Which carrier oil should I look for in my CBD products?

You might have come across ingredients such as MCT, black cumin or hemp seed oil on the back of your CBD products, these are carrier oils – but which should you opt for?

When you take CBD, you’re consuming more than just cannabinoids. As cannabidiol is a lipophilic (fat-loving) compound, it is usually dissolved in oil. This can help improve bioavailability and allows for easier dosing.

While the carrier oil is not thought to affect the active ingredients in a product, it may come with additional health benefits. 

Here are the three carrier oils you should know about, according to Hemp Point, a leading European CBD company. 

MCT Oil

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is produced from either coconut or palm kernel oil and is the most commonly used carrier oil for CBD products. MCT oil has a number of benefits that make it a popular choice among CBD manufacturers, notably its high absorption rate. 

This fatty acid does not need to pass through the digestive system to be absorbed into the bloodstream and as it absorbs easily via the skin, it is an effective carrier oil for both sub-lingual and topical products.

Other benefits of MCT oil are its lack of flavour, low density and lower cost compared to alternative carriers. Early research suggests it could also benefit people with conditions such as autism, epilepsy, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, however, more research is needed to solidify these findings. 

“The density is very close to water, so that means the bioavailability will be better,” Hemp Point founder Tomas Biroscik explained. “It will work faster because it dissolves quicker than heavier oils like hemp seed and olive oil.” 

MCT oil is not without its cons. Some adverse side effects reported by consumers include digestive issues such as nausea and gas and the potential build-up of ketones. For this reason, MCT oil may not be the best option for people with liver disease or diabetes. 

READ MORE: What to look for when buying CBD

Hemp seed oil

If you’re an advocate for the entourage effect, hemp seed oil could be the right carrier oil for you. Although it does not contain the cannabinoids and terpenes found in CBD oil, it does contain certain chemicals that could help boost the effectiveness of the product. 

Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3, magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium, and is thought to act as an antioxidant. However, its high density can impact the bioavailability of the end-product and its earthy flavour can put off some consumers. 

As a big believer in the power of using the whole plant, Hemp Point primarily uses hemp seed oil for its products as a carrier oil. The company has developed and produces its own hemp seed oil which Tomas describes as having a nutty, mild flavour. 

Black cumin oil

Hemp Point parent company Krauterland is one of the biggest producers of black cumin oil in Germany. 

As one of the most prized ingredients in ancient medicine, black cumin – derived from the Nigella sativa plant – is known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. Black cumin is thought to be especially beneficial for the digestive tract, Tomas said. 

“Black cumin can enhance the effects of CBD, because of its anti-inflammatory properties but also because it’s good for your gut,” Tomas said. 

Black cumin oil is a more niche carrier compared to MCT and hemp seed oil, but if you believe you could benefit from its numerous health benefits, it could be worth seeking out. 

Other common carrier oils that you may also come across include olive oil, avocado oil and palm oil. The latter two are deemed unsustainable, especially palm oil which is one of the primary contributors to deforestation. 

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