CBD oil strength is the amount of CBD in the oil, shown as a percentage or in milligrams. On our labels each 1% equals 10 mg of CBD per ml, so a 10 ml bottle of 5% oil holds 500 mg of CBD. A higher strength means more CBD content per drop, not a different kind of oil. Our oils on this store are cosmetics for use on the skin; follow the label.
Key facts
- Percentage to mg
- 1% CBD = 10 mg of CBD per ml
- Classic 10 ml oils
- 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% (as of October 2026)
- Drops per 10 ml bottle
- About 250, as stated on our product pages
- CBD content per drop
- From 1.2 mg (3%) to 12 mg (30%) in the classic oils
- 30 ml oils
- 10% to 25% CBD, listed with their total cannabinoid content
- Label directions, classic oils
- Two to three drops on the skin, two to three times a day
What does CBD oil strength mean?
The strength, also called the concentration, tells you how much CBD is in the oil. Brands show it as a percentage, as a total in milligrams, or both. On our labels the percentage is the CBD per ml: 1% equals 10 mg per ml. Multiply by the bottle size to get the total:
- 5% in a 10 ml bottle: 50 mg/ml × 10 ml = 500 mg of CBD
- 20% in a 10 ml bottle: 200 mg/ml × 10 ml = 2,000 mg of CBD
- 10% in a 30 ml bottle: 100 mg/ml × 30 ml = 3,000 mg of CBD
A bigger bottle holds more drops, but each drop holds the same amount of CBD as a drop of the same strength from a smaller bottle.
Which CBD oil strengths are available?
Our classic 10 ml oils come in seven strengths. The table shows the CBD content per drop, based on about 250 drops per bottle.
| Strength | CBD per bottle | CBD per drop |
|---|---|---|
| 3% | 300 mg | 1.2 mg |
| 5% | 500 mg | 2 mg |
| 10% | 1,000 mg | 4 mg |
| 15% | 1,500 mg | 6 mg |
| 20% | 2,000 mg | 8 mg |
| 25% | 2,500 mg | 10 mg |
| 30% | 3,000 mg | 12 mg |
Not every strength is available in every carrier oil and spectrum at all times; the product page shows what is in stock. Our four 30 ml oils, from Lugano Clarity (10% CBD) to St. Moritz Restore (25% CBD), list both their CBD and their total cannabinoid content. Our guide to CBD content per drop gives the figures for every oil.
What strength of CBD oil should I use?
There is no single right strength, and the label is the reference for how much to apply. A few practical points help with the choice:
- Lower strengths give smaller steps. One drop of a 3% or 5% oil holds 1.2 or 2 mg of CBD; one drop of a 30% oil holds 12 mg. If you are new to CBD, a lower strength makes it easier to adjust one drop at a time.
- Higher strengths mean fewer drops. If you already know how much CBD you want to apply, a higher strength gets there with fewer drops.
- Change one thing at a time. Keep the same strength and amount for about a week before you change anything, and stop if you notice skin irritation.
- Compare CBD per drop, not the percentage. A 20% oil is not "better" than a 5% oil; each drop simply holds four times as much CBD.
If you also want to choose between carrier oils, spectrums and flavours, see which CBD oil should I choose? All our oils are in the CBD oil collection.
Video: which CBD oil concentration should I choose?
Why do CBD oil strengths differ between brands?
Two bottles with the same percentage can hold different amounts of CBD:
- CBD or total cannabinoids: some labels show all cannabinoids together. Our 30 ml oils list both figures.
- CBD or CBD plus CBDA: some brands add the raw acid CBDA to the CBD figure. On our labels, "5% CBD" means at least 5% CBD itself.
- Drop size: droppers differ, so the CBD content per drop changes even at the same strength.
- Measured vs declared: in an analysis of 14 CBD oils sold in Europe, nine had CBD levels well away from the declared amount (Pavlovic et al., 2018). The certificate of analysis for the batch shows what was actually measured; see how to read a certificate of analysis.
From our production
We test every batch in Switzerland, and we have never had a failed test since 2013. Our labels print the CBD and THC content to two decimal places with the batch number, so you can match the bottle to its certificate.
— Robin Roy Krigslund-Hansen, co-founder and CEO
Frequently asked questions
What does the strength of a CBD oil mean?
It is the amount of CBD in the oil. On our labels the percentage shows the CBD per ml: each 1% equals 10 mg of CBD per ml, so a 10% oil holds 100 mg per ml and 1,000 mg in a 10 ml bottle.
What strength of CBD oil should I use?
There is no single right strength. A lower strength such as 3% or 5% gives small steps of CBD content per drop, so it is easier to adjust. A higher strength puts more CBD in each drop. Always follow the directions on the label.
Is a higher CBD oil strength better?
Not in itself. A 20% oil simply has four times as much CBD in each drop as a 5% oil. What matters is the CBD content per drop and how much you apply, not the percentage alone.
How much CBD is in one drop?
Divide the CBD per ml by the drops per ml. Our classic 10 ml bottle holds about 250 drops, so one drop of the 5% oil holds 2 mg of CBD and one drop of the 30% oil holds 12 mg.
Why do two oils with the same percentage contain different amounts of CBD?
Labels differ. Some show total cannabinoids instead of CBD, some add CBDA to the CBD figure, and bottle and drop sizes vary. Check the CBD per ml and the certificate of analysis for the batch.
Related guides
This page is general information, not medical advice. Formula Swiss CBD oils are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin. They are not food supplements or medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed:
Sources
- Pavlovic R, Nenna G, Calvi L, et al. Quality traits of "cannabidiol oils": cannabinoids content, terpene fingerprint and oxidation stability of European commercially available preparations. Molecules. 2018;23(5):1230. doi:10.3390/molecules23051230
- Formula Swiss product pages (UK store): strengths, bottle sizes and drops per bottle, as of 8 October 2026. CBD oil collection
