CBD has made a significant splash in the private label market and continues to do so as applications continue to expand. CBD has been used as a treatment for symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain for a while now. However, the wellness industry is seeing a surge in sales as new CBD products are launched weekly. The number of quality beauty products being released into the market is exceptional and has played a substantial role in the number of female CBD users doubling in 2018. For those thinking about entering the lucrative CBD private label market, it is important to understand the fundamentals of CBD extraction and application.

About CBD Extraction

The naturally occurring CBD compounds in the hemp plant is extracted into oil form, after which it can be used as the primary ingredient to develop products such as lotions, topicals, capsules, edibles, drinks, and more for consumption by an ever-growing market. There are several extraction methods, of which Supercritical C0₂ Extraction is considered the best to create CBD-rich extracts. Carbon dioxide is put under high pressure at a low temperature. Due to the pressure, the gas is transformed into a liquid and passed through the hemp plant, resulting in a highly concentrated and entirely pure oil extract. This extract can range from a dark black paste to a honey-colored oil and contains the cannabis plant materials such as fatty acids, cannabinoids, and terpenoids. What makes it a CBD extract is the type of hemp plant that the extract is sourced from, usually a low THC strain that is part of the sativa family.

The “Entourage Effect” of Phytocannabinoids

It is also possible to isolate a crystallized form of the CBD molecule by intensive processing of the CBD extract, this way you ensure that there are no trace amounts of THC or any other cannabinoids present. However, research suggests that there is a therapeutic benefit to consuming the full cannabinoid and terpenoid profile that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. This is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect”. CBD isolate is therefore deemed less effective than full or broad-spectrum extracts. It can be purchased in powder or slab form at a relatively low cost and is also added as a primary ingredient to create CBD products.

CBD Products Hitting the Market

CBD Capsules

CBD Capsules are CBD extract in pill-form, taken as a supplement daily or as needed. The most common are soft gels and two-piece capsules. CBD and other cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so these capsules also contain an oil-carrier like coconut, hemp, or MCT oil to help the body absorb and get the benefits of the CBD.

CBD Oil-based Tinctures

CBD tinctures are intended for sublingual use to enhance the benefits and speed up the body’s absorption since it does not first need to go through the digestive system. It comes in liquid form, with the CBD extract added to an oil carrier that can then be consumed by placing a few drops under the tongue. This method of dosing is extremely bioavailable since it gets absorbed directly in the bloodstream. Sublingual application has an onset time of roughly 20 to 40 minutes.

CBD Topicals, Lotions and Balms

The beauty and wellness industry has exploded with CBD skincare products, especially in the form of topicals. CBD seems to be the new cure-all for sore and aching muscles as well as a variety of skin conditions. Exciting new products like soothing roll-ons and sticks, as well as sunscreens and after-sun care, are introducing new applications for CBD in the skincare industry. The endocannabinoid receptors in the skin absorb the CBD which then gives localized relief.

CBD Skincare treatment

Another topical application for CBD is for everyday skin conditions. The research found that CBD regulates the production of oil in the sebaceous gland, helping suppress acne breakouts. It is also a very potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which helps for a variety of skin conditions. This has caused products like face serums to do particularly well in the market.

Transdermal CBD Patches

For consumers with chronic issues, a transdermal patch provides longer-lasting relief than a lotion or other topical. It works in the same way, getting absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. Patches have the added advantage of being a slow-release method with a long-lasting effect.

CBD Edibles

Edibles are an easy and effective way to dose with CBD, and there’s a lot out there to choose from. Since processing through the digestive system and thus the liver lowers the CBD concentration, you will probably consume a higher dosage to get the same effect. Once it is absorbed into the system though, it lasts longer than other application methods.

CBD Drinks

Both CBD oil and isolate are hydrophobic, meaning it fails to mix with water. Due to new extraction methods, several companies have now developed water-soluble or emulsified CBD and are creating CBD shots, energy drinks, sodas, and even CBD water for easy consumption. CBD coffee and cocktails or mocktails are also becoming a firm favorite.

The sky truly seems to be the limit when it comes to CBD applications, with new products being introduced frequently, and new studies discovering more benefits from using CBD. With the FDA unable to certify and approve these products quickly, private label companies are taking the lead on innovation with CBD applications. This time the big companies are lagging behind.