CBD Carrier Oils — What to Know to Make the Best Choice
CBD’s popularity is skyrocketing due to its health benefits, such as relief from anxiety, pain, inflammation, and seizures. The substance is extracted from cannabis plants but does not induce the intoxicating effects that THC provides. Consequently, you can use CBD products without getting high.
As you may know, CBD comes in many forms, from oils and tinctures to even strawberry lemonade gummies, sports creams, and CBD-infused pillows. If you are one of those who prefer taking CBD orally, choosing a suitable carrier oil is vital.
In this article, we take a closer look at the different types of carrier oils and how they can affect your experience with CBD. Let’s get started.
What Is a Carrier Oil?
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil used by manufacturers to dilute and carry essential oils or other active ingredients. Companies often use such oils in numerous products, including cosmetics, perfumes, and medications. Carrier oils can be derived from various plants, e.g., coconut, jojoba, olive, avocado, hemp, and grape seed.
There are many different types of carrier oils, each with its own properties. For example, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, D, and E, while coconut oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Carrier oils are usually made from plant seeds, nuts, or kernels. Some popular carrier oils include jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, and grapeseed oil.
The Most Popular Carrier Oils for CBD
There are many carrier oils to choose from, but not all of them are suitable for CBD. Generally, you want to select a carrier oil that is light and non-greasy, so that it will not interfere with the absorption of CBD into your body.
Some of the most popular carrier oils for CBD include:
- Coconut oil — It is a widely available carrier oil. It is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is also solid at room temperature, making it ideal for use in topical CBD products.
- MCT oil — MCT oil is made from coconut oil but is more concentrated and contains more medium-chain fatty acids. This factor makes it easier for the body to absorb, helping increase the bioavailability of CBD.
- Hemp seed oil — Hemp seed oil is a popular carrier oil for CBD as it is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can improve the health of your skin.
- Grape seed oil — Grape seed oil is a light, non-greasy oil that is known for its high levels of antioxidants. Thanks to it, it is a good choice for people looking for a carrier oil that can help to protect their skin from free radical damage.
- Olive oil — Olive oil is another carrier oil that is a go-to choice for many people. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. As such, it is a good choice for people looking for a natural way to improve their skin health.
- Avocado oil — Avocado oil is a carrier oil rich in oleic acid, a type of omega-9 fatty acid. It is a good choice if you want a product that can effectively reduce inflammation.
How to Choose the Best CBD Carrier Oil?
Now that you know the most popular carrier oils for CBD, it is time to learn how to choose the best one for you.
The first thing you need to consider is the purpose of using CBD. If you want to use it for general wellness, any of the carrier oils mentioned above will be suitable. However, if you intend to address specific conditions, such as pain relief or dry skin, you may want to choose a carrier oil that is known for its ability to improve those conditions.
Moreover, you must consider the carrier oil’s taste. Some carrier oils, such as hemp seed oil, have a nutty flavor that you may dislike. In this case, picking a carrier oil with a neutral taste may be a better option. For instance, you could opt for MCT oil or grape seed oil.
Finally, you need to consider the price of the carrier oil. Carrier oils can vary in price depending on their quality and the methods used to extract them. More often than not, you should aim for a carrier oil that is affordably priced and of high quality.
The Bottom Line
Some of the most popular carrier oils for CBD include coconut oil, MCT oil, hemp seed oil, and grape seed oil. Choosing the best one comes down to personal preferences. However, there are some factors you need to consider, such as the purpose of using CBD, the taste of the carrier oil, and the price.
CBD carrier oils are a vital part of taking CBD. They help increase the bioavailability of CBD and can also affect the products’ taste, smell, and texture. By considering these factors, you can be sure to choose a carrier oil that is right for you.