Introduction
In advanced hemp formulations — especially beverages, gels, serums, and topical emulsions — particle size and suspension stability determine whether a product performs consistently from the first dose to the last.
This guide explains the underlying science of cannabinoid particle size, mixing dynamics, and formulation strategies to ensure stability, clarity, and consumer satisfaction.
🧪 1. Why Particle Size Matters
Particle size influences:
- Absorption rate
- Stability
- Clarity/opacity
- Mouthfeel
- Viscosity
- Phase separation
- Consumer experience
Smaller, more uniform particles lead to:
- Faster onset
- Better suspension
- Longer shelf stability
- Cleaner sensory performance
⚙️ 2. Particle Size Categories in Hemp Formulation
Macroemulsion
- 200 nm – 10 microns
- Opaque
- Common in topicals
- Lower clarity for beverages
Microemulsion
- 50–200 nm
- Slightly hazy
- Moderate bioavailability
Nanoemulsion (Gold Standard)
- 20–50 nm
- High clarity
- High absorption
- Extremely stable
- Optimal for beverages & sprays
🔬 3. How Particle Size Affects Absorption
Smaller particles = greater surface area.
This improves:
- Mucosal absorption
- GI absorption
- Transdermal penetration
- Bioavailability
Nanoemulsions often achieve 4–5x higher absorption compared to oil-based carriers.
🌀 4. Mixing & Homogenization Techniques
To achieve stable dispersions, manufacturers use:
High-Shear Mixing
- First step before homogenization
- Breaks up bulk oil into droplets
- Creates even distribution
Ultrasonic Homogenization
- Uses sound waves
- Reduces particle size further
- Ideal for nanoemulsions
High-Pressure Homogenizers
- Industrial scale
- Most consistent nano particle generation
- Enables excellent clarity
Rotor-Stator Emulsifiers
- Great for topicals
- Produces fine, stable emulsions
🧫 5. Suspension Stability: Avoiding Separation
Separation occurs when:
- Droplets rise (creaming)
- Droplets settle (sedimentation)
- Droplets coalesce (merge)
- Droplets aggregate (lipid clumping)
Stability improves with:
- Emulsifiers
- Surfactants
- Proper droplet size
- Controlled viscosity
- pH management
- Antioxidants
🍶 6. Particle Size in Topicals
In topical systems, particle size affects:
- Spreadability
- Absorption
- Feel
- Opacity
Topical formulations often require larger droplets for viscosity but must remain uniformly dispersed.
🍹 7. Particle Size in Beverages
Key requirements:
- Clarity
- Flavor neutrality
- pH stability
- Long-term suspension
- Temperature resilience
Nanoemulsions are the preferred method for cannabinoid beverages, providing:
- Fast onset
- Visual clarity
- No ring formation
- No separation
🔚 Final Thoughts
Particle size is one of the most critical — and technical — aspects of advanced hemp formulation. Whether you're producing beverages, topicals, or specialized delivery systems, understanding mixing science and stability allows you to create consistent, high-performance products.
👉 Explore cannabinoid ingredients that support stable emulsions
