Nanoemulsion

Product & formulation

A nanoemulsion is a mixture in which oil is dispersed in water as extremely small droplets, typically under a few hundred nanometers, so that the mixture appears clear or translucent.

Ordinary emulsions such as milk contain large droplets that scatter light and separate over time. By using surfactants and high-energy mixing methods such as high-pressure homogenization or ultrasonication, manufacturers can shrink the droplets to the nanometer range, producing a stable, water-compatible dispersion. The small droplet size increases surface area, which in principle makes fat-soluble compounds easier to disperse in beverages and easier for the gut to take up.

Nanoemulsified cannabidiol is used in water-soluble powders, beverages, and some tinctures, marketed on the premise of faster or greater absorption. Early pharmacokinetic studies have explored this, but performance depends on the specific formulation, particle size, and stability, so a general claim cannot be assumed for any given product. Labels may describe these products as water-soluble or nano CBD. Readers meet the term in product descriptions and formulation science literature.