A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR CBD PRODUCT FORMULATION

Choosing the Best CBD for Formulations – Maximize Product Potential

The CBD industry attracts attention across various sectors for its potential health and wellness benefits. However, selecting the right CBD-based ingredient can be confusing and overwhelming. CBD Isolate vs. Distillate, which is the best option? From CBD Isolate and Broad Spectrum Distillates to Full Spectrum Distillates and CBD Crystal Resistant Distillates, deciding which cannabidiol raw ingredient to use in your formulations can significantly impact quality, customer satisfaction and compliance. Careful consideration is crucial when deciding which product requirements should take precedence:

THC-free
Singular Cannabinoid Potency
Comprehensive Health and Wellness Properties
Enhanced Stability
Anti-crystallization
Product Formulation Versatility

This guide presents the key differences between CBD Isolate Powder, Broad Spectrum CBD Distillate, Full Spectrum CBD and Crystal-Resistant Distillates to assist in informed decision-making.

BENEFITS OF CBD

From a brand’s perspective, incorporating CBD into products can offer natural wellness solutions for customers and enhance product differentiation.
Formulators are choosing CBD for its potential benefits, such as:

Reduced anxiety
Pain relief
Reduced inflammation
Relaxation without psychoactive side effects
Improving skin conditions, such as acne and eczema

HOW DOES CBD INTERACT WITH THE BODY?

Believed to be one of the most critical systems in the body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for maintaining homeostasis (balance) throughout the body, regulating key functions like mood, sleep, appetite, immune response etc. The body naturally produces endocannabinoids that behave as neurotransmitters in the body’s complex biological network. When the body is out of balance, cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes work together to bring the body back in balance.

CBD is an exocannabinoid (originating from plants) and functions the same as endocannabioids by stimulating the same receptors in the body required to maintain homeostasis (learn more).

CBD FORM FACTORS EXPLAINED

CBD comes in multiple raw ingredient forms that vary in composition and targeted application. Its versatility extends to verticals like skincare, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and wellness. While the subject matter is complex, the following table demonstrates a simplistic point of differentiation with details of each form factor to follow.

CBD ISOLATE

WHAT IS CBD ISOLATE?

CBD Isolate is the purest form of THC-free cannabidiol available, with ≥ 99% pure CBD. The CBD crystalline white powder is refined to remove all other plant compounds, such as terpenes, flavonoids and minor cannabinoids, including THC.

Key Benefits of Formulating with CBD Isolate for CBD Product Formulations:

Purity and Consistency –
CBD Isolate powder offers precise dosing to control end-product potency and ensure batch-to-batch consistency for predictable and reproducible results.
THC-Free Compliance –
With the removal of THC to federal guidelines, CBD Isolate is ideal for consumers seeking to avoid THC and complies with strict jurisdictional THC regulations, while also opening up global markets.
Tasteless and Versatile –
Tasteless and odor-free to minimize impact on flavor and aroma profiles, broadening its appeal.
Wide Consumer Acceptance –
Consumers are becoming more educated about CBD, resulting in greater acceptance when seeking a natural, pure and effective alternative.

Ideal CBD Isolate Product Applications:

1. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
CBD Isolate is suitable for dietary supplements, where exact dosing and clean ingredients are essential.

- Capsules and Tablets
  Capsules and tablets allow for accurate and consistent dosing and are popular for overall wellness, sleep support and stress management.
- Gummies, Lozenges and Chewables
  CBD Isolate works perfectly in gummies or chewables with the potential for relaxation or focus. Its pure form eliminates the hempy aftertaste often found in full-spectrum products, making it more enticing for consumers sensitive to the hemp flavor.

2. PHARMACEUTICALS
CBD Isolate’s precise CBD potency makes it invaluable for pharmaceutical applications, where reliability, compliance and dosage accuracy are essential:

- Prescription (Epidiolex) or Over-the-Counter
  CBD Isolate has been marketed to target conditions such as epilepsy (research brief), chronic pain (cohort study) and anxiety (pre-clinical and clinical evidence). Its THC-free profile meets regulatory standards, ensures greater acceptance and eliminates concerns over psychoactivity. Its high purity enables stringent control and predictable formulation, which is critical in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industry. CBD is also being studied as a treatment for other conditions, including:

- - Multiple Sclerosis (read research)
  - Parkinson’s disease (observational pilot study)
  - Schizophrenia (randomized controlled trial)

- Tinctures and Strips
  Administering CBD sublingually (under the tongue) offers faster absorption (bioavailability) as it bypasses the liver and digestive system. Tinctures allow for precise dosing, making it easy to measure and adjust the amount of CBD to help users identify the optimal amount.

3. SKINCARE AND COSMETICS
CBD Isolate’s lack of THC and aroma makes it ideal for topical formulations, especially those geared toward sensitive skin. Its powdered form requires additional processing to ensure it is properly dissolved or emulsified to achieve a smooth finish.

- Facial Serums and Creams
  Products enriched with CBD powder may potentially target redness, irritation or dryness while maintaining a clean ingredient profile suited for all skin types, including sensitive skin (read research).
- Anti-Aging Solutions
  CBD Isolate can be incorporated into anti-aging creams or serums to address inflammation and oxidative stress, key contributors to signs of aging (read research).
- Body Creams and Lotions
  Rich, moisturizing creams provide targeted CBD benefits without adding unwanted aromas or plant compounds, appealing to consumers seeking clean, THC-free solutions.

4. EDIBLES AND CBD-INFUSED BEVERAGES
CBD Isolate is highly versatile for consumable products, thanks to its tasteless properties and dissolvability:

- Snacks
  CBD-enhanced snacks such as cookies, brownies and bars are perfect for consumers looking to integrate CBD into their daily routines. The purity of CBD Isolate powder promotes health and wellness benefits without interfering with the taste or texture of food products. Blending it in is similar to baking soda or baking powder in consistency.
- Coffee and Tea Blends
  CBD Isolate can be infused into coffee or tea without impacting flavor and has been reported to provide a calming balance to caffeinated drinks and enhance the relaxing effects of herbal teas.

5. TOPICALS FOR PAIN AND RECOVERY
CBD Isolate is an excellent choice for products that require a THC-free profile while offering targeted, localized relief:

- Pain Relief Gels and Sprays
  These topical products, often designed for athletes or individuals with chronic pain, deliver concentrated CBD benefits and may be considered a suitable alternative to opioids for pain management (research abstract)
- Muscle Recovery Balms
  CBD Isolate-based balms are reported to soothe post-exercise muscle soreness (read article) through their precise concentration of CBD, ensuring effectiveness without regulatory complications tied to THC.

6. PET PRODUCTS
CBD Isolate’s high purity and THC-Free profile make it a natural choice for pet products:

- Pet Chews and Oils
  For pets, CBD Isolate eliminates the risk of THC toxicity and has been used to formulate products targeting anxiety relief (read abstract) or joint health in animals (read review).

BROAD SPECTUM CBD DISTILLATE

WHAT IS BROAD SPECTRUM DISTILLATE?

Broad Spectrum CBD Distillate is refined to retain additional beneficial cannabinoids like CBG and CBC, offering a THC-free formulation while delivering many benefits associated with full-spectrum products. This makes it an excellent choice for various product categories targeting a diverse audience who want the therapeutic potential of the Entourage Effect (multiple cannabinoids working together for greater efficacy) but without THC. Broad Spectrum Distillate is the ideal choice for brands targeting regions less tolerant to THC.

Key Benefits of Formulating with Broad Spectrum Distillate for CBD Product Formulations:

A Point to Differentiation –
A balanced profile with CBD and minor cannabinoids can contribute to the Entourage Effect, offering advanced wellness differentiation in an expanding CBD market.
Increased Market Appeal –
The absence of THC allows for greater compliance, broader consumer enticement and a gateway to a global market.
Versatility Across Product Categories –
The synergistic blend may offer more health and wellness benefits, permitting broader applications into various categories.

Ideal Broad Spectrum Distllate Product Applications:

1. TINCTURES
These versatile and consumer-friendly products target stress and anxiety. They can be marketed to consumers seeking a holistic, balanced approach to health as a daily routine.

2. EDIBLES AND BEVERAGES
Broad Spectrum CBD Distillate integrated into food and beverage formulations provides health and wellness benefits in a tasty and discreet method of consumption.

- Gummies, Chocolates and Other Edibles
  Gummies, chocolates and other baked goods infused with Broad Spectrum CBD are popular for relaxation or focus.
- Beverages Drinks like sparkling water, teas and other beverages benefit significantly from water-soluble Broad Spectrum Distillate. These products can target specific outcomes, such as calming the mind or enhancing post-workout recovery while avoiding the legal and sensory complications of THC.

3. TOPICAL PRODUCTS FOR SKIN AND MUSCLE HEALTH
Broad Spectrum CBD offers targeted benefits from the synergistic blend of multiple cannabinoids. Formulation of this sort attracts wellness-focused consumers looking for comprehensive skincare options.

- Pain Relief Creams and Balms
  CBD, in combination with other cannabinoids, may soothe localized aches and inflammation.
- Moisturizing Lotions and Serums
  Skincare products incorporating Broad Spectrum Distillate address dryness, redness or irritation.

4. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Broad Spectrum CBD Distillate is a great fit for dietary supplements, offering wellness support in precise, measured doses. These formulations are ideal for consumers seeking convenient and familiar consumption methods to maintain healthy routines:

- Capsules and Softgels
  Capsules are perfect for those who prefer a simple, THC-free daily regimen with all the benefits of multiple cannabinoids. These are especially useful for customers seeking relaxation, focus or overall wellness.

5. VAPES
Vapes are a popular form of consumption due to lifestyle and its immediate results. Inhaling into the lungs, Broad Spectrum Distillate enters the bloodstream faster than through digestive methods. Due to its solidification characteristics, the vape juice would require additional formulation to include an anti-crystallization agent.

6. BATH AND BODY PRODUCTS
Incorporating Broad Spectrum Distillate into self-care formulations capitalizes upon therapeutic relaxation with skin health benefits to leverage wellness trends.

- Bath Bombs
  Various cannabinoids combined with essential oils are ideal for creating THC-free bath bombs aimed at promoting relaxation.
- Massage Oils
  T-Free Broad Spectrum Distillate’s synergistic cannabinoid profile can promote relaxation when infused into oils for therapeutic massages.

7. PET-FRIENDLY CBD PRODUCTS
The absence of THC in Broad Spectrum CBD Distillate makes it ideally positioned for pet products.

- Pet Formulations
  Pet products, including treats and oils, are designed to reduce animal anxiety, inflammation or pain. These are highly marketable in the pet wellness industry, with THC-free labels providing peace of mind for pet owners.

Full SPECTUM CBD DISTILLATE

WHAT IS FULL SPECTRUM DISTILLATE?

Full Spectrum CBD is a “whole plant” approach that includes the naturally occurring range of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids present in the hemp input material, including trace amounts of THC. This holistic, natural, comprehensive blend can leverage the Entourage Effect to enhance the overall efficacy. Due to the inclusion of minor cannabinoids, Full Spectrum Distillate is ideally suited to target various conditions and market segments.

Key Benefits of Formulating with Full Spectrum Distillate for CBD Product Formulations

Enhanced Health and Wellness Outcomes –
Naturally aligned with the plant’s original properties, Full Spectrum Distillate is a more significant contributor to the Entourage Effect for enhanced overall therapeutic potential.
Natural Whole Plant Benefits –
Attracts consumers seeking authentic, less processed, unaltered plant-based benefits compared to isolate and broad spectrum distillate.
Subtle Notes of Flavor and Aroma –
Resonates with those seeking an authentic sensory experience.
Market Appeal –
Marketing as “Full Spectrum” is a draw to a large consumer base.

Ideal Full Spectrum Distillate Product Applications:

1. TINCTURES
Tinctures remain one of the most popular formulations for Full Spectrum CBD Distillate due to their ease of use and fast-acting benefits (bioavailability). The synergy created by multiple cannabinoids and terpenes makes tinctures desirable as a wellness and lifestyle product targeting stress, anxiety, sleep enhancement and balanced wellness into a daily routine.

2. TOPICALS
Topical formulations utilizing Full Spectrum CBD Distillate are ideal for localized pain relief and skincare applications.

- Pain Relief Balms and Gels: The presence of other cannabinoids like CBG enhances CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Moisturizing and Calming Skincare: Products like face creams, serums and body lotions may address redness, dryness and inflammation while offering a clean, plant-based solution.

3. EDIBLES
Full-spectrum CBD Distillate is an excellent choice for food formulations due to its natural cannabinoid-rich profile, which enhances consumable products’ therapeutic potential.

- Gummies and Chocolates: The combination of cannabinoids creates a well-rounded effect, making these edibles popular for relaxation, focus or stress relief.

4. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
For convenience-focused consumers or those sensitive to the hemp taste profile, Full Spectrum Distillate is well-suited for encapsulated forms.

- Softgels and Capsules: Provides a discreet, easy way to deliver consistent, precise doses of full-spectrum CBD. Soft gels and capsules can be formulated to target relaxation, focus or pain relief as a daily supplement or wellness support.

5. VAPES
Although requiring additional formulation to minimize crystallization, vape products formulated with Full Spectrum CBD Distillate provide rapid absorption and potent effects. Common formulation goals include reducing stress, relaxation and pain.

6. BATH AND WELLNESS PRODUCTS
Full Spectrum CBD Distillate is also popular for self-care products that support relaxation, recovery and skin health.

- Bath Bombs: Full-spectrum cannabinoids may enhance the calming and muscle-relaxing benefits when combined with Epsom salts and aromatherapeutic essential oils.
- Massage Oils: Distillate-based oils blend well into therapeutic massage oil-based products, potentially soothing tense muscles and promoting full-body relaxation.

CBD CRYSTAL RESISTANT DISTILLATE

WHAT IS CRYSTAL RESISTANT DISTILLATE?

Crystal Resistant Distillate (CRD) is a broad spectrum of CBD and minor cannabinoids developed to resist crystallization and maintain low viscosity throughout its shelf-life. This makes it especially valuable in applications where extended fluidity, stability and ease of handling are crucial

Key Benefits of Formulating with CBD Crystal Resistant Distillate for CBD Product Formulations

Non-crystallizing to Simplify Production –
Anti-crystallization properties streamline integration into various product formulations without requiring heat to blend or the need for added diluents or cutting agents to maintain fluidity.
Increased Stability –
Low Viscosity properties prevent crystallization to support stability and integrity over extended storage periods, leading to greater customer satisfaction.
Synergistic Blend –
Crystal Resistant Distillates contain additional minor cannabinoids, contributing to the Entourage Effect for added benefits.

Ideal Crystal Resistant CBD Distillate Product Applications:

1. VAPE CARTRIDGES
The clarity and non-crystallizing nature of Crystal Resistant Distillate are highly desirable traits in cart filling. It helps prevent blockage to ensure a consistent and smooth vaping experience. Crystal Resistant Distillate’s synergistic blend and purity enhance overall potential benefits, offering consumers a reliable and enjoyable method of

2. SKINCARE AND COSMETICS
Crystal Resistant Distillate contributes to a more comprehensive and multi-dimensional care for skin with extended stability, making it ideal for skincare and cosmetic formulations. Its non-crystallizing properties ensure that creams, lotions and serums maintain a smooth, consistent texture over time, enhancing product quality and shelf life.

Marketing, which plays a significant role in the industry, has capitalized upon the “broad spectrum” benefits to capture greater consumer appeal. With increasing consumer interest in cannabinoid-based beauty products, Crystal Resistant Distillate provides a competitive edge by combining skincare and cosmetic benefits with science-baked skin health support (read abstract).

- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
  Cannabinoids found in Crystal Resistant Distillate, such as CBD and CBG, are known for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. When incorporated into skincare products, these compounds may help soothe irritation, reduce redness and calm sensitive skin. This makes CRD an ideal ingredient for targeting conditions like acne, eczema or inflammation-related skin concerns.

3. TINCTURES
Tinctures benefit from the clarity and stability of Crystal Resistant Distillate, ensuring a visually pleasing and consistent product. Its resistance to crystallization enhances extended performance and shelf life.

4. TOPICALS
CRD allows smooth absorption into the skin when used in topical creams, making it suitable for targeted relief and skincare with added product stability.

5. EDIBLES
Crystal Resistant Distillate integrates seamlessly into edibles due to its anti-crystallizing characteristics and is well suited for gummies, candies and baked goods without affecting texture.

Sourcing CBD - The Importance of Getting it Right

Consistently delivering quality and value to customers is vital to ensuring Brand integrity. So, it goes without saying that sourcing from unethical, inconsistent and unreliable sources can destroy a brand’s reputation.

CBD Quality should transfer seamlessly from the source to the final end product.Therefore, to uphold the highest levels of quality and safety, it’s crucial to source cannabinoids from a reliable supplier, but who can you trust? In an unregulated industry, your source should anticipate future regulations and meet or exceed them.

The ideal choice would be FDA Food Registered Facility hemp processors holding ISO 9001:2015 certification, maintaining cGMP compliance and adhering to 21 CFR Parts 111 and 117 standards. These credentials signal to buyers a strong commitment to consistent quality and rigorous safety standards.

Additionally, COAs issued by an independent, ISO 17025-accredited laboratory promote trust by ensuring the lab has been rigorously vetted for technical expertise and accuracy. Comprehensive COAs should verify the product’s potency, confirm its purity, and rule out harmful contaminants, providing peace of mind that the product meets the highest industry benchmarks.

Forms of CBD Raw Ingredients to Consider Include:
CBD Isolate
THC-free Broad Spectrum Distillate Select
THC-free Broad Spectrum Distillate
Full Spectrum Distillate – Compliant
Full Spectrum Distillate
Broad Spectrum CBD Distillate – High Minors
CBD Crystal Resistant Distillate – High Minors

CBD Isolate vs Distillate in CBD Product Formulation