Published October 27, 2024

You will find plenty of options when shopping for pure essential oils online or in stores. The quality of these essential oils can vary a lot. With so many brands available, knowing which essential oils are genuine and of high quality becomes difficult. Essential oil quality plays a crucial role because they are used in many ways that affect our bodies. 

Unfortunately, many essential oils in the market are of low quality and may be mixed with cheap synthetic scents. It makes them less effective and harmful. Therefore, it is crucial to choose essential oils made using safe and pure ingredients. Not only will it help reduce the risk of allergies, but also help prevent other negative reactions. 

But the question is, how can you tell if what you are buying is the real thing and not a fake? And even if it is genuine, how can you know it is the best quality of essential oils? If you are one of those people who rely on essential oils to enhance your mood, find balance during meditation or treat headaches, you definitely do not want to waste time on low-quality fake essential oils!

Here is what you need to know to ensure you are buying a good essential oil:

How are essential oils regulated?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulates foods, drugs, food additives, cosmetic and dietary supplements under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. The way essential oils are classified depends on how they are intended to be used.

It means the FDA may consider essential oils as either drugs or cosmetics based on their use. For example, if a company claims that the fragrance of its essential oil makes someone more attractive, the FDA will likely treat the oil as a cosmetic product. On the other hand, if a company says an essential oil helps people treat various medical conditions, the FDA will probably classify the oil as a drug.

What can impact the quality of essential oils?

Many factors can affect the quality of essential oils. Here are some:

Packaging and handling

Proper packaging, handling and storage also matter. That is because essential oils can degrade if exposed to light, heat or oxygen. Citrus oils, in particular, can oxidize quickly, changing their chemical makeup. 

Plants

The use of pesticides and chemicals can harm the quality of essential oils. Other factors, such as the type of soil, rainfall, altitude, and the challenge of identifying different plant species can also impact the essential oil quality.

Processing

With the increase in popularity of essential oils, many products on the market may not be suitable for medical use. From food stores to online stores, you can find them everywhere. Some products are pure essential oils, while others may be mixed or diluted. And this can be hard to detect. 

Storage

It is better to store essential oils in tightly closed and dark glass containers in a cool place. In addition, it is a good idea to track their freshness from the date on the bottle. Most essential oils can be safely used for 1-2 years or more after opening. 

Also Read: Unlocking the Power of Essential Oils: Top Picks for Women’s Personal Care

How to find the best quality essential oils?

Whether you buy essential oils from a store or online, do not forget to read the label or website information. Moreover, do not hesitate to ask questions about the quality. Here are some more tips to consider to ensure you buy the best essential oil quality:

Ask questions from your essential oil exporter

Ask your essential oil manufacturer & exporter about the purity of their oils and how they are distilled. It is best to buy from a supplier who manufactures their own oils. You can also request the supplier for product samples before placing a bulk order. 

Check the price

A very low price for essential oils might mean that they are not from the right plant or are diluted with another oil. Expensive oils such as Sandalwood, Neroli and Rose are often mixed with base oils like Sweet Almond or Fractionated Coconut oil. This can reduce their effectiveness and can make them harmful.

Therefore, it is important to check the labels to know if oils are diluted. In other words, pure essential oils are expensive and if you think you have got a steal, it can actually be a red flag about the quality. 

Check the packaging

All the best essential oils company know the significance of packaging. If the packaging is of poor quality, it can harm the quality of the oil and may indicate a fake product. Look for essential oils in dark (amber) bottles. 

Take a whiff

Taking a whiff after opening the bottle of the oil can help you find out if the oil is pure. If the scent of the oil is weak and smells like a cheap perfume, it means the oil is not genuine. That is because the best quality of essential oils usually have a strong and pleasant smell. 

Read the label

The label on essential oils should include the common and Latin names of the plant used. It should specify which part of the plant was used, the extraction method used and how the plants were grown. In addition to this, the label should also state that the oil is “100% pure” and not “fragrance oil” or “essence oil”.

The absence of the “100% pure” claim usually means that the oil is a mix of essential oil and carrier oil, which is not what you might expect from a pure essential oil. 

Also Read: Unveiling Purity: 5 Ways To Determine The Quality Of Essential Oils

Final thoughts

Essential oils are becoming more popular because of their nice scents and multiple applications around the home. However, it is important to ensure that the oils are pure to get the best results. Consider the tips discussed in this blog to check the quality of essential oils and make sure you invest in the best quality oils.

If you are looking for a reliable essential oil manufacturer & exporter, choose Shiv Sales. Check out our website today to discover our high-quality natural oils, and do not hesitate to contact us to place your order!