In the world of essential oils, not everything that glitters is gold. Although these products promise well-being and health, not all oils are obtained in the same way. If you're not careful, you could end up buying something of low quality that doesn't offer the benefits you expect and can also be harmful to your health.
Here are some red flags you should consider before making your next purchase.
- Ridiculously Low Price
If the price of an essential oil seems too good to be true, it probably is. The production of high-quality essential oils requires a large amount of raw material and a costly distillation or extraction process.
For example, it takes many kilos of lavender to obtain a small amount of authentic lavender essential oil. So, if you find an oil that is suspiciously cheap, it is very likely that it is diluted, if it is natural at all, or more probably made with synthetic fragrances that have no therapeutic value.
- Lack of Information on the Label
The label of an essential oil should be clear and detailed. Look for it to include the botanical name of the plant (not just the common name). The company marketing your oils should also be able to provide you with more information such as the part of the plant used, the extraction method (steam distillation, cold pressing, etc.), and the country of origin. If the label only has a generic name or leaves you with more questions than answers, it's best to look for another option.
- Plastic or Transparent Packaging
Quality essential oils always come in dark glass bottles, such as amber or cobalt. This is because essential oils are very sensitive to light and plastic. If an oil is in a plastic or transparent bottle, that is a big red flag. Dark glass protects the oil and maintains its potency longer. Dilutions containing essential oils can be packaged in food-grade PET and aluminum, but only dilutions that have essential oils as ingredients. For pure oil, only glass is allowed.
- Inexperienced or Unknowledgeable Sellers
When buying essential oils, it's important that the seller knows what they are talking about. If you ask questions about the oil and they respond with vagueness or without specific details about its origin, quality, or uses, it's best to avoid the purchase. High-quality essential oil sellers should be well-informed and willing to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Make sure you receive proper advice when making your purchases.
