CBD Oil vs CBD Lotion: Which is Better?

One of the first questions people have when starting a CBD regimen is, what product should I try first? There are two very popular types of CBD products - oils and lotions. How do you know which one is right for you?

Full-Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate

Before you select your very first CBD product, it’s important to understand the differences between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate-based products. 

Full-spectrum refers to hemp extracts that include the entire array of 100+ cannabinoids plus the other beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant including terpenes, flavonoids, omega fatty acids, and more. Broad-spectrum, on the other hand, refers to products that contain most of the cannabinoids but have been completely purified of THC.

Isolate-based refers to products that contain CBD exclusively, with no other cannabinoids or plant contents. Isolate products are usually over 99% pure CBD, which can be beneficial but often not as desirable as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products because it does not contain the other cannabinoids or terpenes. Therefore, CBD isolate doesn’t conduce the “entourage effect” that full-spectrum hemp extracts can accomplish.

You can find all of these options available online and in retail locations, so it’s really important to review product labels carefully before making a purchase so you know what type of CBD product you’re getting. It would also be wise to contact the manufacturer of the product you’re looking at if it’s unclear from their bottles or marketing material which extract type they’re using. 

CBD Oil

CBD oil, which is occasionally also referred to as hemp oil or cannabis oil, is perhaps the most popular delivery method for CBD today because of its efficacy and ease of customization.

Bluebird Botanicals’ full-spectrum CBD oils are our most popular products because they contain the entire array of cannabinoids plus all the extra goodness from the cannabis plant. In our CBD oils, our premium full-spectrum hemp extract is emulsified in natural carrier oils like organic hemp seed oil, olive oil, and fractionated coconut (MCT) oil.

However, because of the full-plant extract, the taste can be a little “ehhh” for some people. Bluebird Botanicals doesn’t include any artificial ingredients or flavors in our CBD oils, so the bright, earthy taste is completely natural and unbridled. 

Pros: More easily absorbed than CBD lotions. Large number of options for customization. Can be added to food or beverages. Contains additional nutritional benefits from natural carrier oils.

Cons: Strong, sometimes bitter taste. Can be an uncomfortable application method for those completely new to CBD. Some potential to upset the stomach when taking large amounts. 

CBD Lotions

CBD lotions, on the other hand, are often the more approachable product for complete CBD newbies because the application is much more familiar and comfortable, and you can more easily target specific areas of the body. 

CBD lotions can also be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate-based. One of their biggest benefits is that they’re often blended with other healthful botanicals - like lavender, geranium, and rosemary in Bluebird’s Hemp Silk blend.

They’re also a bit more travel-friendly and discreet for use on-the-go. So the next time you’re jetting off for a trip, reaching for your 3.4 oz bottle of Bluebird CBD lotion might be the way to go.

Pros: Comfortable application. Enhances the appearance of the skin for a natural, healthy glow. Easy for travel or use on-the-go. Contains additional botanicals with their own unique properties and health benefits.

Cons: Not quite as bioavailable as CBD oil. Often higher-priced than CBD oils. 

So...Which One is Better?

That is entirely up to personal preference! Both are effective delivery methods for CBD, and we always encourage experimentation to find what type of product works best for you. 

You can also reach out to our customer care team at info@bluebirdbotanicals.com for answers to all your questions about which CBD product is best for you.