Tips on How to Buy Essentials Oils

Individuals who practice aromatherapy use high-quality essential oils to provide therapeutic benefits, while others use these oils to add delightful scents and cultivate positive atmospheres in their homes. Before buying essential oils, you should understand what to look for, to avoid purchasing an imitation or low-quality product. At best, low-grade products won’t confer any benefits, and at worst they can irritate your skin or cause other detrimental side effects. 

Check the Label

Essential oils should contain 100 percent oil, and should list both the Latin name of the plant, as well as well as the commonly used name on the bottle. Some labels will state that they contain aromatherapy or pure essential oil, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find that’s not the case. Avoid any oils marked “fragrance oil,” “perfume oil,” or "nature identical oil," as these are not aromatherapy grade oils.

Check the Bottle

Pure essential oils can disintegrate both plastic bottles and rubber stoppers. This can contaminate the product. You should instead look for products housed in glass, or lined aluminum bottles, without rubber stoppers. Additionally, essential oils are photosensitive and light causes damage to them; thus, the oils you buy should be stored in dark-colored bottles, because oil in clear glass bottles is likely spoiled. You should also check the bottle for dust, a faded label, or signs that the product has been sitting on the shelf for a long time, and may have lost most of its potency.

 Check the Pricing

If an essentially oil is priced exceptionally low, it is likely made from low quality crops, is not pure oil, or has been sitting around long enough to lose its efficacy. You should avoid buying essential oil at deep discounts, or from sellers who charge the same amount for every type of oil they carry. True essential oils should vary in price, depending on the type of plant from which they’re extracted.  

Research the Manufacturer

You should research a manufacturer to learn about its reputation and product line, prior to purchasing essential oils from the company. Companies that specialize in products for grocery stores, or perfumes may redistill the oil, which may remove some of the aromatherapy benefits. You should find out how these types of companies process essential oils, before you buying them. When buying oil for the first time, or from a new company, you should start with a small purchase, and request a few samples of other products. Once you’re satisfied with the quality, you can start placing larger orders.