At SOWÉ we use two types of cannabis extracts, also called concentrates: the isolate 99.8% pure that you can find in Huile Précieuse Face Oil and the broad spectrum for CBD Oil and Massage Oil: but what are the differences? And why do we use isolate for a range of products and broad spectrum for others?
To better understand the differences between those two forms of CBD and the relevance of phytochemical diversity to product development, we should understand the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Basically, the endocannabinoid system receptors, CB1 and CB2, have unique distributions within the body and different ligands, which explains the effects of the different cannabinoids. CB1 receptors are found throughout the body but are mostly present in the brain and spinal cord. They are concentrated in brain regions associated with the behaviors they influence.
With respect to the CBD found in cannabis, researchers have found that THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, activating them just like an endocannabinoid but with higher affinity. CBD does not bind directly to cannabinoid receptors. Instead, CBD increases the activity of serotonin receptors, which translates into effects on a wide array of systems in the body and the skin.
To create a safe CBD product, cannabis plant extraction techniques such as carbon dioxide extraction, ethanol extraction, or solvent extraction with olive oil are preferred. If all extracts of the Cannabis plant, including CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and other cannabinoids, are utilized, the extract is called full-spectrum CBD and the THC concentration should be <0.3%. Broad spectrum applies to extractions that aim to retain a large complement of phytochemicals without the THC. Finally, isolate, which is typically harvested from Cannabis sativa, is pure CBD. Broad Spectrum can also be created by either adding terpenes, flavonoids, and minor cannabinoids to CBD isolate or by removing THC from Full Spectrum extract via distillation.
CBD Broad Spectrum
Why use Broad Spectrum CBD
We use the Broad Spectrum CBD for our Massage Oil to add more benefits to your massage rituals due to the favourable synergistic actions of the various phytocannabinoids as well as other plant constituents. Indeed, the different components of hemp have been shown to have much more powerful effects when used together rather than separately. This is what we call the “entourage effect”. We also use it for our CBD Oil for the same reasons and because it is an edible oil that will interact more efficiently with your ECS.
Therefore, the broad spectrum distillate contains numerous phytocannabinoids other than the CBD, such as CBG and CBC (but no THC). The one we used is COSMOS certified by Ecocert Greenlife and our extract is composed of ~85% CBD, ~5% CBG and ~1% CBC.
CBD and CBG, what are the differences?
While both have many similarities, being non-toxic and non-psychotropic, their working mechanism is not the same. CBG can interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body, while CBD influences the ECS as a whole (with a stronger affinity for CB2).
CBD Isolate
On the other hand, the pure CBD isolate is obtained by column chromatography from hemp oil extracted with supercritical CO2, in order to isolate CBD from other cannabinoids. According to the European Commission, through their cosmetic ingredients database Cosing, CBD lists no less than 4 compelling effects: Anti-sebum - conditioning - protecting - antioxidant. L'huile précieuse is carefully formulated with CBD isolate 99,8% pure because of its effectiveness for cosmetic and topical use due to its calming and soothing assets, its anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, antioxidant properties, and its efficacy in balancing sebum and controlling bacteria proliferation.
If you want to know more about the product, make sure to check our article on why you should add Huile Précieuse to your skincare routine.
Sources
- Cather et al. (2020). Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals. Mindful Dermatology, 33(3), 376–379.
- PACHER et al. (2006). The Endocannabinoid System as an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy. Pharmacological Reviews, 58(3), 389–462. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.58.3.2
