CBD oils are typically made up of CBD extracts from hemp plants and a carrier oil base. The carrier oil used can vary between brands and products as each has unique benefits. For example, some companies focus on sourcing the most cost-effective option. Others strive to use the most naturally beneficial oils available. This article covers everything you need to know about CBD carrier oils, including the options we offer at Simply CBD.
What are CBD carrier oils used for?
In the world of CBD oil, carrier oils serve various important purposes. They provide a base for CBD and other cannabinoid extracts to be mixed into. This allows for the production of the popular sublingual CBD tinctures on the market today. Some of the main roles that carrier oils play include increasing the bioavailability and absorption of the CBD content, allowing for ease of use, and helping to measure and create different doses. Each oil also has its own set of natural benefits.
Absorption rate
CBD is naturally fat soluble. When it binds to fat molecules that are present in various carrier oils, it becomes easier for the body to absorb. This is because the body can easily break down the oils that are commonly used as carrier oils. The body’s ability to break down these oils increases the bioavailability and absorption rate of the CBD extract and other cannabinoid content.
Ease of use
One of the main reasons that CBD oils are such a popular product is because they’re very easy to use. This ease of use is due mainly to the addition of carrier oils. Taking the cannabinoid extracts alone would be a fairly unpleasant experience. Carrier oils are mixed with these extracts to provide users with a simple, convenient, and enjoyable way to ingest their daily dose of CBD.
Correct doses
Users are able to choose between various different strengths when shopping for the perfect CBD oil. This is very important, as everyone reacts differently to CBD and therefore requires a bespoke dose. For example, new users require a low dose to begin building up their endocannabinoid system. Others eventually need a high dose to achieve their desired benefits. Diluting CBD extracts in carrier oils allows for the creation of different CBD oil strengths. Low-strength CBD oils contain a low concentration of the extract, while high-strength oils contain a higher volume of the extract. The CBD concentration in the extract alone is much too high for consumption without the addition of a carrier oil.
Additional benefits
Each type of carrier oil can provide its own unique benefits in addition to the CBD extract. For example, coconut oil is thought to have natural antimicrobial properties, among various other benefits. Other popular options include rice bran oil and hemp oil, both of which are believed to contribute to improved heart health. The additional benefits a user may feel largely depend on the properties of the specific carrier oil used in the product.
Which oils are commonly used as carrier oils?
There are a wide range of different carrier oils that CBD brands opt for when making their CBD oil products. Some of the most popular options include olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, and hemp oil. Olive oil is more commonly used for cooking, but is becoming an increasingly popular carrier oil as the CBD industry grows. Palm oil is a very effective carrier oil for CBD, but there are many ethical and sustainability concerns that come with it. Unless it’s responsibly sourced, harvesting palm oil contributes to deforestation. Therefore, this is typically not the best option if a user is interested in buying an environmentally friendly product.
Which carrier oils does Simply CBD use?
At Simply CBD, our CBD oil products are mixed in a base of one of three types of carrier oil. The carrier oil used for each of our CBD oils depends on various factors including the product’s CBD profile and strength.
Rice bran oil
Rice bran oil is one of the three main carrier oils we use in our CBD oils. Users that opt for our Liquid Gold or Light CBD oils are using a product with a base of rice bran oil. It’s very light and tastes mild, which makes it the perfect option for both of these beginner-friendly products. It allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream and many users report it leaving behind much less residue than other carrier oils.
Rice bran oil also boasts its own health benefits. For example, it contains natural antioxidants and is thought to contribute to improved heart health as it’s completely free from trans-fats. Major health organisations like WHO have praised rice bran oil for its potential to improve serum cholesterol levels. Some studies even suggest that this oil can help with weight loss. In addition to this, rice bran oil is naturally rich in vitamin E, which is helpful for boosting the immune system and fighting off illnesses.
Hemp oil
As CBD extracts in natural, legal CBD products in the UK come from industrial hemp plants, hemp oil is one of the most obvious carrier oil options. Hemp oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains little to no cannabinoid content. In contrast, the CBD extract that it’s mixed with comes from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant. At Simply CBD, users can find hemp oil as the base of the majority of our CBD oil products, from our Green CBD Oil (2.5%), all the way up to our Platinum CBD Oil (20%).
Hemp oil boasts its own range of health benefits. For example, it’s a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for overall wellbeing. This type of oil is also very rich in nutrients, meaning it can help contribute to improved skin health and a reduction of various skin condition symptoms. Additionally, as hemp oil contains a high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid, it’s thought to help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a very effective carrier oil option. Before being used as a carrier oil, coconut oil undergoes a process called fractionation. This process removes large fat molecules and leaves behind only MCTs. This is a type of fat molecule that the body can easily process and break down, allowing for fast absorption of the available CBD. Users can find this carrier oil in all of the strength variations of our Pure CBD Oil. This is a CBD isolate product, for which coconut oil is the most suitable carrier oil option.
As with the other carrier oils, coconut oil offers its own range of health benefits. It has both antimicrobial and antifungal properties and serves as a good source of antioxidants. Coconut oil also helps encourage fat burning while serving as a fast energy source. Due to its moisturising properties, it can help improve the health of hair and skin. In addition to these benefits, coconut oil is also subject to scientific studies that aim to understand its potential to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Key takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about CBD carrier oils:
- Different brands use different types of carrier oils for their products
- Carrier oils play various important roles, including improved bioavailability, ease of use, and dosage control.
- Each carrier oil provides its own set of unique health benefits.
- Olive oil, palm oil, hemp oil, coconut oil, and rice bran oil are all popular carrier oils for CBD.
- At Simply CBD, we offer CBD oils with bases of hemp oil, rice bran oil, and coconut oil.
