INCI list, hemp seed oil appears as "Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil". It is a cold-pressed oil from hemp seeds — a distinct ingredient with its own clear role in skincare and nutrition.

Hemp seed oil is extracted from seeds

Hemp seed oil is obtained by cold-pressing hemp seeds. When used on the skin, hemp seed oil moisturizes and supports the skin's natural balance. Taken internally, it has been scientifically shown to help with conditions such as eczema and even psoriasis, thanks to its omega fatty acid content.

Hemp seed oil leaves skin feeling hydrated and soft. It is a lightweight, easily absorbed oil that fits into many everyday skincare routines.

Hemp seed oil can also be used as-is in cooking, for example in salads and smoothies.

Benefits of hemp seed oil in skincare

Hemp seed oil is a nourishing, moisturizing ingredient. Its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support the skin barrier and help maintain hydration.

Hemp seed oil is especially well suited for:

• moisturizing dry and sensitive skin

• softening skin and supporting suppleness

• a gentle, everyday skincare routine

Hemp is a versatile plant that benefits both skincare and nutrition in many ways.

Sources:

Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis

Diet and Psoriasis: Part 3. Role of Nutritional Supplements

What Are the Benefits of Hemp Oil?