There’s been increasing talk about the benefits of CBD oil, both in wellness magazines and online. Before diving into what people are saying about it, there’s a more practical question worth considering: How can you tell if a CBD oil is reputable, and how do you keep it in good condition once the bottle is opened? Almost everything is listed on the label. Here’s how to read it.
5 Things to Look for in CBD Oil
On a shelf, all CBD oil bottles look the same. Yet two oils sold side by side may have almost nothing in common: CBD content, type of extract, quality controls, and storage conditions. Here are the five factors we examine ourselves before offering an affordable CBD oil in our store.
Choose your major with full knowledge of the facts
The first number that catches your eye is the percentage: 5%, 10%, 20%, sometimes 30%. It indicates the proportion of CBD in the bottle’s contents. For the same volume, a 20% oil therefore contains twice as much CBD as a 10% oil.
A high concentration isn’t a guarantee of quality—it simply reflects a higher amount of CBD and a correspondingly higher price. To compare two bottles accurately, line them up side by side:
- the percentage of CBD listed on the label;
- the bottle's capacity, in milliliters;
- the total amount of CBD in the bottle, often expressed in milligrams;
- the price per unit of this total quantity.
In a dedicated article, we explain in detail—with examples— what the concentrations of CBD oil mean.
Identify the type of excerpt
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate: these three terms describe what the extract contains in addition to CBD. A full-spectrum extract retains all of the plant’s compounds, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and a small amount of THC below the legal threshold. A broad-spectrum extract retains this diversity but contains no detectable THC. An isolate, on the other hand, contains only purified CBD.
None of these formats is superior to the others: the key is that the label clearly specifies which one it is. This is the case with both our full-spectrum CBD oil and our cold-pressed CBD oils. To learn everything there is to know on the subject, read our guide to the different types of CBD extracts.
Check the test results and the THC level
A reputable brand has its batches tested by an independent laboratory. The test report confirms the advertised CBD content and measures the THC level. in the UK, the THC content of hemp extracts and products containing them must not exceed 0.3%. Some analyses also test for pesticides, heavy metals, or solvent residues.
If a brand is unable to show you these results—either on the product page or upon request—that’s a red flag. Our article onTHC-free CBD oil goes into detail on these concentration issues.
Please read and follow the instructions for use
Our bottles bear the statement “This product is not intended for food use.” This is by no means a mere formality. In Europe, CBD and hemp extracts are subject to the Novel Food Regulation, and none have been authorized to date. Our oils are therefore not sold for food use, and we ask that you follow the instructions on the label.
CBD oil is also not a medication: it is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you are taking medication, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using a CBD product.
Store your bottle properly
CBD has three enemies: light, heat, and air. That’s why oils are almost always packaged in amber or opaque glass. Once the bottle is opened, make sure to close the dropper tightly after each use and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, out of reach of children and pets.
Also, be sure to check the expiration date and lot number printed on the packaging. If the oil has noticeably changed in color or smell, it has likely been stored improperly. All our tips are compiled in our guide to properly storing CBD oil.
Key Points to Keep in Mind When Choosing the Right CBD Oil
There’s no such thing as a perfect oil for everyone, but there are oils that are transparent.
Keep in mind that a good label should include, at a minimum, the CBD percentage, the volume, the type of extract, the lot number, and usage instructions. Laboratory analyses confirm what the label promises, particularly that the THC level is within specifications. Finally, careful storage—in a cool, dark place—preserves the oil’s quality until the very last drop.
Keep the essentials in mind: our oils are not intended for consumption, and the label remains your best guide. To compare our products, visit our collectionof CBD oils, and for further information, read our guide on questions to ask yourself before buying CBD oil.
