In case you missed it, CBD products have become a go-to in the health and wellness industry. However, not all CBD products are created equally or in the same way. These days, CBD users have a choice between oil-based and water-based products, but which is better and why?
You Can Only Use What You Can Absorb.
When it comes to CBD, it’s not just about finding a high quality supplement from a reputable source, it’s also about how much your body can absorb that supplement. What is the point of using a product or taking something daily if your body will only absorb a small amount?
Today, most CBD products you see on the market are in oil form. Okay, but wait… we all know that oil and water don’t mix. We also know that water makes up more than half of our body. So, when we consume CBD in oil form, especially orally and topically, we aren’t actually absorbing as much as we could from each dose.
Water-soluble supplements and vitamins have been a hotly debated topic when it comes to better and quicker absorption, and now CBD has been formulated into water-soluble form for the same reasons and the difference in benefits is quite significant – almost instant onset and increased bioavailability.
Why Water-soluble CBD Is the Most Effective
The most important word here is bioavailability which refers to the amount of the product that actually enters your bloodstream and delivers desired effects. If a product has high or increased bioavailability it means it will allow a higher rate of absorption into the bloodstream. Decreased bioavailability of CBD occurs when the CBD is metabolized before it reaches the endocannabinoid system. This is called the first-pass metabolism effect. For example, if you consume an oil-based CBD product, a significant amount of the CBD will be metabolized and destroyed as it passes through your body and into the liver. This means only a fraction of CBD will end up binding to the appropriate receptors and interacting with your endocannabinoid system. One way to bypass the first-pass metabolism effect is to convert the CBD extract from oil into a water-soluble form. Since our bodies are made up of such a significant portion of water, we see a higher concentration of the CBD extract absorbed when we consume water-soluble CBD.
This leads us to an important question…
How Do You Convert CBD Oil into Water Soluble Form?
Most plant extracts come in oil form and, as we all know, oil does not mix with liquids. Oil also can’t penetrate your skin due to particle size, and you can’t mix oil-based CBD into beverages because of its density. Not to mention the delayed onset – with the use of hemp oil, the effects can take up to an hour to feel and when used in topical applications can leave oily residue on clothing.
CBD and cannabinoid extracts are hydrophobic and lipophilic, which means they do not dissolve in water but in fat. Remember, our bodies are made up of water, so it’s key to convert CBD and cannabinoid extracts into molecules we can actually absorb. Although the CBD molecules are naturally oil-soluble, they can be converted into a water-soluble molecule by a process called nano emulsification. Nanoemulsions force two incompatible substances like oil and water to mix with ease. This allows the particle size to become smaller without CBD losing potency and value. By solving the problems of particle size and density, this technology is what makes water-soluble and water-based topical CBD products truly transdermal (able to pass through the skin) and more bioavailable.
Water-soluble CBD Delivers Limitless Possibilities
Water-soluble extracts are quickly absorbed, more bioavailable, and allow freedom in formulation of CBD products. Water-soluble products also allow consumers to maximize their budget because they’re buying more effective and potent products. There is significant evidence that water soluble CBD is more effective in absorption in the body and can dramatically increase the results of CBD products.
Many CBD products on the market are oil-based, but research indicates that water-based CBD products can be much more effective. Whether ingested or used topically, water-soluble CBD molecules are quickly absorbed by the body and work almost instantly. Still, each type of CBD product has benefits and key components.
While some users will continue to buy oil-based hemp oils and CBD topicals, many are turning to water-based products due to cost and effectiveness. Introducing water-based or water-soluble CBD products into your CBD ritual can enhance your overall experience and save you money.