We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Feeling Stressed? These Are The Best CBD Oils For Rest, Relaxation And Peace Of Mind
Since its UK legalisation in 2018, CBD has become ubiquitous in beauty and wellness products alike. It’s with good reason: the hero ingredient boasts many therapeutic properties, from soothing skin to easing aches and calming a restless mind. A holistic approach to improving wellbeing, the best CBD supplements promise benefits for all kinds of ailments, but are uniquely advantageous for troubles of the mind. And, let’s face it: in an era where we’ve seen every crisis bar an alien invasion, we all have plenty of those.
CBD oil may well be the cure for our collective dread, but if you’re not clued up, knowing where to start can be confusing. What CBD oil is best for anxiety? What is a good CBD strength? And, going back to basics: what is CBD? Here, we speak to Hayley Dawes, founder of Dreem Distillery, to answer your questions on the super ingredient. Read on for her expert advice, plus the best CBD oils to buy for wellness in 2023.
What is CBD?
“CBD is one single chemical from the hemp plant,” Hayley explains. Derived from the same plant, but not to be confused with the drug cannabis, she shares that “because it doesn’t contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) it won’t make you feel funny, high, or intoxicated. CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of over 120 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids that have been identified so far in the cannabis plant. It is found in high concentrations in the flower or bud of the plant, with small amounts in the stalk.”
What are the different types of CBD oil?
CBD oils are available in three types, categorised by the number of other cannabinoid compounds in their blend.
CBD Isolate: Pure CBD extract containing no other natural compounds from the cannabis plant.
Broad Spectrum CBD: Oil with various cannabinoid compounds and plant terpenes included for their benefits, but with THC filtered out.
Full Spectrum CBD: Oil containing all the natural compounds from the plant including psychoactive THC. Depending on the percentage of THC present, this type of CBD induces a “high”, will produce a positive result on drug tests and is not legal in the UK.
“There are a huge number of CBD products on the market and most come in the form of CBD isolate,” according to Dawes. “Dreem Distillery uses broad-spectrum CBD; the significant difference being with isolate is that [isolate] doesn’t contain some of the key relaxing terpenes, which makes a high-quality CBD more powerful.”
To find the best version for you? First and foremost, make sure it’s one that’s legal in your region, but besides this, the type you opt for is largely down to preference. CBD isolate is concentrated, often more affordable and – since it contains none of the plant’s earthy flavonoids – mild in taste and smell. Many users choose broad-spectrum oils for the entourage effect of their ingredients, and to get the full range of benefits from the plant.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
Hailed for its ability to relieve pain, aid relaxation and improve sleep, early studies show CBD also has potential in the management of neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes and addiction. While more research is needed in these areas, there’s plenty to suggest CBD is an effective tool for wellbeing – including its presence in medical cannabis products like Epidyolex, currently prescribed for certain illnesses by the NHS.
“CBD oil can be an amazing preventative medicine tool,” Dawes adds. “Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing properties, it may even help prevent health issues that arise due to unchecked chronic inflammation and stress, the perfect botanical helper for modern life. CBD is an effective wellness tool, a serious medicine and can aid insomnia, anxiety, stress, and pain.”
Best CBD Oils at glance:
- Best CBD Oil for insomnia: Dreem Distillery CBD Night Drops, £160
- Best spray bottle CBD oil for easy use: FourFive CBD Oil, £45
- Best daytime CBD Oil for energy and focus: OTO Power Drops, £56
- Best CBD Oil-infused gummies: Naturecan Fruit Flavoured CBD Gummies, £59.99
.jpg)
Is CBD oil safe to use in the UK?
“Absolutely. CBD oil is safe to use in the UK – it just mustn’t contain THC,” Dawes confirms. To be sold legally in the UK, CBD products must meet the requirements of UK law, which currently forbid THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) except in negligible or trace amounts.
It’s important to buy your CBD oil from reputable retailers, pharmacies and websites to ensure products are legal and safe for consumption. CBD is well-tolerated by most people, but look for products that have been third-party tested and from brands that have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). That way, you’ll avoid risks from supplements whose content or quality has not been vetted.
What is the best CBD strength?
“When using CBD oil for the first time, we recommend starting with a low dose and building up to a serving that’s most effective for you, as there are many factors including your personal body chemistry, metabolism, body mass, and the condition/problem you are treating which can influence the perfect amount for you,” says Dawes. “For example, with Dreem Distillery’s Night Drops, I would suggest starting with 6-8 drops and increasing the dosage accordingly until you find your sweet spot (max. one full dropper per day).”
CBD oils come in several strengths, with the most concentrated tinctures containing upwards of 1000mg of CBD per bottle. As Hayley says, the optimal dose depends on your circumstances, but most users report improved wellbeing on doses in the range of 10 to 40mg a day.
What is the difference between topical and ingestible CBD oils?
“CBD is quite miraculous in that it can interact with endocannabinoid receptors both in the brain and throughout the body, many of which are found in the skin and joints. This means you can both ingest CBD or apply it to the skin. Topical users report benefits for symptoms ranging from localised pain to inflammation, irritation, and dryness.
CBD oral drops are the most popular way to ingest CBD. Oral drops are mixed with a carrier oil – for example, our Night Drops are mixed with MCT – and the drops can either be placed under the tongue (most effective as this bypasses the digestive system) or swallowed. For use on the skin, combining butters or oils to create a topical balm are common effective formats.”
When shouldn’t you take CBD?
“If people take other medications, or have underlying medical conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy or heart problems, advice is to consult your doctor before taking CBD,” says Dawes. CBD has not yet been trialled on pregnant women, so it’s best to avoid it if you’re pregnant or nursing. If in doubt, it’s always best to seek the advice of your GP on supplements you wish to introduce.
Duly informed, we set about testing the latest CBD oils on the market. Scroll on to shop our edit of the best.
- 1/11
OTO CBD Power Drops
- Type of CBD: Pure CBD isolate
- CBD concentration: 1125mg per 15ml bottle, 40mg in each half of a dropper serving
- Dosage: half a dropper daily
Why it’s Vogue approved:
When your body’s endocannabinoid system is out of whack, anxiety is heightened, you’re prone to stress and you’ll find your mood, appetite and memory disturbed. Enter OTO’s Power Drops, which bring back some balance with a burnout-banishing blend of hero ingredients. For starters, there’s the all-important CBD, which you’ll find here at a high strength of 40mg per serving. Boosting your focus alongside energising cacao and blood orange extracts, it also features antioxidant carob seed and a host of immunity-supporting vitamins. The result? A refreshing, fast-acting tincture, which keeps you relaxed and ready to face even the busiest of days.
- 2/11
Kloris 10% CBD Oil Drops
- Type of CBD: Broad spectrum
- CBD concentration: 1000mg per 10ml bottle, 5mg per drop
- Dosage: 3-5 drops a day to start, no more than 14 drops a day
Why it’s Vogue approved:
Sustainably made, Kloris’ premium CBD oil is derived from organically grown hemp. Blended with cold-pressed MCT, oil it’s completely free from pesticides, colourants or flavourings, giving you a pure dose of quality CBD in every drop. There are plenty of the hemp plant’s other cannabinoids here too, alongside terpenes working in tandem to give the entourage effect. For the uninitiated, that’s the synergistic action of ingredients in broad-spectrum oils, which deliver a broader range of therapeutic benefits.
- 3/11
Vitabiotics Brains CBD Oil 500mg + Vitamin D
- Type of CBD: CBD isolate
- CBD concentration: 500mg per 30ml bottle
- Dosage: 7 drops, twice daily. Once acclimatised to taking CBD you may take 1 full pipette (28 drops)
Why it’s Vogue approved:
Vitabiotics’ CBD oil is quick to quieten a chaotic mind, through drops taken sublingually to skip the digestive system. Supercharged with Vitamin D (known to improve cognitive function) this one comes validated and lab-tested to ensure it’s free from banned substances. Giving you 8.3mg of CBD with the recommended starting dose, it’s a great choice for testing the waters before you try more potent strengths. Plus, as the pipette is marked with millimetre measurements, it’s easy to take the precise amount that works for you.
- 4/11
Trip Orange Blossom CBD Oil
- Type of CBD: CBD isolate
- CBD concentration: 1000mg per 15ml, 66mg in 20 drops
- Dosage: up to 10 drops a day
Why it’s Vogue approved:
Pretty in pink, this purse-friendly tincture packs a powerful punch. Designed to administer 66mg of CBD with every full pipette, a little goes a very long way in helping you unwind. Pure CBD is carried in coconut oil and enhanced with orange blossom and chamomile, resulting in delicious drops with which to decompress. Small but mighty, this one will last for 30 days of use, treats anxiety and insomnia and is gluten and palm oil free.
- 5/11
British Cannabis 1000mg CBD Oral Capsules
- Type of CBD: Broad spectrum
- CBD concentration: 1000mg per pack, 33mg per capsule
- Dosage: 1 capsule best taken with food
Why it’s Vogue approved:
CBD capsules have a manifold appeal: they’re quick and easy to take, offer consistent doses, and give a slow release of the substance’s benefits. A high-strength pill that includes the cannabis plant’s natural relaxing terpenes, British CBD’s supplement accumulates in your fat cells to be utilised by the body for up to 48 hours – promising to quell chronic pain, inflammation and anxiety with each daily dose.
- 6/11
BeYou Berry Flavour Oral CBD Spray With MCT Oil
- Type of CBD: CBD isolate
- CBD concentration: 600mg per 30ml
- Dosage: 7 sprays per day, spread over 2-3 doses
Why it’s Vogue approved:
A burst of berry flavour makes for great-tasting CBD, and BeYou’s berry-mingled MCT oil has the bonus of an atomiser cap. Simply spray under the tongue to offset nerves and stress, with directions calling for two spritzes in the morning, two at noon and one before bed. The perfect pick for starting your journey low and slow, it provides 20mg of CBD in each daily dose.
- 7/11
Dreem Distillery CBD Night Drops
- Type of CBD: Broad spectrum
- CBD concentration: 2400mg per 30ml, 4mg per drop
- Dosage: 8 drops (32mg) per night. This can be increased at your discretion, with a maximum of 17 drops per night
Why it’s Vogue approved:
If your mind ticks long after your head hits the pillow, Dreem Distillery’s Night Drops offer a potent solution. Teeming with relaxing terpenes, this broad-spectrum CBD oil is designed for drifting into deep and restorative sleep. Its full-bodied flavour comes infused with peppermint, plus calming lavender and limonene that envelop the senses. You’ll doze off easy and wake up feeling rested and refreshed, thanks to a balancing formula that regulates sleep without causing daytime drowsiness. Housed in a sleek glass square that stuns on any nightstand, its sustainable packaging can be recycled once you’ve used up every drop.
- 8/11
Cannaray CBD Bright Days Capsules 600mg
- Type of CBD: CBD isolate
- CBD concentration: 10mg per capsule
- Dosage: 2 capsules per day
Why it’s Vogue approved:
Coming in a convenient pill format, Cannary's CBD capsules are easy to take and flavour free. Swallow with water any time of day for a calming reset, immune support, and an energy boost, thanks to the inclusion of Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 and Zinc. In a 10mg dose that's beginner-friendly and not sedative, they're the ideal choice for those who want to supplement with CBD during the day.
.jpg)
