When researching your essential oils, it is important to recognize that not all essential oils are created equal. In fact, with their rising popularity, you will find “essential oils” that are no more than a glorified fragrance.
Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so sellers can make claims about their oils without anyone checking up on them. So how do you know what makes a good quality essential oil?
A good thing to look at is price. Of course, that doesn’t stop Fragrance McFakester from jacking up his prices, but you KNOW something is off when you have lemon essential oil and patchouli essential oil at the same price point. Keep in mind that citrus oils will cost the least amount of money, while floral essential oils, like jasmine and lavender, will cost a bit more. The reason for the price difference has to do with the sheer amount of plant material (petals) needed to make the oil. For example, Natural Living Ideas states that to produce something like Jasmine Absolute Essential Oil, you need “125 pounds of petals per ounce of oil”. So, needless to say, expect to get what you pay for with essential oils. If a vendor sells all of their oils at $10/4oz, they are most definitely not pure essential oils.
So you know around-abouts how much your oils should be costing you, what are the next steps?
Read the label CAREFULLY. You should not be buying things that read “fragrance oil”, “nature identical oil”, and “perfume oil”. These will be a mixture and a mixture that doesn’t even have to necessarily contain any essential oils!
When you see “aromatherapy grade”, “clinical grade”, or “therapeutic grade”, be aware that this is not regulated and there is no minimum requirement to “make the grade”, so to say. Organic or Certified Organic oils may contain all organic ingredients, but that does not necessarily mean that they have the best distillation process.
So how will you know?!…I know. I had the same headache looking into essential oils for the first time. I made this checklist to help keep my popcorn-brain on track when searching…hopefully, it will be helpful to you as well.
- Does it say 100% pure essential oil somewhere on the label?
- Does the manufacturer give the latin name, country of origin, and method of extraction?
- Does the vial have the best storage technique? (dark 4oz. bottle to keep out sunlight/no eye dropper bulb on the cap)
- Can you ask the manufacturer questions about the oil, their distillation process, and their storage techniques?
- Will the manufacturer provide samples? (Many legitimate essential oil companies will provide samples to show they have high-quality oils before you buy)
Well, I hope this was helpful. I know my brain is always spinning when I try to find a new company for essential oils. Ask around if you know anyone who uses essential oils, it might be a good place to start.
Love and health to you all,
<3 aer
Leave a Comment