CBD 101 — Tincture vs Oil
If you’re looking into the wide world of cannabidiol (CBD), you’re likely to come across a few confusing terms. Two of the most common are “CBD tincture” and “CBD oil”. But despite their popularity, these terms can be a bit ambiguous. CBD tincture vs. oil… is there any difference between these terms? And, if so, which is the right choice for you?
In short: CBD oils and tinctures are near identical products. However, the two terms do specify slightly different ingredients and effects. Making the right product choice for your needs depends on understanding these subtle differences!
This article goes for a deep-dive into the similarities and differences between CBD oil vs CBD tincture. We’ll cover the traditional definitions, the ambiguities of how the terms are used in the industry, and guidelines for deciding which product is best for you.
So let’s get right into it, settling once and for all the debate between CBD tincture vs. oil!
Traditional Definition vs. Industry Use: Ambiguity and Confusion
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s address a point of confusion: the CBD industry uses the terms “tincture” and “oil” in a way that’s slightly different than more traditional definitions.
Outside of the CBD industry, the difference between tinctures and oils is well-established and understood. However, CBD manufacturers often use the terms interchangeably.
Many vendors, including CBD Choice, market both CBD oils and tinctures in the same category. Note that we at CBD Choice try to use the appropriate, traditional terms to describe our products. However, users should take the “oil vs. tincture” terms with a grain of salt, as manufacturers often use them interchangeably.
For more on the ambiguous use of these terms in the CBD industry, see our in-depth write-up on CBD tinctures.
CBD Tincture Vs. Oil: The Similarities
CBD tinctures and oils are very similar to each other. The similarity is so complete that even experienced users may not know the difference!
- Both CBD oils and tinctures are liquid CBD products intended for sublingual (under the tongue) use.
- They contain a CBD extraction (most often a CO2 extraction), which may be full spectrum or THC-free.
- Both blend the CBD extraction with a carrier oil (most often hemp oil, olive oil, or MCT oil), which keeps the CBD in liquid form and increases its bioavailability.
- Both are used for a wide variety of wellness-related purposes, including benefits to:
- Pain management
- Mental health
- Reducing the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.
Given all of these similarities, it’s no wonder that CBD oils and tinctures are so often confused for one another. On their face, they are virtually identical products that offer virtually identical benefits.
So does that mean there’s no difference between CBD tincture vs. oil? Hardly.
CBD Tincture Vs. Oil: The Differences
For all their similarities, CBD oils and tinctures are not, strictly speaking, identical products. There are several key differences that may help you decide whether CBD tincture vs. oil is the right choice for your needs.
Note, however, that the CBD industry often uses these terms interchangeably. When looking at a manufacturer’s branding, you will likely be best served by taking the use of “tincture” vs. “oil” with a grain of salt. But by keeping the following differences in mind and inspecting the product’s ingredients, you’ll be able to determine more accurately whether the product in question is an oil or a tincture.
The Big Difference: Synergistic Ingredients
When it comes to CBD tincture vs. oil, the key difference is the list of other synergistic ingredients.
CBD Oils are often made with just two or three ingredients: a CBD oil extraction, a carrier oil like MCT, and (optionally) an ingredient to give the oil a pleasant flavor.
CBD Tinctures will contain a wider variety of other oils, extracts, and synergistic ingredients. These may include:
- Melatonin
- Vitamins like B12, C, or D
- Essential oils like lavender or basil
- Spices and extracts like black pepper or turmeric.
The addition of these synergistic ingredients makes CBD tinctures more specialized and focused wellness tools. For instance, tinctures with melatonin will be better suited for improving users’ sleep habits. Turmeric and black pepper may make the tincture more effective at fighting inflammation. Vitamin-infused tinctures will boost wellness in the manner fitting the specific vitamin in question.
Are CBD Tinctures Made With Alcohol?
Other sources may tell you that the key difference between tincture vs. oil is alcohol content. In traditional, non-CBD settings, this may be true. Non-CBD tinctures are often made with a potent alcohol base instead of carrier oil.
In the CBD world? Not so much.
CBD tinctures are almost never made with alcohol. And when you shop with CBD Choice, you can be confident that none of our products, whether oils or tinctures, are made with alcohol. We’re committed to health and wellness, and alcohol? Well, alcohol doesn’t do your body any favors.
CBD Oils and Tinctures, In Closing
So, CBD tincture vs. oil? Powerfully similar, potently effective, and particularly ambiguous in the CBD setting.
While tinctures and oils do have slightly different definitions, the CBD industry tends to use the two terms interchangeably.
One of the most common differences is tinctures’ traditional alcohol base. However, CBD tinctures are not made with alcohol, making them more similar to traditional oils.
The other key difference is extra ingredients. CBD oils are comparatively simple, with only two or three ingredients. Tinctures include a host of other synergistic ingredients, which help the tincture specialize in specific therapeutic uses.
But again, you should take each manufacturer’s use of the terms with a grain of salt. The most important consideration is the product’s ingredients, which will help show you whether the product will offer benefits outside of what CBD alone would.
So which is right for you, CBD oils or CBD tinctures? Only first-hand experience can tell you for sure. But one thing’s for certain: when you shop at CBD Choice, you’ll find only the industry’s highest quality oil and tincture products from the world’s most popular CBD brands.
