MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil)
Also known as: medium-chain triglycerides, fractionated coconut oil
What it is
CBD is fat-soluble, which means it needs a fat-based carrier to get absorbed into your body. The carrier oil is the second ingredient in any CBD tincture, after the CBD extract itself. Common carriers are MCT oil (derived from coconut), hempseed oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil.
We chose MCT for botanCBD's tinctures because medium-chain triglycerides — fats with shorter molecular chains than the long-chain triglycerides in most oils — are absorbed faster and bypass some of the digestive processing other fats go through. That translates to faster onset and better bioavailability of the CBD.
Our MCT is derived from coconut. It's also what makes botanCBD oils palatable in mouth and easy on the stomach — long-chain carriers like olive oil can feel heavy.
Where it's in our line
FAQ
Will MCT bother my stomach?
MCT is well-tolerated at the small volumes used in CBD tinctures (one full dropper = 1 mL = about 1 gram of fat). At much higher doses some people experience mild GI discomfort — that's not relevant for typical sublingual CBD dosing.
Is MCT vegan?
Yes. botanCBD's MCT is coconut-derived. The Furry Friends pet line uses a coconut-derived MCT too — but the bacon flavor on the pet product is not vegan.
Why MCT instead of hempseed oil?
Hempseed oil is a long-chain carrier — slower onset, lower CBD bioavailability. Some brands use it for the cosmetic appeal of "all-hemp" labeling, but MCT is the better-absorbing carrier scientifically.
Other ingredients
- CBG (Cannabigerol)A minor cannabinoid sometimes called "the mother cannabinoid" because the others (CBD, THC) develop …
- CBN (Cannabinol)A minor cannabinoid that forms slowly as THC oxidizes. Associated with sedation in early research an…
- CBC (Cannabichromene)A minor cannabinoid researched for its potential role in inflammation pathways. Naturally present in…
- CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)The acid form of CBD that the living hemp plant actually makes. Heat converts it to CBD — which is w…
- TerpenesThe aromatic compounds that give every plant its distinctive smell. In hemp, they also play a role i…
- Arnica (Arnica Montana)A flowering plant with a long history of topical use for muscle soreness and bruising.…
- THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol)The intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. Hemp makes a little of it too — federal law caps it at 0.3…
- Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP)A spicy-smelling terpene found in black pepper, cloves, hops and hemp. It's the one common terpene k…
- LimoneneLimonene is the terpene that makes citrus peel smell like citrus. It's also in hemp, so some hemp do…
- MyrceneAn earthy, musky terpene and the most common one in many hemp cultivars. It's also in mangoes, hops,…
- LinaloolLinalool is a floral, lightly spicy terpene found in lavender, coriander, basil and hemp. It's the m…
- Alpha-PineneAlpha-pinene is the terpene that makes pine needles smell like pine. It's also in rosemary and hemp,…
- HumuleneHumulene is a woody, earthy, slightly hoppy terpene found in hops, sage, ginseng, clove, black peppe…
- Peppermint Essential Oil (Fresh Mint flavor)Yes, mint CBD oil is flavored with real peppermint essential oil. In our Fresh Mint drops it is a sm…
- Lime Essential Oil (Peruvian Lime flavor)A citrus oil from lime fruit, made up mostly of limonene and other bright terpenes. It's what gives …
- Natural Bacon Flavor (Pet Oil)The bacon flavor in our pet oil is a natural bacon flavor. It is there so dogs and cats will take th…
- Organic Hemp Extract (Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum)Hemp extract is the concentrated oil pulled from hemp grown on partner farms. It carries CBD plus th…
- Coconut-Derived MCT Oil (Why Ours Is Coconut, Not Palm)Yes, the MCT carrier oil in our drops is coconut-derived, not palm-derived. MCT oil can be made from…
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. botanCBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness product, especially if you take prescription medications.