You’re in the right place! If you are an avid label reader, then you\u2019ve most certainly read through the labels of our products. You\u2019ll see that our CBD oil tinctures contain a blend of organic coconut and hemp seed oil. These base ingredients are referred to as vegetable oils, base oils, fixed oils, or commonly \u201ccarrier oils\u201d. But what exactly are CBD carrier oils?<\/p>\n
Carrier oils are a vegetable oil used to dilute highly concentrated extracts and \u201ccarry\u201d them safely to the skin or throughout the body. In CBD oil, this provides a practical method of increasing the bioavailability of CBD and its fellow cannabinoids. Bioavailability, or the absorption rate, is vital to the efficacy of CBD because it is a fat-soluble compound.<\/p>\n
Carrier oils allow more consistent and accurate dosing, and depending on the kind of carrier oil, may impart additional plant benefits to the resulting tincture. Below we\u2019ve listed some of the most common carrier oils used in the CBD industry, along with their pros and cons.<\/p>\n
This is the most common carrier oil for CBD products – they\u2019re both derived from the same plant, after all! However, hemp seed oil is derived from hemp seeds and contains no cannabinoids. While its rich vitamin and fatty acid profile does offer additional health benefits, it has a notable earthy taste. This is why it is often mixed with coconut oil. The blend of the two ensures a smoother taste and mouthfeel, as well as allows for the addition of higher CBD concentrations.<\/p>\n
This carrier oil is often referred to as MCT oil. MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides, the chemistry term for the healthy fats that comprise coconut oil. The process of fractionation turns coconut oil into a liquid by extracting these triglycerides. While there have been claims in the past about this oil being overly processed, the newfound awareness of MCT through the keto diet have convinced people of its benefits. The resulting product is highly prized in the health and wellness industries. It is known to have a very stable shelf-life in addition to mild taste.<\/p>\n
A household kitchen staple, olive oil also offers a widely beneficial phytonutrient profile. It has numerous health benefits and antioxidant properties, and was one of the first carriers in mainstream CBD products. This oil does have a strong aroma that may not be preferred by all, which is why it has given way to other oils as the CBD industry matures.<\/p>\n
Another vitamin and fatty acid rich oil, avocado oil can be used as an alternative carrier oil for tinctures, although very rarely. Its thicker texture may not be optimal for most people taking CBD oil by mouth. To add, avocado oil possesses an earthier, bitter taste and is often present more frequently in topical products.<\/p>\n
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