Happy Hydration Cream + hemp-derived Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Happy Hydration Cream + hemp-derived Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Product Description
By e.l.f. cosmetics β a rich, buttery face cream powered by hemp-derived Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5. This fragrance-free, vegan moisturizer blends a high-humectant, high-emollient formula to deeply hydrate, soothe and lock in moisture for a plump, healthy-looking complexion across all skin types.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Multi-Level Hydration
Pairs humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, trehalose) with emollients to draw in water and seal it in.
Hemp Seed Oil
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish, condition and reinforce a comfortable skin barrier.
Niacinamide + B5
Helps refine the look of pores, even tone and soothe, while panthenol calms and conditions.
Peptide Support
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Tetrapeptide-7 target the look of fine lines for a smoother appearance.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Niacinamide, peptides, HA and hemp oil are generally considered low-risk β but always confirm with your doctor.
Not malassezia-safe. Contains Polysorbate 20, fatty acids/esters and seed oil that can feed malassezia in fungal-acne-prone skin.
No added fragrance, dyes or essential oils. Generally well tolerated by sensitive and reactive skin.
Pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs β apply this cream after your treatment step to buffer and hydrate.
100% vegan and cruelty-free. Also reef safe and free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates and mineral oil.
Tub format β use a clean spatula or wash hands first to keep the formula hygienic over its lifespan.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
πΏ Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil est. ~9% Proven
The hero ingredient and second on the INCI list. A lightweight, non-intoxicating plant oil (no THC/CBD) prized for its naturally high linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid content that nourishes and conditions dry skin.
- Source: Its high linoleic acid ratio supports the skin barrier and helps soften the upper layer of skin.
- Benefit: Delivers a comfortable, cushioned feel and helps prevent transepidermal water loss.
π Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) est. 2β4% Proven
A multitasking vitamin that helps minimize the look of pores, even out tone and support the skin's moisture barrier.
- Source: Increases ceramide synthesis for a stronger barrier and better hydration retention.
- Benefit: Studies link it to improvements in tone, texture and redness with consistent use.
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) <1% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that binds water to plump and smooth the look of skin texture.
- Source: Can hold many times its weight in water, drawing moisture into the upper skin layers.
- Benefit: Helps restore a bouncy, dewy, well-hydrated appearance.
𧬠Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 & Tetrapeptide-7 <1% Promising
A peptide duo (often marketed as Matrixyl) included to support a smoother, firmer-looking complexion over time.
- Source: Signal peptides studied for their role in supporting the appearance of skin firmness.
- Benefit: Targets the look of fine lines and helps soothe the skin.
π Panthenol (Vitamin B5) + Glycerin + Trehalose Glycerin est. ~3% Proven
A trio of soothing humectants that calm, hydrate and reinforce the moisture reservoir of the skin.
- Source: Panthenol is well documented for soothing and supporting barrier repair.
- Benefit: Together they deliver immediate softness and relieve tightness and dryness.
32 ingredients
Water, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Stearyl Heptanoate, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Isopropyl Isostearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Trehalose, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Panthenol, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyethylene, Disodium EDTA, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, BHT.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and night as the final hydrating step. In the AM, always follow with sunscreen.
π How to Use
Cleanse First
Start with clean skin. Pat dry, leaving skin slightly damp for better absorption.
Apply Treatments
Layer any serums or actives (vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol) before moisturizing.
Massage In
Scoop a pea-to-dime-sized amount and gently massage over face and neck. A little goes a long way.
Seal & Protect
Use AM and PM. In the morning, finish with SPF as your last step.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have normal, dry or dehydrated skin needing rich hydration
- You want a fragrance-free, vegan moisturizer at a budget price
- You like nourishing plant oils and barrier-supporting ingredients
- You want niacinamide, peptides and HA in one affordable cream
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) β the oils and esters may aggravate it
- You prefer a featherweight gel for very oily skin in humidity
- You dislike jar packaging for hygiene reasons
- You react to seed oils or want a fully oil-free formula
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Rich emollients and hemp oil deliver lasting, cushioned hydration β a standout for dry skin.
Balances drier zones while absorbing without heaviness across the T-zone.
Fragrance-free and low-irritation; panthenol and niacinamide soothe reactive skin.
Hydrating without sticky residue, though may feel rich in hot, humid weather.
Low comedogenic risk overall, but not fungal-acne safe; patch test if breakout-prone.
π Results Timeline
Instant Comfort
Skin feels softer, smoother and noticeably more hydrated right after application.
90% noticedLess Dryness & Tightness
Daily use reduces flakiness and that mid-day tight feeling; skin looks plumper.
75% noticedTone & Texture Refinement
Niacinamide and peptides support a more even tone and a smoother, more refined surface.
60% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Deeply hydrating and calming without feeling greasy
- Luxe, buttery texture at a drugstore price
- Loaded actives: hemp oil, niacinamide, HA, peptides, B5
- Fragrance-free, vegan and gentle on sensitive skin
- A little goes a long way β good value per use
β Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Often out of stock / limited availability
- Jar packaging is less hygienic than a pump
- Faint natural hemp scent may not suit everyone
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Shares exfoliants, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Pricier and also fragrance-free, but a more premium positioning for similar hydrating function.
Ceramide- and HA-rich barrier cream. No hemp oil or peptides, but excellent for dry skin and widely available in a hygienic tube/pump.
Simpler, lighter daily moisturizer. Lacks the actives and richness here, but a cheaper everyday hydrator for normal skin.
π Comparison with Competitors
e.l.f. Happy Hydration Cream (Featured)
~$14CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
~$17Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
~$20The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
~$9π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
Screw-top jar / tub
Yes β 50g is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens β its main actives are niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, panthenol and hemp seed oil, which are widely viewed as pregnancy-friendly. As always, confirm with your doctor or OB-GYN before adding any product during pregnancy.
No. It contains Polysorbate 20, fatty acids and several esters (such as Isopropyl Isostearate and Stearyl Heptanoate), plus a seed oil β all of which can feed malassezia yeast. If you are managing fungal acne, choose a malassezia-safe moisturizer instead.
Yes. This is a moisturizer, not an active treatment, so it layers comfortably over retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids. Apply your treatment first, then seal with this cream to buffer potential irritation and lock in hydration.
It's marketed for all skin types and performs especially well on normal, dry, dehydrated, combination and sensitive skin. Oily skin can use it too, though some may prefer a lighter gel in very humid weather.
Hydration and a softer, calmer feel are typically immediate. Reduced dryness and tightness show within 1β2 weeks, while tone and texture benefits from niacinamide and peptides build over roughly 4β8 weeks of consistent use.
Use it as your moisturizing step β after cleansing, toning and any serums or treatments. In the morning, follow with sunscreen as your final step; at night you can layer a facial oil on top if your skin wants extra richness.
Overall low risk β we rate it around 2/5. Hemp seed oil itself is non-comedogenic, but the formula does include a few richer esters, so very breakout-prone skin should patch test first. Note it is not fungal-acne safe.
About 12 months after opening (check the PAO symbol on the packaging). Because it comes in a jar, use a clean spatula or freshly washed hands to keep the formula hygienic throughout its lifespan.
Verdict: e.l.f. Happy Hydration Cream punches well above its drugstore price, packing hemp seed oil, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides and B5 into a fragrance-free, vegan formula that hydrates beautifully across most skin types. It's a standout for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. The main caveats: it isn't fungal-acne safe, the jar packaging is less hygienic than a pump, and availability can be inconsistent. For affordable, no-fuss hydration, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearyl Heptanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isohexadecane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|