What To Avoid When Buying Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from plants that capture the natural scent, flavor, or essence of their source. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, skincare, food preparation, and for their aromatic properties. Today, essential oils are widely popular and used in aromatherapy, home cleaning products, personal care items and more. With the rising popularity of essential oils, it’s important for consumers to educate themselves before making purchases. This article sets out to highlight some common mistakes to avoid when buying essential oils so that consumers can make informed decisions.

Buying Cheap Oils

Essential oils can be expensive, especially high-quality therapeutic grade oils. This often tempts buyers to search for cheaper options. However, very cheap oils often mean diluted or poor quality oils. Some testing has found that over 68% of oils sold online have been diluted or contain synthetic ingredients rather than pure essential oils.

Cheap oils are diluted with similar but cheaper carrier oils, or sometimes contain no real essential oils at all. This means you lose the therapeutic benefits and don’t get what you paid for. High heat and improper storage during production of cheap oils also degrades the delicate plant compounds, resulting in less effective essential oils.

Spending a little more upfront for pure, undiluted, high-quality essential oils ends up being better value in the long run. Paying attention to quality testing, organic growing methods, suitable packaging, and ethical and sustainable sourcing practices can help identify purer essential oils when shopping.

Lack of Quality Testing

It’s important to ensure essential oils undergo quality testing by an independent third-party lab. Legitimate essential oil companies will provide GC/MS test reports from independent labs showing the oils have been thoroughly analyzed and meet quality standards. According to ISO standards, essential oils should be tested for factors like purity, quality, and composition (https://www.doterra.com/US/en/cptg-testing-process).

Look for seals from organizations like ISO and AFNOR which certify essential oils meet quality criteria. Reputable third-party testing verifies the identity of the oil and detects any impurities or adulterations. Testing methods like GC/MS analysis thoroughly examine the complex chemical composition of essential oils (https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/aaa-which-tests-ensure-the-quality-and-purity-of-essential-oils). Be wary of companies that don’t provide detailed test reports from independent labs.

Unsubstantiated Health Claims

When purchasing essential oils, be wary of products making unsubstantiated health claims that the oils can treat or cure diseases. The FDA regulates essential oils as cosmetics, and states that “Aromatherapy products and essential oils, however, cross the line into drug territory if there are claims that they can affect the structure or function of the body, or prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure disease” (FDA). Essential oils have not gone through FDA drug approval, so cannot legally make claims to treat medical conditions.

While some preliminary research shows promising health benefits of certain essential oils, they do not have FDA approval for medical uses. Be cautious of any labeling or marketing using terms like “treats cancer”, “cures anxiety”, or other unapproved medical claims. Look for oils focused on safe topical use and fragrance without making exaggerated health promises. If an oil seems too good to be true in its purported effects, it likely is.

Photosensitizing Oils

Certain essential oils contain chemicals that can cause photosensitivity, making skin more sensitive to UV light and increasing the risk of sunburn, rash, and hyperpigmentation. Some common photosensitizing essential oils include:

• Bergamot – Contains bergaptene which absorbs UV light and can lead to burns, blisters, and dark patches on exposed skin [1]
• Lemon – Contains furocoumarins that react with UV light [2]
• Grapefruit – Rich in furanocoumarins that cause phototoxicity [3]
• Mandarin – Contains methoxypsoralen which increases sun sensitivity
• Orange – Has furanocoumarin compounds similar to bergamot

One study found that 22 of 28 citrus essential oils tested showed phototoxic effects [2]. Reactions can occur from applying photosensitizing oils to the skin before sun exposure or diffusion via aromatherapy. To reduce risk, avoid sun exposure for 12-24 hours after using photosensitizing oils. Diluting oils can also decrease phototoxic effects.

Lack of Ingredient Transparency

When buying essential oils, it’s crucial to know exactly what is in the bottle. Many low-quality or adulterated oils do not disclose all ingredients used. They may contain undisclosed fillers, carrier oils, synthetics, or contaminants.

Common undisclosed fillers added to essential oils include things like mineral oil, vegetable oil, silicone oil, synthetic fragrances, and coal tar. These cheaper ingredients are used to dilute the natural essential oil and increase profits. However, they provide none of the therapeutic benefits and can even be harmful.

Reputable essential oil companies will provide full disclosure of any ingredients beyond the botanical essence, no matter how minor. Always look for 100% pure, unadulterated oils with full transparency. As this source notes, “A ‘pure’ essential oil can be defined as one that has been derived from its genuine botanical source and does not contain any fillers, additives, or other foreign contaminants.”

Unsupported Rarity Claims

Some essential oil companies make overused claims that certain oils are rare or exotic to justify high prices. However, many of these oils are more common than consumers are led to believe. Here are some examples of commonly mislabeled oils:

• Sandalwood oil – While true Indian sandalwood is rare, companies often dilute it or use oils from Australian sandalwood which is more abundant.
• Rose oil – Many companies label geranium or palmarosa oils as “rose oil” which are much cheaper.
• Jasmine oil – Due to the high cost, jasmine oil is commonly diluted or substituted with synthetic chemicals.



• Ylang ylang – Cananga odorata is often sold as the more rare Cananga odorata var. genuine.
• Spikenard – American spikenard is sometimes falsely marketed as the rarer Indian spikenard.

Consumers should be wary of claims that certain essential oils are extremely rare. In many cases, more readily available varieties or synthetic substitutes are being used instead.

Multilevel Marketing

Multilevel marketing (MLM) companies that sell essential oils have become quite popular in recent years. However, there are some important cautions when purchasing oils from an MLM. According to an article on Medium, some MLM companies like Young Living have been accused of making misleading claims about their oils, including exaggerating the rarity or purity of ingredients.[1]

MLM distributors often make unsubstantiated health claims about using the oils to treat or cure diseases. However, the FDA sent a warning letter to Young Living for distributors marketing their products in this way.[2] It’s best to be wary of any health claims that lack scientific evidence.

Additionally, MLM brands tend to be more expensive since they involve paying commissions to multiple levels of distributors. The products themselves may not justify these higher prices. Do your research to find cheaper high-quality oils from reputable brands.

Lack of Storage Knowledge

Properly storing essential oils is crucial for maintaining their quality, effectiveness, and safety. Many essential oils can degrade when exposed to light, heat, or oxygen over time. Buyers should look for sellers that provide storage advice or indicate the oils were properly stored.

The ideal storage is in dark glass bottles kept at room temperature or cooler, away from direct light and heat sources like stoves or windows. Oils high in phenols like clove or oregano are more oxidation-prone and do best refrigerated. Citrus oils and carrier oils may also be refrigerated. Always keep lids tightly sealed.

Improperly stored oils risk oxidization and evaporation, causing them to lose potency faster. They may also develop potential toxins. Using old, poorly stored oils defeats the purpose of buying pure therapeutic grades. It’s important to buy from a seller that understands proper long-term storage.

According to Young Living, “We recommend always storing your essential oils in dark or opaque bottles to preserve their quality.” Proper storage helps the oils retain their aromatherapy benefits.

Conclusion

When shopping for essential oils, it’s critical to do your research and find reputable sellers that provide pure, properly tested oils. Avoid buying cheap oils, as lower cost typically means lower quality. Make sure any health claims are backed by scientific testing, not just marketing hype. Be cautious of photosensitizing oils that make skin more prone to sun damage. Look for companies that fully disclose ingredients and source locations, without exaggerating claims of rarity. Steer clear of oils sold through multilevel marketing schemes, which incentivize recruitment over quality. Seek out sellers knowledgeable in proper essential oil storage to maintain potency. The bottom line is: do your homework to find ethically sourced, pure, high-quality oils from trusted vendors.

Taking the time to carefully select your essential oils will pay off tremendously in safety and results. You deserve ingredients that live up to their claims. Seek out oils proven to work through scientific testing and verification. When you find a company committed to quality sourcing, transparency, safety testing, proper storage and handling, and results-focused formulation, you’ve found a treasure. Reward and remain loyal to sellers who go the extra mile on purity. With knowledge and vigilance, you can confidently incorporate incredible essential oils into your life.