CBD oils are becoming increasingly popular in the world of wellness, and we're not exactly surprised. But we also won't blame you if you don't fully understand the benefits of using one. After all, there's a whole load of CBD jargon to get acquainted with, as well as so many different formulations to choose from (think: full-spectrum products and broad-spectrum CBD oils). You'll also notice a choice between high-strength, medium-strength and low-strength CBD.
To help you make a more informed choice, we've taken the time to speak with some of the leading experts in the field to answer all your FAQs on all things CBD and help break down exactly what CBD oil is and its benefits. We've also put together an extensive list of the best-selling CBD oils currently available in the UK based on our own experiences, customer reviews and lab reports. (We've made sure to include several different options to suit all preferences and budgets, too). Here goes…
SKIP TO: What is CBD? | How is CBD different from THC? | Are CBD oils safe and legal? | How often should I use a CBD oil? | Are there any side effects? | The best CBD oils on the market, tried and tested.
Meet the experts:
- Gemma Colao, founder and creative director at OTO CBD
- Dr Tim Bond, natural health expert and chemist at Dragonfly CBD
- Olivia Ferdi, wellness expert and TRIP co-founder.
Best CBD oils at a glance – our top picks:
- Best CBD oil for sleep: OTO CBD Sleep Drops, £76, OTO CBD
- Best-tasting CBD oil: TRIP Orange Blossom CBD Oil WAS £39 NOW £25, TRIP
- Best medium-strength CBD oil: Dragonfly CBD Canabidiol Oil 500mg 5.6%, £29.50, Boots
- Best CBD oil for everyday use: Cannaray Bright Days CBD Oil Drops, WAS £18 NOW 9, Amazon
What is CBD? How is different from THC?
“CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the main cannabinoids found in the hemp plant,” explains Gemma Colao, founder and creative director at OTO CBD. “CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and diluting it with [carrier oils] such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil so it can be ingested or applied topically."
But what are the health benefits of CBD? Well, it's often used as a food supplement to help alleviate stress and anxiety while also regulating chronic pain and inflammation. According to the NHS, medical professionals sometimes recommend CBD oil as a more natural alternative for long-term pain relief and as a method of reducing symptoms of nausea in cancer patients and muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not a psychoactive cannabinoid and will not make you feel high or intoxicated. In fact, most CBD companies – if not all – make a conscious effort to limit THC to small, trace amounts or remove it from their formula entirely.
Other than CBD oils, there are a range of wellness and even skincare products that contains the substance, including bath salts, balms, creams and edibles such as CBD gummies. There are also products such as CBD vapes and e-liquids, but bear in mind that these are not recommended as health professionals are still determining the long-term effects of e-cigarette use.
Are CBD oils safe to use? And is it legal in the United Kingdom?
Generally, yes. Over-the-counter CBD oils are legal in the UK and the substance has even been declared safe by the World Health Organisation. However, the UK market does not regulate CBD as a controlled substance, meaning that their quality and content is not closely monitored. This is similar to the USA, where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet decided whether to regulate CBD products. This means that the onus is on us to determine which CBD brands and retailers can be trusted.
But fret not: the Food Standards Agency can help. They've compiled a list of CBD food products on sale in England and Wales which have a credible application for authorisation with the FSA. Every CBD oil in this edit has been accredited by the FSA, and features on the list above.
Beginners and first time CBD users should note that according to Colao, CBD oil has not been tested on pregnant women or children, meaning it should best be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or under 18. Additionally, it's also strongly recommended to speak to a healthcare professional when seeking advice for using CBD for medical conditions such as anxiety or epilepsy.
How often can I use CBD oils? What's the optimal amount of CBD I can use per day?
Colao shares that “40-60mg per use is the research-recommended amount to actually have an impact in a meaningful way in your body.” At the same time, according to the UK Food Standards Agency, the maximum daily recommended dosage in mg of CBD is 70mg.
But if you're just starting out, it's worth starting with a product with a lower CBD content or a lower dosage to see how your body reacts. "Like coffee or alcohol, CBD affects everyone differently so it’s important you build a ritual for you," says Olivia Ferdi, wellness expert and TRIP co-founder.
What are the side effects of CBD oils?
CBD is considered to be safe and well-tolerated. However, make sure that you're aware of all the ingredients that are features in a CBD oil so as to avoid allergies to carrier oils such as MCT or vegetable oil as well as other popular calming additives such as lavender and peppermint.
“Everyone responds to CBD differently. If you don’t notice any benefits, it might be that your body’s internal systems are already running at their best,” explains Colao. “If your endocannabinoid system and other internal regulatory systems are functioning correctly, then CBD will not change that. Neither will it have any negative effects in those circumstances.”
Scroll down to check out our full edit of all the best CBD oils to keep in mind…
Concentration of CBD: 1500mg per 15ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 3 full pipettes once per day.
GLAMOUR-approved OTO Sleep Drops review: "These CBD drops are unlike anything I've tried before when it came to battling my insomnia. I can now sleep through the whole night (which used to be a rare occurrence for me) and wake up feeling refreshed and calm. As someone who also deals with anxiety and panic attacks right before going to sleep, I honestly can't recommend this product enough."
Why we love it: Formulated to help you regulate your sleep pattern and relax before bed, this high-quality CBD oil from OTO is undoubtedly one of the best around. This best seller is infused with lavender, butterfly pea flower and fresh field mint, which were carefully curated to aid your sleep. And don't be misled by the size of the bottle either – it's designed to last you an entire month. One of the most respected and trusted brands in the UK CBD industry.
Concentration of CBD: 1000mg per 15ml bottle of Strong CBD oil / 200 mg per 15ml bottle of Original.
Recommended dosage: 15-30mg per serving.
Why we love it: If you're after a high-quality CBD oil, chances are, you've probably heard of TRIP. Featuring a uniquely formulated THC-free blend of premium-grade CBD, MCT oil and natural adaptogens, the TRIP CBD oils will keep you balanced and relaxed. And the added chamomile extract also has soothing and calming properties to add to your everyday routine. We recommend trying out the Orange Blossom flavour, which leaves a nice and refreshing aftertaste – great for using both just before bed or first thing in the morning. And did we mention that it's also gluten-free, palm-oil free and vegan? 10s across the board…
Concentration of CBD: 500 mg per 10ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 5 drops per day.
Why we love it: Made from organic cannabis sativa plants using an ethanol extraction process and enriched with all-natural hemp seed oil, this CBD product can be used daily without risk. All you need to do is to use the included dropper to apply 5 drops to the bottom of your tongue and hold for 2 minutes to maximise absorption.
Concentration of CBD: 1000mg per 10ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 1-5 drops up to 3 times a day.
Why we love it: This full-spectrum CBD oil retains all the helpful compounds called terpenes from the hemp plant, which include myrcene and B-caryophyllene. This is theorised to enhance the potency of the product thanks to something called the ‘entourage effect’.
Concentration of CBD: 2000mg per 30ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 1 drop a day.
Why we love it: High-strength and berry-flavoured? Count us in. This CBD oil is made using a low-temperature CO2 extraction method along with all-natural, non-GMO and pesticide-free ingredients and flavourings. Plus, each 30ml bottle is designed to last from 30 to 40 days at a time when used every evening too. Free from heavy metals, contaminants and pesticides.
Concentration of CBD: 500mg per 10ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 1ml per day.
Why we love it: Coconut oil, zesty lemon and juniper all add up for a great-tasting product. This CBD oil tincture is made for daily use – all you need to do is squeeze the pipette underneath your tongue and hold for 90 seconds to absorb. It's made to be suitable to be taken at any time of day too, meaning it's perfect for being tailored to your specific schedule.
Concentration of CBD: 1200mg per 30ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 10 drops per day.
Why we love it: Made from organic MCT oil and hemp extract, this oil features a potency of 4%, with 1200mg of CBD per bottle. Plus, it's flavoured with all-natural Valencia orange, which is definitely a plus in our book.
Concentration of CBD: 1500mg per 10ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 5 drops twice per day.
Why we love it: This premium, third-party lab tested product is one of the purest CBD products you can get your hands on in the United Kingdom. Made from high-quality industrial hemp, this gluten-free, GMO-free and vegan-friendly oil also features over one hundred different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and essential oils.
Concentration of CBD: 1000mg per 10ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 2-3 drops 3 times per day.
Why we love it: A lightweight vegetable oil enriched with CBD extract made from organic hemp plants grown in the Netherlands is definitely something we can get on board with. Just apply 2-3 drops up to 3 times per day either directly into your mouth or into a glass of water to reap the full benefits.
Concentration of CBD: 500mg per 10ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 2-3 drops 3 times per day.
Why we love it: This THC-free CBD oil provides a soothing, calming effect with each dosage. It has a potency of 5%, is formulated to be vegan and is made specifically to be used on-the-go. The small, travel-size bottle has a convenient dropper too.
Concentration of CBD: 1000mg per 10ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: Half a pipette once per day.
Why we love it: One of the best-tasting and best-selling CBD oil products around. Made with premium cannabis sativa L. extract, just half a pipette a day is enough to keep stress and anxiety at bay. It's unflavored too, meaning you can mix it into your food and drink as you please.
Concentration of CBD: 450mg per 30 capsules.
Recommended dosage: One or two capsules per day.
Why we love it: These slow-released CBD capsules are made to deliver 15mg of CBD. Each capsule also contains vitamin D3, which helps you support your immune system and maintain muscle function. *chef's kiss*
Concentration of CBD: 1000mg per 30ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 0.5ml twice a day.
Why we love it: Cherry-flavoured CBD oil is great enough on its one – but one that also contains caffeine for extra energy? Top-tier. With a THC-free formula and all-natural flavouring, this quality product is designed to fast-absorbing and suitable for everyday use.
Concentration of CBD: 300mg of CBD+CBDa per bottle.
Recommended dosage: 1-3 drops per day.
Why we love it: This medium strength CBD oil features a raw formula that's packed with vital minor cannabinoids, vitamins, and minerals to keep you grounded and focused on your wellbeing. According to Endoca, the process of CBD extraction is also quite innovative and doesn't include the use of any chemicals in order to maintain the quality of the whole plant properties.
Concentration of CBD: 900mg per 15ml bottle.
Recommended dosage: 30mg (10 drops) as a daily starting dose.
Why we love it: Made using a whole plant CBD extract, this full spectrum oil contains highly concentrated amounts of CBD as well as secondary cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, CBN and more. Great for encouraging the ‘entourage effect’, which creates a synergy provided by the presence of all of these useful compounds.
Looking for more skincare, health and wellness content? Head over this way for our guides on the best vitamin D supplements, the best collagen supplements and the best iron supplements.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
