Last updated: October 2026
MCT oil is the most common CBD carrier because it’s light, tasteless and stays liquid, but no carrier has been clearly proven best in people. Animal studies suggest long-chain fats like olive or sesame oil may boost absorption, and taking CBD with food matters more: fatty meals increased CBD levels about fourfold in one trial.
Below: MCT vs hemp seed vs olive oil compared, what the absorption research shows, how to take CBD for better absorption, and what’s in our oils.
What a carrier oil does
CBD extract is thick and doesn’t dissolve in water, so it’s diluted in an oil. The carrier makes it easy to measure in drops, keeps the strength even through the bottle, and helps it dissolve in the fats in your gut. It also decides the taste, texture and shelf life. For how strength is labelled, see CBD oil strengths explained.
MCT vs hemp seed vs olive oil
| MCT oil | Hemp seed oil | Olive oil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Medium-chain fats, usually from coconut | Pressed hemp seeds; no meaningful CBD of its own | Long-chain fats from olives |
| Taste | Neutral | Nutty, grassy | Fruity, peppery |
| Texture | Thin, stays liquid | Medium | Thicker; can cloud in the cold |
| Shelf life | Very stable | Shortest; omega-3s oxidise quickly | Good |
| Absorption evidence | The usual reference in human studies | Little data | Long-chain fats did well in animal studies |
| Watch out for | Coconut allergy | Going rancid | Strong taste under the tongue |
Hemp seed oil is often confused with CBD oil. It’s a nutritious cooking oil, but on its own it contains little or no CBD. See hemp oil vs CBD oil.
What the absorption research shows
| Study | What it found |
|---|---|
| Rat study, 2016 | Giving CBD with dietary fats raised blood levels about 2.5 times compared with no fat. Long-chain fats help CBD travel through the lymph system, bypassing some breakdown in the liver |
| Human study, 2020 (healthy volunteers) | CBD in sesame oil (a long-chain fat) was absorbed better than CBD powder, but absorption was uneven between people |
| Human study, 2019 | A specialist self-emulsifying formula gave higher, faster peaks than CBD in MCT oil |
| Human trial, 2020 | A high-fat meal increased CBD exposure about 3.8 times compared with an empty stomach |
No good human trial has compared MCT, olive and hemp seed carriers head to head at normal supplement doses. The clearest finding is that eating at the same time makes the biggest difference.
How to get more from your CBD
- Take it with food, ideally a meal with some fat.
- Hold oil under your tongue for 60 to 90 seconds before swallowing. See how to take CBD oil.
- Be consistent with the time of day, so you can judge the effect fairly.
- Store it well: cool, dark, lid on, to protect both the CBD and the carrier.
If you’re not noticing anything, see why isn’t CBD working for me? and CBD oil vs capsules.
How to choose
- Pick a taste you’ll use daily. For drops under the tongue, most people prefer MCT.
- Check the CBD amount per bottle and per drop, not just the carrier. See how much CBD to take.
- Ask for the batch lab report to confirm CBD content and THC level. See how to read a CBD lab report.
- Check allergies: MCT usually comes from coconut.
Our oils use MCT as the carrier. Our Broad Spectrum CBD Oil contains just broad spectrum CBD and organic MCT oil, while our Flow, Sleep and Relief oils add botanicals.
The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
FAQs
What is the best carrier oil for CBD?
None is clearly proven best in people. MCT is the most common because it’s tasteless, light and stable. Taking CBD with food matters more.
Is MCT oil or hemp seed oil better for CBD?
MCT is lighter, more neutral and lasts longer. Hemp seed oil has a nutty taste and goes off faster. Neither has been proven to absorb better.
Can I mix CBD with olive oil?
Yes. You can add CBD oil to food made with olive oil, and long-chain fats like olive oil may help absorption.
Does hemp seed oil contain CBD?
Little or none. It’s pressed from seeds, which contain almost no CBD. Check the label for mg of CBD.
Why is MCT oil used in CBD oil?
It has no taste, stays liquid at room temperature, mixes evenly with CBD and has a long shelf life.
Is MCT oil safe?
Yes for most people in the small amounts in CBD drops. Large spoonfuls can upset the stomach, and avoid it if you’re allergic to coconut.
Sources
- Zgair A et al. Dietary fats and pharmaceutical lipid excipients increase systemic exposure to orally administered cannabis and cannabis-based medicines. Am J Transl Res, 2016.
- Izgelov D et al. Pharmacokinetic investigation of synthetic cannabidiol oral formulations in healthy volunteers. Eur J Pharm Biopharm, 2020.
- Knaub K et al. A novel self-emulsifying drug delivery system improving the oral bioavailability of cannabidiol in healthy subjects. Molecules, 2019.
- Crockett J et al. Effect of meals, whole milk and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure in healthy subjects. Epilepsia, 2020.
