A carrier oil or base oil is a plant-based oil that acts as a solvent to dissolve the compounds of the hemp plant. Carrier oils allow CBD molecules and other phytonutrients to be more easily absorbed through the skin. CBD carrier oils are used for suspending or diluting compounds that may otherwise be too concentrated for use. They help improve taste, are very mild in flavor and essence, and also provide nutritional value.
What are the benefits of carrier oils?
CBD is a powdery compound that does not mix well with water-based solvents. Carrier oils help dissolve CBD and aids in the processing and delivering it to your cells. CBD carrier oil benefits are as follows:
- Enhances CBD absorption: Diluting CBD hemp extract in a carrier oil improves CBD consumption and absorption in the gut. When CBD combines with fat molecules in the carrier oil, it can efficiently process and deliver CBD to your cells. In other words, the bioavailability of CBD is increased by using plant-based carrier oils.
- Makes measuring doses easier: CBD is a white crystalline powder measured in milligrams. Dissolving this powder in oil helps with dosing and delivers the required strength or milligrams of CBD. For example, measuring 3.5mg of CBD powder requires a precision scale and cannot be done accurately with the naked eye. Diluting the crystals in a carrier oil in amounts of 100mg, 300mg, or 750mg per bottle can make counting the drops of oil by a dropper significantly more accurate and consistent.
- Maintain the freshness of CBD Oils: Oxidation deteriorates substances over time, which means that CBD will lose its potency. Mixing it with a carrier oil slows down the oxidation process, helping it to remain fresh for longer.
- Offer additional health benefits: Many carrier oils have health benefits, such as coconut oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, olive oil reduces the risk of heart disease, and some carrier oils offer antioxidant benefits, omega 3&6 fatty acids, and small amount of energy.
What are some of the best CBD carrier oils?
Different CBD brands use a unique carrier oil or a mix of common carrier oils such as
- MCT Oil (Medium-Chain-Triglyceride Oil): Unrefined or fractionated coconut oil, palm, or soy oil are MCT oils that prove to be the best carrier oils. MCT oils provide excellent CBD bioavailability as they are absorbed quickly and efficiently through the digestive tract, are keto-friendly, have high solubility, and offers little or no flavor. MCTs have numerous health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, improving brain function, increase fat burning, and the ability to kill microorganisms.
- Hemp Seed Oil: This oil is extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds and can enhance the entourage effect in full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD extract. Hemp oil is a popular health supplement rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a ratio of 1:4, which has beneficial effects on the skin, joints, brain, and immune system. It should not be confused with hemp oil extracted from hemp flowers used to make CBD isolate and full-spectrum hemp extract.
- Grape Seed Oil: Grapes are loaded with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. It is less dense, has a wine-like scent, and great as a base for massage oil. Grapeseed oil as carrier oil is widely used in hair and skin care due to its high Vitamin E content and reduces wrinkles and moisturizing effect. It softens, strengthens, and conditions hair while adding shine and stimulating growth.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil has free-radical fighting antioxidants, and a desirable fruity flavor. It is exceptionally high in long-chain triglycerides, enhancing the absorption efficacy of hemp extracts in the digestive system. It is ideal for low potency CBD oils due to its high nutrient density.
- Extra virgin olive oil has numerous benefits, improving heart health, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Avocado Oil: Avocados are full of saturated fats providing nutritional benefits and effective carrier oils. It has healthy fats, namely oleic acid, high in lutein, and high vitamin A, B, D, and E content. The skin-nourishing and antioxidant properties of avocado oil make it an ideal carrier for topical CBD products. It is also suitable for the heart, eyes, and gums.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: This carrier oil has a rich aromaticnutty flavor, full of vitamins A, C, and D, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pomegranate Seed Oil: One of the most therapeutic CBD carrier oil loaded with vitamins and essential oils has remarkable benefits. It has immune-boosting, hormone optimizing, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, it can improve cognitive functions, promote digestive health, and improves heart health. Pomegranate oil can reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Additionally, it can help reduce menopausal symptoms. Its benefits also extend to hair treatment, softening and strengthening hair, and helping retain moisture.
- Arnica Oil: A popular carrier oil known for treating muscle soreness, sprains, bruises, heal insect bites due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It should be used in topicals and should not be ingested as it can be toxic to the liver.
- Sunflower Oil: Organic sunflower oil is abundant in healthy vitamins and minerals, inexpensive, and is an excellent carrier oil for any CBD tincture. It improves skin health, soothes skin irritation, promotes the regeneration of new skin, has anti-aging effects, and is an antioxidant booster. Sunflower can be easily mixed into other flavors, making it an extremely versatile carrier oil.
- Vegetable Glycerin: This is not technically acarrier oil but is popularly used in CBD tinctures to dilute CBD extracts. It is a clear liquid typically made from palm oils, soybeans, and coconut oils. It is odorless, has a sweet taste, and a syrup-like consistency. It is usually used in topicals to lock in moisture and improve hydration. It is used in vape oils and can be used in vaporizers.
In addition to increasing absorption of CBD extract, CBD carrier oils maintain freshness and help with dosing. Many people may now be aware of the potential health benefits of carrier oils. MCT is the most popular carrier oil due to its cheap cost, long shelf life, and beneficial properties. However, the best carrier oil will depend on the purpose for which the CBD oil is being used- topical or being ingested.