There’s no such thing as “just CBD oil.” Every CBD extract on today’s market goes through a slightly different refining process. For this reason, manufacturers have developed labels to describe the concentration of their hemp products.

In previous posts, Real Tested CBD has gone through the unique features of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum goods. However, you may have also run across “distillate” and “isolate” during your CBD shopping experience. While these words rhyme, they don’t refer to the same product. To make an informed purchase, customers should have a basic understanding of the distinctions between these extracts.

CBD Distillate vs. Isolate — What’s The Key Feature That Separates These Extracts? 

Without getting too complex, distillate is simply a less-refined version of CBD isolate. In fact, manufacturers have to put CBD isolate through a distillation process before using additional purification techniques. 

This doesn’t mean CBD distillate is “dirty,” it just means that there are more secondary cannabinoids and terpenes in the final product. In fact, CBD distillate tends to be more pure and concentrated versus full-spectrum oils, especially crude hemp extract. 

A standard vial of CBD distillate should have a thick, oily texture and could contain as much as 80 percent CBD. It’s also likely distillate CBD oils will contain secondary cannabinoids like CBC and terpenes like myrcene. Distillate oils could have ≤ 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, so check the official lab reports if you’re sensitive to this cannabinoid. 

Unlike distillate, CBD isolate is sold as a powder, and it should contain 98 – 99 percent CBD. Isolate powder is usually odorless and flavorless, which makes it one of the more popular choices for manufactured CBD edibles. Also, since CBD isolate is pure CBD, you shouldn’t expect any secondary hemp compounds. 

How Should Customers Choose Between CBD Distillate And Isolate? 

CBD distillate and CBD isolate attract different consumers. Those interested in enjoying the “full hemp experience” will always be more interested in CBD distillate products. However, people who want to avoid secondary hemp compounds should concentrate on CBD isolate powder.

The downside of CBD isolate is that you won’t experience any potential benefits of other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids. Some critics argue CBD isolate has a “weaker impact” because it’s not paired with natural hemp compounds. The “entourage effect” theory posits that CBD works better when combined with as many natural hemp chemicals as possible.

Keep in mind that the science into the “entourage effect” is still in its infancy. Most of the “evidence” that CBD distillate is “stronger” than CBD isolate is anecdotal.

It’s also worth mentioning that CBD isolate may be the better pick for people sensitive to other cannabinoids — especially delta-9 THC. CBD isolate is also a better choice for those interested in DIY edibles or getting accurate doses of daily CBD consumption. 

Is Your CBD Company Telling The Truth? Check Out On Real Tested CBD 

Many CBD companies use terms like “distillate” or “isolate” without truly understanding what they mean. You could even find plenty of “broad-spectrum” CBD oils with minute traces of delta-9 THC. Since these labels aren’t legally binding, you shouldn’t place too much trust in CBD advertisements. Instead, you must rely on high-quality third-party lab reports. These standard tests should reveal exactly what’s in your CBD extract. 

For more details on assessing CBD lab reports, you’ve got to check out Real Tested CBD’s unbiased reviews. Over the years, we’ve scanned all of the hottest hemp products from big-name CBD brands. Please follow this link to find our current picks for the best CBD oil.