Choosing which company or companies to purchase your essential oils from can be a daunting task. There are so many choices out there. Many have heard of the larger corporations in the industry through their massive marketing efforts and many distributors. However there are also many small business-like distillers out there providing quality essential oils too.
One of the most common questions I get asked is “where do you purchase your essential oils from”? And it’s a great question, which is why I decided to put this post together. In short answer, many different companies and I will list a few of my favorites in a minute. But first let me give you my two cents worth of advice on how to choose the right company for you and your oily needs.
One of the most common questions I get asked is “where do you purchase your essential oils from”? And it’s a great question, which is why I decided to put this post together. In short answer, many different companies and I will list a few of my favorites in a minute. But first let me give you my two cents worth of advice on how to choose the right company for you and your oily needs.
A Word on Regulation
Surprisingly, there is no regulation over the essential oil industry. That’s right, there is no governing body that ensures the quality and safety of the essential oils that we buy. This can be confusing because it is not uncommon to hear an essential oil company claim that their products are certified as “therapeutic grade” essential oil or something to this effect leading the consumer to believe that they have indeed been quality checked and certified. This claim is actually coming from the essential oil company itself in most cases, not a trusted outside authority. It is often used as a marketing ploy to make consumers believe that their product is better than others on the market. In fact, all true essentials oils are technically speaking therapeutic grade, but this still does not attest to their quality. So while this label may not be a bad thing to see, do not let it sway your purchasing decision…still do your own research!
It's All On the Label
At the very least, the bottle’s label should contain the essential oil’s common name, botanical name, chemotype if applicable, and extraction method. Likewise, a blend should list all of the essential oils contained within it. Additional information such as the plant part used, country of origin, date of distillation, expiration date, any applicable safety warnings, dilution guidelines, maximum dermal limits, and suggested use recommendations are desirable.
Things You Should See in a Good Company
- Easy public access to each essential oil’s GC/MS reports.
- Essential oil education on their website or blog, in a brochure, etc. that teaches consumers how to use their products safely and effectively.
- Background information on the company and their philosophy.
- Certified or registered aromatherapists on staff.
- The use of plants and plant materials harvested in their natural indigenous habitat.
- A good selection of oils available.
Things You Should Not See in a Company
- Very little or no information on the essential oil’s safety or usage.
- Promotion of unsafe practices such as recipes with high dilution rates, neat application, and casual internal usage.
- Lacking important information such as where their oils come from and/or any testing results.
- False or far-fetched claims such as those stating that use of the oil will cure a health condition.
- The sale of other fragrance oils or perfume oils.
- A strong focus on sales through pushy salespeople or marketing tactics.
My Favorite Essential Oil Brands
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