Key Takeaways: The Advantages of Water Soluble CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta 9, CBC and THCV:
With growing demand in functional beverages, skincare and nutraceuticals, water-soluble CBD offers versatility, faster absorption and consistent results, making it a growth opportunity for brands.
Water-soluble CBD is a form of cannabidiol that dissolves easily in water, making it ideal for beverages, skincare and other water-based products. It uses nanoemulsion technology to enhance solubility, stability, and bioavailability.
- Enhanced Bioavailability: Nano-sized particles allow for faster and more efficient absorption into the bloodstream.
- Faster Onset: Effects are felt quicker as it bypasses the liver’s first-pass metabolism.
- Lower Dosage, High Efficacy: Less CBD is needed to achieve desired effects due to improved absorption.
- Tasteless and Odorless: It integrates seamlessly into products without altering flavor or aroma.
- Formulation Flexibility: Easily blends into beverages, edibles, skincare and more.
- Increased Stability: Nanoemulsion prevents separation and ensures even CBD distribution.
- Cost-Effective: Requires less CBD raw material for effective results.
- No Additional Emulsifiers Needed: Maintains product transparency and smooth texture without extra additives.
- 10% Concentration: Ideal for standard-dose products with precise formulations.
- 20% Concentration: Suitable for high-potency CBD applications, reducing material costs.
Red Mesa adheres to cGMP and ISO-certified standards, providing third-party ISO 17025-accredited COAs for transparency and compliance. This ensures safety, purity and regulatory adherence.
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An Opportunity to Expand Into New Markets
As the market for cannabinoid-infused wellness products continues to expand, particularly in the functional beverage, skincare, cosmetics and nutraceutical industries, so too does the demand for high-quality, safe and compliant Water Soluble CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin), CBC (Cannabichromene) and Delta 9 THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) raw ingredients that blend seamlessly into water-based formulations. While the same methods for creating water-solubility apply to CBD, CBG, CBN, THCV, CBC and Delta 9, we will keep the discussion focused largely on CBD to help simplify it.
What Is Water Soluble CBD?
Traditional CBD isolate and CBD distillate are hydrophobic by nature, meaning they are oil-based and will not dissolve in water. While ideal for oil-based products, such as oil-based tinctures, creams and salves, this type of raw ingredient is not optimal for beverages, serums, skincare, cosmetics or other water-based formulations.
Water-Soluble CBD, on the other hand, is a form of cannabidiol that dissolves quickly and suspends evenly in water or water-based products. Various methods are used to create water-soluble cannabinoids, with nanoemulsion being the most common and effective. However, it bears mentioning that other methods may be desired for specialized applications. The following are the main methods used to manufacture water-soluble cannabinoids and briefly touch on how each works and why it would be preferred over the other.
Which Water-Soluble Technology is Best for Your Water-Based Formulations?
Nanoemulsion
How it works
CBD oil is reduced down to extremely small droplets (typically 20–200 nm) and stabilized with food-grade emulsifiers using high-energy processes, such as high-pressure homogenization or ultrasonication, to ensure the droplets remain suspended in water.
Why manufacturers choose it
- Strong stability in beverages
- Faster onset and improved bioavailability
- Scales well for commercial production
- Accepted across nutraceutical, cosmetic and food & beverage applications
Pros
- Works in clear or cloudy drinks
- Consistent dosing
- Predictable onset
- Versatile delivery
- Broader application compatibility
- High translucency
Cons
- Requires specialized equipment
- Stability depends on emulsifier system quality
Best for
- Functional drinks and shots
- Gummies and edibles
- Tinctures
- Pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
- Skincare and cosmetics
Microemulsion (Thermodynamic Emulsion)
How it works
Uses very high surfactant levels to create a self-assembling, transparent emulsion. Particle sizes are small, but the system relies on chemical balance rather than mechanical force.
Why manufacturers choose it
- Optical clarity
- Less mechanical processing
Pros
- Clear appearance
- Easy lab-scale formulation
Cons
- High surfactant load (taste, regulatory concerns)
- Potential instability upon dilution
Best for
- R&D
- Niche products
- Low-volume pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
- Skincare and cosmetics
Inclusion Complexes (Cyclodextrins)
How it works
CBD molecules are encapsulated inside a ring-shaped carrier molecule (usually cyclodextrin), allowing them to disperse in water.
Why manufacturers choose it
- Powder format
- Improved bioavailability and stability
- Useful for dry blends
Pros
- Enables water-dispersible powders
- Long shelf life
- Controlled release potential
- Versatile delivery
Cons
- Lower cannabinoid loading efficiency
- Higher ingredient cost
- Less suitable for beverages than nanoemulsions
Best for
- Powders
- Capsules
- Sachets
- Dry functional blends
Liposomes
How it works
CBD is encapsulated inside phospholipid bilayer spheres (similar to cell membranes), allowing dispersion in water.
Why manufacturers choose it
- Perceived “advanced delivery”
- Improved bioavailability
Pros
- Good absorption potential
- Familiar in nutraceuticals
Cons
- Expensive
- Less stable in beverages
- Sensitive to heat, pH and shear
Best for
- Supplements
- Softgels
- Premium nutraceuticals
- High-end skincare and cosmetics
- Food
Polymer Encapsulation / Spray-Dried Emulsions
How it works
CBD is emulsified and then spray-dried into a powder using carriers like maltodextrin or modified starch.
Why manufacturers choose it
- Powder formulation requirements
- Easy shipping and storage
- Improved stability and solubility
Pros
- Shelf-stable powders
- Easy to dose into dry formulations
- Potential for controlled and targeted release
- Ease of handling
- Increased stability and bioavailability
Cons
- Required high heat could degrade some active compounds
- Material loss may occur with particles adhering to inner walls of drying chamber
Best for
- Drink mix powders
- Bulk ingredient distribution
Why One Water Soluble Method Is Chosen Over Another
| PRIORITY | BEST METHOD |
|---|---|
|
Beverages |
Nanoemulsion |
|
Fast Onset |
Nanoemulsion |
|
Clear Drinks |
Nanoemulsion / Microemulsion |
|
Powder Products |
Cyclodextrin / Spray-dried |
|
Lowest Sensory Impact |
Nanoemulsion / Cyclodextrin / Spray-dried |
|
Scalability |
Nanoemulsion / Cyclodextrin / Spray-dried |
Above all, it is crucial that the water-compatible cannabinoid raw material be stable and retain its original health and wellness benefits while remaining tasteless and translucent in solution.
Given the benefits of nanoemulsions and their well-established use in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, skincare and cosmetic industries, nanoemulsions are often the preferred method for developing water-based products in the hemp industry.
How Is Nanoemulsion Water Soluble CBD Made?
Red Mesa’s Water Soluble CBD, Water Soluble CBG and Water Soluble CBN start with 99%+ high-purity isolates manufactured within the 50,000 sq. ft. cGMP, ISO accredited, FDA-registered food facility.
The manufacturing process begins with the highest-quality US-grown hemp crude oil, which undergoes a 6-point quality verification process before continuing on to refining and purification.
- Homogenization & Solvent Recovery: The crude oil is first homogenized to ensure uniformity. This step is combined with a solvent recovery process to remove any residual solvents before refinement.
- Distillation: The oil then undergoes a two-stage distillation process. This purification method refines the oil into a high-purity distillate.
- Crystallization: The distillate is further purified through crystallization. This isolates the target cannabinoid, removing other cannabinoids, terpenes and impurities to produce a ≥ 98%-99% pure isolate.
- Post-Processing Homogenization: To ensure consistent quality across production runs, multiple batches of isolate are homogenized. This process ensures uniformity in potency, color and aroma.
- Nanoemulsification: The homogenized isolate progresses on to Red Mesa’s advanced nanoemulsion system to reduce cannabinoid molecules into nano CBD, CBG and CBN particles and encapsulate them within a food-grade emulsifier.
Each manufacturing stage, from input hemp material to the finished water-soluble cannabinoid raw ingredient, is highly controlled with testing throughout to maintain process optimization.
Why is Water Solubility Important for Product Formulations?
How Does Water Solubility Enhance Customer Satisfaction?
- Enhanced Bioavailability: Bioavailability refers to the rate and extent to which a substance, such as CBD, is absorbed into the bloodstream. Water-soluble CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta 9, CBC and THCV are absorbed more efficiently into the bloodstream due to their nano-sized particles. These nano-sized droplets offer a larger surface area, allowing more of the cannabinoid to penetrate mucus membranes directly, such as the mouth or stomach lining.
- Faster Onset of Effects: This method of absorption bypasses the liver’s first-pass metabolism, enabling cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream directly with higher retention and a faster onset of effects. This makes it an ideal choice for beverages, tinctures and functional foods like gummies, where quick relief is highly desired.
- Lower Dosage to Achieve Desired Effect: With more of the active compounds reaching the bloodstream, less CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta-9, CBC, or THCV is required to achieve the targeted effects. Furthermore, the homogeneous nature of Red Mesa’s water-soluble products enables precise and consistent dosing throughout each production batch, improving predictability and consistency.
- Tasteless and Odorless: In solution, the encapsulation of CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta 9, CBC and THCV acts as a physical barrier, minimizing direct contact with the hemp flavor or aroma that some may find unpleasant. This allows for a cleaner, more neutral flavor profile in the final product without relying heavily on masking agents or added flavoring. Additionally, the smooth texture can make the raw ingredient less oily or gritty, resulting in a smoother mouthfeel and improved palatability.
How Does Water Solubility Enhance Product Formulation and Product Development?
Water-soluble CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta-9, CBC, and THCV offer significant opportunities for market expansion and product diversification. For product formulators and large-scale manufacturers, these water-compatible cannabinoids can expand product breadth to include beverages, water-based nutraceuticals, edibles, and topical products, all of which capitalize on increased bioavailability and more accurate dosing. Formulating with Water Soluble CBD, CBG, CBN or Delta 9 offers:
- Formulation Flexibility: Water Soluble cannabinoids dissolve quickly and blend easily into a wide variety of water-based consumer products such as RTD drinks, tinctures, gummies, gels, skincare, cosmetics and more. This versatility can expand product lines to cater to a wider customer base, from the wellness enthusiast seeking fast-acting relief to consumers interested in fast-absorbing, lightweight, effective skincare and cosmetic products.
- Increased Stability: Nano-sized cannabinoid particles ensure that CBD, CBG, CBN and D9 dissolve easily and suspend evenly in water-based formulations, helping to prevent phase separation and minimize coalescence risk. This creates a uniform and stable dispersion, ensuring the active ingredients remain evenly distributed over time.
- No Additional Emulsifiers Required: Formulations using Water Soluble CBD, CBN, CBG and Delta 9 remain transparent in solution, smooth in texture and shelf-stable, without requiring the addition of gums or surfactants during end-product formulation.
- Cost-Effective for Manufacturers: Because water soluble CBD isolate delivers effective results with less raw material, brands can reduce material costs while enhancing product performance.
Once mixed into a product. formulation, our Water Soluble Cannabinoids, will remian suspended in solution, which is key to increasing stability.
Product Versatility with Predictable Results Increases Customer Satisfaction
Consumers demand efficacy and consistency from their wellness products, and with CBD, CBG, CBN or Delta 9, it is no different. Thanks to nanoemulsion technology, water-soluble cannabinoids offer greater stability and bioavailability while allowing for the addition of preferred consumption methods to product line ups.
What are the Top Applications for Water Soluble CBD?
- Beverages: We are seeing explosive growth in the beverage sector, with projections for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.2% from 2024-2031. From sports drinks and energy shots to CBD-infused sparkling waters and cocktails, water-soluble CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta 9, CBC and THCV integrate effortlessly into ready-to-drink (RTD) formulations. The neutral flavor and transparency help preserve the intended taste and visual profile, while the uniform dispersion helps mitigate separation.
- Edibles and Supplements: Gummies, baked goods and dietary supplements benefit greatly from the precise, predictable dosing and enhanced stability offered by water-soluble CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta 9, CBC and THCV.
- Skincare, Cosmetics and Other Topicals: Formulate greaseless, high-efficacy water-based gels, serums, cleansers, moisturizers and sprays. The enhanced bioavailability of our water-soluble cannabinoids facilitates better absorption, making them ideal for cosmetic, skincare and therapeutic topicals.
- Advanced Delivery Systems: Transdermal patches, oral sprays and dissolvable tablets leverage nano CBD to achieve faster systemic delivery, appealing to health-conscious, results-driven buyers.
What are the Strategic Advantages of Using Water Soluble Cannabinoids?
In large-scale manufacturing, the physical properties and performance of an ingredient are critical and directly impact production efficiency, scalability and material costs. Our Water Soluble CBD, Water Soluble CBG, Water Soluble CBN and Water Soluble Delta 9 THC are offered in both 10% and 20% concentrations to provide flexibility in aligning with specific formulation and budgetary requirements.
- 10% Concentration: An ideal solution for standard-dose products. It offers precision formulations where lower cannabinoid content per unit is required, ensuring consistency across large batches.
- 20% Concentration: Engineered for high-potency applications. This higher concentration can increase end-product potency or reduce the input material, helping trim material costs.
How to Build Trust in Manufacturing
Clear labeling and ISO-17025 third-party accredited final certificate of analysis (COAs).
Water-soluble CBD manufactured under cGMP and ISO-certified guidance ensures regulatory compliance and transparency. With full-panel ISO 17025 accredited third-party COA documentation confirming potency, brands can instill consumer trust and confidence in market products, knowing they meet, if not exceed, strict industry standards.
More about Red Mesa Science & Refining
How Does Red Mesa Ensure the Quality of its Water Soluble CBD?
Red Mesa Science & Refining is the ideal partner for product formulators seeking bulk water-soluble CBD, CBG, CBN, Delta 9 and other cannabinoid raw materials. Red Mesa’s commitment to Operational Excellence, quality, and innovation is evident in its adherence to cGMP, ISO 9001:2015 certification, conformance with 21 CFR Parts 111 & 117, and FDA food facility registration, all of which exceed industry standards. This ensures that Red Mesa products consistently meet, if not exceed, the highest quality benchmarks, offering formulators peace of mind regarding safety, purity and regulatory compliance.
Why is Red Mesa Chosen Worldwide as the Supplier of Choice?
Red Mesa’s significant investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities and processes is rare in the industry. Additionally, Red Mesa’s in-house labs for process optimization and traceable production processes ensure reliability and transparency for added confidence. This, combined with Red Mesa’s customer-centric approach, including collaborative support and timely deliveries, fosters long-term partnerships and drives Red Mesa’s success.
Red Mesa’s extensive product range, from isolates to distillates to water-solubles, caters to diverse formulation needs, with flexible order quantities that accommodate both large-scale industrial applications and smaller R&D projects. For formulators prioritizing quality, innovation and dependable supply chains, Red Mesa Science & Refining is a clear leader in the hemp industry.
Strategically, It’s Time to Take the Next Step to Remain Competitive
Integrating water-soluble CBD into your product portfolio should no longer just be an option, but rather imperative to remaining competitive. Partnering with a reliable, well-established water-soluble manufacturer is essential to your brand integrity and to meet your quality and scalability needs. As a proven global hemp-derived manufacturer of cannabinoid raw materials, Red Mesa is well-positioned to help grow your brand.
