It’s not easy to make sense of the labels: 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%… What do these numbers mean, and how can you compare two bottlesof CBD oil that don’t have the same concentration or volume? Here, we’ll give you all the information you need to understand these percentages and make an informed choice.
Different concentrations of CBD oil
CBD oil combines a hemp extract rich in cannabidiol with a vegetable oil that serves as a carrier. It is available in several concentrations. Both in stores and online, it can be found under names such as “10% CBD oil” or “20% CBD oil.”
The percentage simply represents the proportion of CBD in the bottle’s contents. The higher it is, the more CBD the bottle contains for a given volume. However, it says nothing about the quality of the extract, its origin, or how it was produced.
From the percentage to the total amount in the bottle
To convert a percentage to an actual amount, simply multiply it by the total volume. Let’s take a 10-ml bottle of 10% oil: it contains a total of about 1,000 milligrams of CBD. This figure refers to the entire bottle, from the first day to the last, and not to a single use.
The calculation is still approximate. The percentage is generally expressed by mass, and oil weighs slightly less than water; therefore, depending on the brand, the rounded figures may vary slightly. The most reliable reference is the total amount of CBD listed on the label or in the batch analysis report.
How do you compare two bottles?
For a 10-ml bottle, here are the ranges commonly found:
- 5% oil: approximately 500 milligrams of CBD per bottle;
- 10% oil: approximately 1,000 milligrams;
- 20% oil: approximately 2,000 milligrams;
- 30% oil: approximately 3,000 milligrams.
When bottle sizes differ, the percentage alone can be misleading. A 30-milliliter bottle with a 5% concentration contains roughly the same amount of CBD as a 10-milliliter bottle with a 15% concentration. The best approach is to calculate the price per total amount of CBD—for example, the price per 100 milligrams. This allows you to compare different bottles on a common basis.
What the Percentage Doesn't Tell You
Two 10% oils can be very different. Before you decide, take a look at these as well:
The type of extract: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate. This indicates whether the oil contains other hemp compounds in addition to CBD. Our guide to the different types of CBD extracts will help you tell them apart.
Laboratory analyses: These confirm that the stated CBD level is accurate and that the THC content complies with the French limit of 0.3%. A concentration listed without laboratory analysis to confirm it is nothing more than a promise.
The carrier oil and the origin of the hemp: these provide information about the product’s manufacturing process and traceability—two criteria that are just as important as the percentage.
Why We Don't Specify Any Amount to Use
You won’t find any dosage recommendations in this article, and that’s by design. Our oils are labeled “This product is not intended for food use.” In Europe, CBD and hemp extracts are considered novel foods, and none have been approved to date. The percentage is therefore intended to help compare products, not to calculate dosage.
If you are taking medication, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using a CBD product. And in any case, follow the instructions on the label.
Conclusion on CBD Oil Concentrations
In short, the percentage indicates the amount of CBD in the bottle, and the volume lets you calculate the total amount. To compare two oils, adjust their prices based on this quantity, then check the type of extract and the lab results. Choosing the right product starts with knowing how to read the label.
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