The most common way to consume CBD is by ingesting CBD oil (often referred to as a tincture) or taking capsules orally. But, in the debate over CBD oil vs capsules, which—if any—is superior? We’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s a key difference in bioavailability between the two (more on this below).
Put simply: not all CBD is made equally, and ingestion methods do matter to an extent. One thing we will say is that there’s no replacement for quality CBD—if the product isn’t up to scratch, it won’t have the desired effect, regardless of how you take it.
In this guide, we weigh up the differences between CBD oil and capsules. You’ll discover:
- What CBD oil and CBD capsules are
- The benefits of each option
- The key differences (including bioavailability)
What is CBD oil?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. All CBD oil is created via extraction. At Evopure, we use CO₂ extraction so the oil retains as much of the original plant profile as possible while maintaining a strong safety profile.
Read more: How is CBD extracted?
The most common—and most effective—way to use CBD oil is sublingual: place drops under your tongue and hold for ~90 seconds to absorb. You can also cook or bake with CBD oil, add it to coffee/tea, or mix it into skincare.
Sublingual CBD oil typically provides higher bioavailability than capsules.
What are CBD capsules?
CBD capsules are simply CBD oil measured into equal doses and sealed in a softgel/gel casing—just like a vitamin. They’re discreet, tidy, and make dosing effortless to incorporate into a routine.
What are the main differences between CBD oil and CBD capsules?
They usually contain the same core ingredients and interact with the endocannabinoid system similarly. The standout difference is bioavailability.
Bioavailability refers to the fraction of a substance that reaches systemic circulation. Because sublingual oil is absorbed directly into the bloodstream (bypassing first-pass digestion), a higher percentage of cannabinoids becomes available.
Capsules travel through the stomach and liver before entering circulation, which reduces bioavailability and slows onset.
Read more: CBD bioavailability
Complete this one-minute quiz and find the right products for you.
CBD oil or CBD capsules: Which is best?
Different strokes for different folks—your choice may depend on why you take CBD and personal preference:
- Capsules = consistent, pre-measured doses (no taste, no measuring).
- Oils = flexible dosing and typically higher bioavailability.
- Capsules suit anyone who dislikes the taste or feel of sublingual oil.
- Oils are versatile—mix with food/drink or use topically (where appropriate).
- Capsules slot neatly into a vitamin-style routine.
CBD Oils vs CBD Capsules
CBD Oils
- Higher bioavailability
- Effects often felt in ~15 minutes
- Fine control of dose
- Versatile use (food/drink/topical blends)
CBD Capsules
- Lower bioavailability
- Effects felt after ~45–120 minutes
- Consistent per-cap dose
- Easy to integrate into routines
Is it safe to mix CBD oils and CBD capsules?
Short answer: yes—but track your total daily intake. If you’re new to CBD, try products in isolation first, then combine if needed. The UK FSA advises, as a precaution, that healthy adults do not exceed 70 mg/day unless a doctor recommends otherwise (≈ 28 drops of 5% CBD).
The verdict on CBD oil vs capsules
It’s largely personal preference. Both Evopure CBD oils and capsules are broad-spectrum, from organically grown hemp, and independently tested. If you want maximum flexibility and bioavailability, go oil. If you want simplicity and consistency, go capsules—especially if you’re fussy about taste.
FAQ
Is CBD oil better than CBD capsules?
Both are effective. If you want the highest bioavailability and faster onset, oil (taken sublingually) has the edge. If you prefer zero taste and set doses, capsules are ideal.
Does CBD oil work faster than capsules?
Generally, yes. Sublingual oil can act in about 15 minutes. Capsules usually take 45–120 minutes because they’re digested first.
