“Combining ingredients produces better results”
This is how we’d describe The Entourage Effect – which is something you can call a ‘perfect synergy’ between a variety of terpenes and their impacts.
In this case, some vape and tobacco companies overly refine their products, resulting in customers returning to buy over and over again.
The synergetic effect of linalool with beta-caryophyllene is a perfect example of how the calming properties are increased to much greater levels than each constituent would provide alone. Smart manufacturers harness these for the optimal pre-programmed experience.
When compared to some cases lacking whole-sum formulations, isolated components clearly do not provide the same Full-Spectrum results.
The Conventional Approach vs. Entourage Formulation
For product owners and manufacturers, this represents a fundamental paradigm shift. Rather than competing solely on concentration percentages or single ingredients, entourage formulation opens entirely new directions of custom products with unique formulations and final effects for customers
The Competitive Advantage Gap
The business advantages are huge…
👉 Products using smart terpene combinations can charge premium pricing in the marketplace
👉 Studies show improved customer retention with well-formulated entourage products
👉 Consumer satisfaction increases with synergistic formulations, allowing interesting combinations
👉 Brands focused on this approach often benefit from better word-of-mouth referrals
From vapes to skincare, drinks to sleep aids, and even wellness creams, this approach is quietly changing what’s possible. Companies that understand terpene synergies are building competitive advantages that are difficult for competitors to replicate.
Exponential Results via Strategic Synergies
The entourage effect delivers transformative product performance through several distinct mechanisms, each supported by extensive research and commercial validation.
1. They Help Each Other Connect With Your Body
Terpenes can help other ingredients better connect with your body’s natural systems:
Evidence:
- Beta-caryophyllene activates your CB2 receptors (the ones that help with comfort), according to research published in the European Journal of Pain
- Pinene helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in your brain, which might help with mental clarity (discovered by researcher Russo in 2011)
- Linalool works with your GABA receptors – the same ones that help you relax
Commercial Impact:
- Companies can create more effective formulations while using less of the expensive ingredients – better results, lower costs
2. They Help Ingredients Get Where They Need To Go
Some terpenes are like delivery trucks for other ingredients
Evidence:
- Limonene helps other ingredients penetrate skin better in creams and lotions
- Many terpenes make cell membranes more permeable, helping ingredients get where they need to go
- Some terpenes affect how compounds move through your body, improving how well they work
Commercial Impact:
- Premium ingredients can work better without having to use more of them
3. They Cover Multiple Bases At Once
When you combine terpenes with different effects, you get more comprehensive benefits:
Evidence:
- Myrcene helps relax muscles
- Linalool reduces anxiety in studies
- Beta-caryophyllene interacts with receptors involved in comfort
Commercial Impact:
- This mechanism enables brands to create truly differentiated products addressing multiple facets of consumer needs simultaneously – products that cannot be easily duplicated by competitors.
4. They Keep Working Longer
Some terpenes slow down how quickly other compounds break down in your body
Evidence:
- Many terpenes affect the liver enzymes (called P450) that metabolize other compounds
- Using compounds with different absorption rates creates longer-lasting effects
Commercial Impact:
Products can provide longer-lasting effects, making customers happier and more likely to come back
Evidence-Based Validation Across Industries
This isn’t just theory – the entourage effect is already working in real products across different industries.
🧠 Scientific Research Validation
The academic literature on terpene synergies has expanded exponentially:
- Research on terpenes has grown dramatically over the past two decades, with publications increasing from 242 to 1,203 annual studies (PubMed)
- 42 clinical trials are currently investigating how terpenes affect real people (ClinicalTrials.gov)
- Both academic institutions and companies are investing in research to better understand how terpenes interact with each other
From Traditional to Entourage
The research clearly shows that combining terpenes works better than using them alone.
Natural terpenes vs synthetic terpenes each have their place, but understanding how they interact is essential for product developers who desire a competitive edge.
Many suppliers just offer terpene isolates instead of full-spectrum options. We take a different approach by studying how terpenes interact with each other. This helps brands create signature terpene blends that deliver signature experiences for their customers.
If you’re ready to explore custom terpene combinations for your products, we’d be happy to show you our library.
Our laboratory specialises in optimising terpene ratios for specific effects that can shift your formulations from adequate to exceptional.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discover your ideal terpene profile or simply discuss the incredible world of terpene synergies and methods to increase your product quality and customer satisfaction.
