Buyer Beware: All Essential Oils are Not the Same

Essential oils are gaining popularity, and during the holiday season, many individuals choose to give them as gifts. Recently, I encountered an advertisement for a set of six essential oils, each 10 ml, priced at $10 at a well-known retail store. While this may seem like an easy way to give a unique gift, it is important to have some knowledge about essential oils to avoid purchasing low-quality, ineffective products. A high-quality lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, 15 ml, typically costs between $10 and $20 on its own. Therefore, I have some concerns regarding the essential oils offered by this retailer. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when purchasing essential oils.

Buy from reputable suppliers who practice sustainability and fair trade.

There are many species of essential oil-bearing plants that are threatened. About 12.5% of plants are listed as such. The threat comes from over harvesting, habitat loss, climate change, and other factors. Threatened species are broken down into three statuses by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable.

There are growers who practice sustainability of plants. Some even grow endangered species using methods that ensure survival of the species. If the plant is listed as endangered or critically endangered, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will regulate its trade. The seller of these protected plants and their oils must have a CITES certificate in order to legally sell these essential oils. One well known essential oil company was fined $760,000 in 2017 for illegally buying and selling essential oils from protected species.

Buy from retailers who test their essential oils and publish the test reports.

In the aromatherapy industry, a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) test is performed on essential oils which identifies the chemical constituents and the amount of that constituent in the essential oil. It will show any adulteration of the oil. If the seller does not test their oils and publish those reports, buy from those that do.

When financial gain is involved with essential oils, adulteration becomes a concern. Unethical producers and distillers may introduce additives to the essential oil to increase volume, subsequently marketing it as pure essential oil. Certain essential oils may be combined with synthetic compounds or more affordable essential oils. As this practice is not regulated in the United States, sellers are permitted to engage in such activities. Adulterated essential oils lack the therapeutic properties of pure oils.

Buy from retailers who offer fair market prices for their essential oils.

As mentioned before, a cheap price may mean a low-quality essential oil. You can see this at the grocery store in their aromatherapy section. Conversely, multi-level marketing companies charge 2-4 times the cost of what reputable retailers charge for their oils. This is done to "pay the upline" commissions on sales. Their oils may be good quality, but they are needlessly costly.

These are a few pointers to help in buying high quality, effective essential oils. I have several reputable companies that I recommend, some that offer discounts to first-time buyers. If you have questions or need help in these areas, I am happy to help. I don't charge for advice in these areas.