Is CBD Oil Vegan? & 4 CBD Products That May Be Non-vegan!

Veganism is on the rise — with around 8% of the world’s population now following a vegan diet, and that number growing every year. In the UK alone, the number of vegans increased by 40% in 2020.

But as more people turn to plant-based lifestyles, one common question arises: Is CBD oil vegan?

While CBD itself comes from the hemp plant, some finished products may include non-vegan additives or carrier oils. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about vegan CBD and what to look for when shopping cruelty-free.

Is CBD vegan?

In short — yes. CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural, plant-based compound derived from hemp and cannabis plants. In its raw form, it’s completely vegan and cruelty-free.

However, as CBD is turned into oils, gummies, or capsules, some production methods or additives can compromise its vegan status.

For instance, gelatine, beeswax, or animal-derived glycerin may appear in some CBD capsules or edibles. Always check labels carefully before purchasing.

Read more: How is CBD extracted?

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Is CBD oil vegan?

In its purest form, CBD oil is vegan and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, the carrier oil or additional compounds used can determine whether the final product remains vegan-friendly.

Common carrier oils include:

• MCT oil – plant-based and ideal for CBD absorption (vegan-friendly)
• Hemp seed oil – naturally vegan and nutrient-rich
• Non-vegan alternatives – occasionally products use oils containing beeswax or animal-derived glycerin

At Evopure, all our CBD oils are 100% vegan, organic, and sustainably produced — made with premium MCT oil for optimal bioavailability.

CBD products that may not be vegan

Some CBD products contain hidden animal-derived ingredients. Here’s what to look out for:

1. CBD Gummies

Many gummies use bovine gelatine as a thickening agent. Choose gummies made with pectin, agar agar, or seaweed extract instead.

2. CBD Capsules

While most capsules are plant-based, some brands use gelatine or shellac to form softgel casings. At Evopure, our CBD capsules are made with vegan shells.

3. CBD Skincare

Check skincare ingredient lists for beeswax, lanolin, or collagen — and ensure the brand does not test on animals.

4. CBD Chocolate

Unless specifically labelled vegan, assume most CBD chocolate contains dairy ingredients.

Read more: Your guide to topical CBD products

How to add CBD to a vegan diet

CBD and a vegan lifestyle pair perfectly — both focus on natural balance and holistic wellness. Here are a few easy ways to integrate CBD into your vegan routine:

Sublingually

Place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue for 60–90 seconds before swallowing. This allows for fast absorption and optimal bioavailability.

Topically

Apply CBD directly to the skin with a balm or lotion. Topical CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your skin, providing targeted relief and nourishment.

Orally

Mix CBD oil into smoothies, teas, or salad dressings — or take vegan CBD capsules with meals. Effects take longer to appear, as the CBD passes through the digestive system.

Read more: How to take CBD oil

What to look for when buying vegan CBD

When shopping for vegan CBD, check for the following certifications and indicators:

• Vegan certification – e.g. Vegan Society approved.
• Sustainability labels – B Corp, Climate Neutral, or Fairtrade International.
• Organic certification – Soil Association or equivalent.
• Third-party lab testing – ensures transparency and confirms ingredients match what’s listed on the label.

Final words on vegan CBD

Since CBD comes directly from the hemp plant, it is inherently vegan. However, not all CBD products meet vegan or cruelty-free standards once processed.

Always look for clear vegan labelling, transparent sourcing, and independent lab testing. At Evopure, our vegan CBD range is 100% organic, cruelty-free, and sustainably crafted for conscious consumers.

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