Last updated: June 2026
CBD has grown from niche wellness supplement to mainstream UK staple — and with that growth has come a bewildering range of products. Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or isolate? Oil, capsule, balm or vape? This guide cuts through the noise so you can make the right choice for your goals.
Evopure CBD — all broad-spectrum, 0% THC
The three types of CBD
All three types are legal in the UK when derived from hemp and within THC limits. The key difference is what compounds are present alongside CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD
Contains CBD plus other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and trace legal levels of THC (≤0.2% in the UK). The most complete form of the plant. Allows you to benefit fully from the entourage effect — where all compounds work synergistically. Best for those who want maximum therapeutic potential and are comfortable with trace THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Contains CBD plus other cannabinoids and terpenes — but with THC completely removed. The best of both worlds: entourage effect without any THC exposure. All Evopure CBD oils are broad-spectrum. Ideal for those who want the benefits of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes while avoiding THC entirely.
CBD isolate
Pure CBD only — all other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids removed through extraction and distillation. No entourage effect. Useful for those who want absolute certainty of zero THC or who are sensitive to other cannabinoids. Research suggests isolate follows a bell-curve dose response, meaning higher doses may not always mean better results.
Read more: The entourage effect explained | What is full spectrum CBD? | What is CBD isolate?
Types of CBD products
CBD oil (sublingual)
The most popular format. Place drops under the tongue for 60–90 seconds before swallowing. High bioavailability (13–35%), fast onset (15–45 minutes), flexible dosing. Our most recommended starting point.
CBD capsules
Pre-measured, tasteless, convenient — taken like a vitamin. Slower acting (digested over 45–90 minutes) and lower bioavailability (6–20%) than oil, but excellent for routine daily use. Good for travel.
Read more: CBD oil vs capsules
Topical CBD (balms, creams)
Applied to skin for localised support — muscles, joints, post-workout recovery. Does not enter the bloodstream in meaningful quantities. Best combined with sublingual oil for comprehensive coverage.
Vaping
Fastest onset (5–15 minutes) and highest consumer bioavailability (30–50%+). Use purpose-made CBD vape juice only. Most vape products use CBD isolate.
Edibles and beverages
Enjoyable but lowest bioavailability due to digestion. Pairing with dietary fats improves absorption. Many edibles use isolate only, missing the entourage effect.
Read more: Full guide to taking CBD oil | What is CBD bioavailability?
Not sure which CBD type is right for you?
Take our free quiz and we’ll match you with the right Evopure formula and format for your goals.
Take the free health quiz →4 things to consider when buying CBD
1. Third-party lab reports (COAs)
Every reputable CBD brand should publish independent Certificates of Analysis for every batch. These confirm CBD content, cannabinoid profile, 0% THC (for broad-spectrum) and absence of pesticides and heavy metals. Never buy from a brand that doesn’t publish them.
2. Organic and sustainable sourcing
Organic hemp is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers — important when you’re taking a supplement for your health. Look for non-GMO, sustainably sourced hemp with transparent supply chains.
3. Reputable brand
The CBD market has quality problems — CMC testing found only 38% of UK products were accurately labelled. Choose brands with transparent COAs, clear ingredient lists and a track record of quality.
Read more: 5 ways to avoid CBD scams
4. Match to your health goal
For general wellness: broad-spectrum oil. For sleep: broad-spectrum oil with sleep terpenes. For localised pain: CBD balm plus internal oil. For convenience: capsules. Combine formats where needed — but track your total daily CBD.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of CBD?
Broad-spectrum offers the best balance for most people — multiple cannabinoids and terpenes for the entourage effect, with no THC. Full-spectrum adds trace THC. Isolate is best for those who want zero other compounds.
Is broad-spectrum better than full-spectrum?
Neither is objectively better. Full-spectrum includes trace THC which some prefer for maximum entourage effect. Broad-spectrum removes THC entirely while retaining other cannabinoids and terpenes — making it the more popular choice in the UK.
What’s the best CBD product for beginners?
Sublingual broad-spectrum oil is the most recommended starting point — flexible dosing, good bioavailability, fast onset and transparent ingredient profile.
What is the difference between medical CBD and regular CBD?
There’s no such category as “medical CBD” in regular retail. CBD is sold as a Novel Food supplement — not a medicine. Two licensed cannabinoid medicines exist in the UK (Epidylex and Sativex), but both also contain THC and are prescription-only.
Final thoughts on types of CBD
Your choice of CBD type should be driven by your goals, your THC comfort level and your preferred format. For most people, broad-spectrum oil gives the best combination of entourage effect, flexibility and zero THC. Start low, stay consistent, and always buy from a brand with published lab reports.
Find the right CBD type for your goals
Take our free quiz and we’ll recommend the right Evopure formula for you.
Take the free health quiz →
