What Is the Best CBD Carrier Oil?

When it comes to CBD oil, the terms “base oil” or “carrier oil” might be familiar. You’ve probably seen them while browsing for CBD oil online.

So, what is a carrier oil?

To put it simply, a carrier oil is any oil ingredient added to help carry the CBD into your system. Carrier oils allow the CBD extract to be more effectively absorbed in your body.

Most companies that make CBD oil for sale choose a specific carrier oil to help aid in the absorption of CBD. 

Benefits of using CBD oil products 

There are a number of CBD oil products in the market, each with its own benefits.

For instance, some products can help you relax and ease your worries. This could be due to the carrier oils and ingredients used, which can have relaxing and calming qualities. Other CBD products have carrier oils that give you a boost of energy and help you focus throughout your day.

That’s why it’s always important to learn what kind of carrier oil is being used in a product before buying it. You want to make sure to pick the one that’s best suited to your individual needs.

Qualities of the Best CBD Carrier Oils

The main determinant for carrier oils is bioavailability. This is how much your body can absorb in relation to the amount you take in, and is determined by the types of molecules the carrier oil is composed of. Different types of fat molecules transport CBD differently in your body. The oils vary in terms of flavor, cost and consistency.

Reasons to Use Carrier Oils

There are three main reasons why carrier oils are used:

Increase the absorption rate of CBD

CBD compounds fuse with the fat molecules when mixed with oil, increasing the bioavailability of CBD. Once you take it, the body can easily break down the oil and deliver the CBD to your cells. 

Advantages

Some carrier oils offer different health benefits. However, the benefits depend on the type of plant the oil comes from, the fatty acids the oil contains, how the oil is obtained and the processing method. 

Dosing Simplification

By using carrier oils, it becomes simpler to accurately measure doses without the use of special equipment. The CBD is dissolved evenly in the oil, and graduated droppers can help you measure the amount of CBD in each drop. 

Popular CBD Carrier oils

Olive Oil

Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest oils. As a CBD carrier oil, it is thick and has a strong fruity flavor. It takes longer for the body to break down the oil, which means less CBD is absorbed. On the plus side, olive oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT Oil)

Coconut oil is considered one of the best carrier oils for several reasons. The oil is thin, making it easy to measure. When refined, the flavor is barely noticeable, making it ideal for making broad- and full-spectrum tinctures.

Unrefined coconut oil tastes and smells like a coconut. Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial qualities. It is called fractionated because the medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are isolated from the long-chain fats, increasing the absorption rate. 

It is important to note that MCT oil can be obtained from different types of oil. The term mainly refers to the type of fat molecules and not the oil source. MCT fats can be directly absorbed into the body from the liver. 

Fractionated Palm Oil

Palm oil is similar to coconut oil in several aspects. It has a barely noticeable scent, and an earthy flavor similar to pumpkin-seed oil. The oil is affordable, has a high absorption rate and is long-lasting when stored correctly. When looking for palm oil CBD products, ensure the palm oil comes from eco-friendly sources. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil, like olive oil, has high levels of oleic acid, and it is thick and has a nutty taste. It can be used to increase the viscosity of CBD oils. It is rich in vitamins A, D and E, and is best for topical applications because of its slow drying time. Avocado oil is one of the more expensive carrier oils.

Hempseed Oil

Most people think that hempseed oil should be the ideal carrier oil for CBD products. However, this is not the case, as it is inefficient on its own and has to be mixed with other oils with higher levels of bioavailability to increase its efficacy. 

You can find hempseed oil in full-spectrum tinctures. The oil has some components that complement CBD, so it is often mixed with other carrier oils. Most manufacturers making CBD use hempseed oil in their CBD oil tinctures.

Hempseed oil has a mild nutty taste and has various skin-health benefits. Due to the skin benefits, hempseed oil is often mixed with other ingredients to make CBD balms. 

Grapeseed Oil

Even though grapeseed oil is known for use in perfumes, it is also used as a CBD carrier oil. Other than being convenient and affordable, grapeseed oil has other qualities that make it ideal as a CBD carrier oil. It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, and most of the fat content is made of polyunsaturated fats, making it a healthy option. 

Pomegranate Seed Oil

Pomegranate seed oil is full of antioxidants, which makes it popular for making CBD tinctures, capsules and other products. This oil tastes like balsamic vinegar, with a touch of fruity sweetness. 

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil is aromatic and has a rich nutty flavor and a pleasant taste that does not overpower the taste buds. The oil has anti-inflammatory qualities and is packed with vitamins. Pumpkin seed oil falls under the list of healthy oils and is mainly used for tinctures and capsules. 

Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is a popular carrier oil since it is affordable and widely available. The oil is rich in vitamin E and is beneficial for the skin. It has skin-health-boosting qualities, making it ideal for CBD balms. 

Sunflower seed oil usually has the original scent of sunflower seeds and has a mild flavor that makes it ideal for CBD oil tinctures and capsules. 

Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

This is technically not a carrier oil, even though it has similarities to carrier oils. It is obtained from the triglycerides contained in carrier oils and can be added to CBD tinctures to dilute the CBD. Vegetable glycerine is made by removing fatty acid molecules and leaving pure glycerol behind. The glycerol has a sweet taste and has a high solvency rate for CBD and other fat-soluble compounds. 

Vegetable glycerine is popular with CBD oils because of its pleasant taste, and is also the main ingredient in vape oils since it creates thick fumes when exposed to heat. Due to its sticky nature, it is one of the key ingredients when making CBD gummies. 

Arnica Oil

Arnica oil is a carrier oil used to make topical CBD products. However, it should not be ingested as it is toxic.

Safety Precautions When Using Carrier Oils

Most people do not have any adverse reactions when it comes to carrier oils. However, you need to pay attention to the source of the carrier oil, especially if you have any allergies.

If you are taking medication or have an underlying medical condition, you need to consult your physician before you start taking CBD products. 

If you are using topical products, you need to pay attention to your reaction and discontinue using them if you experience any skin reactions. Some topical skin products contain essential oils. You should ensure you are not allergic to the oils and watch for side effects. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic when used in the wrong quantities. 

Also, when buying CBD oil products, ensure you buy from trusted manufacturers who make CBD that is safe. Unscrupulous companies looking to make a quick buck sometimes put out poor CBD products that are not safe for use. 

Wrap up

Carrier oils are important, as they help with the absorption of CBD oil. When it comes to the best CBD oil, MCT oil is the most popular due to its affordability and availability. However, each of the oils listed above has its own merits. 

You can choose the one that suits your preferences. If you are unsure of the carrier oil you want for your CBD, try different oils until you find the one that suits your taste.