How to Buy High Quality Essential Oils - Standing Stone Wellness

Have you ever wondered if you are buying high quality essential oils? You should.

Using plants, including essential oils, for healing is nothing new. This is how people have thrived throughout history. However, over time, some knowledge becomes lost as the rise of new methods of coping take its place. But history repeats itself, and tried and true remedies come back in style.

With the current rise in popularity of essential oils, it’s no surprise that more people are turning to these powerful plant extracts for wellness, skincare, and home activities such as cleaning and setting an inviting mood or atmosphere. But with so many brands and products on the market, how can you be sure you’re getting a quality essential oil? The truth is, not all products that are labelled essential oils are created equal. In fact, the internet is full of misinformation about what makes a good essential oil, leaving many consumers buying questionable products, becoming confused and frustrated.

Whether you’re new to essential oils or looking to expand your collection, understanding how to choose the right product is crucial. Quality can impact not only the effectiveness of the oil but also your health and safety. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to look for when buying essential oils so that you can shop with confidence and enjoy the full benefits of these wonderful products.

1. What Makes an Essential Oil “Pure”

The first thing to know about essential oils is that this industry is currently unregulated, therefore we must rely on the integrity of the entire system, from grower, to harvesting, to distiller, to supplier. Let’s diffuse some marketing buzz words that may not carry the message you might think.

The term “pure” is often thrown around when it comes to essential oils, but what does it actually mean? Since there are no regulatory guidelines set out by any governing body that a supplier needs to follow to create, market and sell an essential oil as “pure”, this term has little meaning.

To a reputable supplier, the term “pure” would mean an essential oil that is completely free from synthetic additives, fillers, or adulterations. In other words, the essential oil has been extracted directly from the plant, and hasn’t been tampered with. Aromatherapists refer to products with unlisted additives or that have been tampered with as “adulterated”.

There are times when you will find an essential oil diluted into a carrier oil on purpose. A supplier may do this because the essential oil on its own is very expensive. A great example of this is rose essential oil. In this case, the bottle will be labelled as something like, “rose oil 3% in jojoba”, which indicates that the bottle is 3% rose oil and the rest is jojoba oil.

Another reason to dilute and essential oil into a carrier oil before selling it is viscosity. Some essential oils are very thick and might be difficult to work with out of a regular essential oil dropper bottle without thinning it out.

2. Be Cautious of Marketing Terms Like “Therapeutic Grade”

Be cautious of marketing terms like “therapeutic grade.” As the label is not regulated by any governing body this term doesn’t guarantee quality.

Instead, focus on transparency from the brand and their commitment to offering authentic, unadulterated oils. I’ll show you how to shop for them below.

3. Know the Difference: Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils

It’s also important to note the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are often synthetic and created in a lab, designed to mimic the scent of a plant but without any of the natural properties. Essential oils, on the other hand, are derived directly from plants through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing. Fragrance oils may smell good, but they won’t provide the therapeutic benefits of true essential oils.

4. What is a “Nature Identical” Oil

Some suppliers are now carrying “nature identical” offerings. These products are not the essential oil, but are put together from various sources to mimic the scent, and sometimes the effects of the essential oil.

5. Sourcing and Harvesting Methods Matter

The quality of an essential oil begins long before it’s bottled. The sourcing and harvesting methods play a crucial role in determining the properties of the final product, and the ethics involved in handling it. Where a plant is grown and how it’s harvested can have a significant impact on the oil you plan to buy.

In addition to where the plant is grown, how it’s harvested also matters. Sustainable harvesting practices ensure that plants are collected in a way that doesn’t harm the environment or deplete the resources. This is particularly important for wood oils like rosewood or sandalwood, where overharvesting can lead to scarcity, extinction and environmental damage.

6. Buy Organic Oils Where Possible

Organic farming and wild-crafted sourcing are also key indicators of quality. Organic essential oils are grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which helps ensure the oil is as pure as possible. Citrus trees can be affected by pesticides. Look for organic oils in particular when buying citrus oils.

Wild-crafted oils are harvested from plants that grow in their natural habitat without human intervention, which can lead to a robust and authentic oil. Wildcrafted oils are also governed by guidelines such as for every plant harvested a young one must be planted. Or they may even have harvesting volume limits.

When looking for high-quality essential oils, choose brands that are transparent about where and how their plants are sourced. Reputable companies will provide this information, helping you make a more informed and ethical purchase.

7. Look for Third-Party Testing and Certificates

One of the best ways to verify the quality of essential oils is by checking if the company provides third-party testing, particularly through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) testing. This test analyzes the chemical composition of an essential oil, ensuring that it’s pure, unadulterated, and communicates to the consumer the levels of active compounds. GC-MS testing can detect if any synthetic ingredients, fillers, or contaminants have been added to the oil, helping you avoid low-quality or fake products.

Reputable essential oil companies should be transparent about their testing methods and results. Ideally, they’ll offer batch-specific GC-MS reports, meaning you can check the test results for the exact batch of oil you’re buying, buy double checking the batch number on your bottle and matching it to the reports provided by the seller. Many companies now provide chemical reports directly on their website. This level of transparency is a strong indicator that the company stands behind the quality of its products.

To find the third party testing results, go to the company website and select the essential oil that you are interested in. Read the information page on the essential oil and look for a link that says documentation or reports. By selecting this option you should be brought to a resource that provides downloadable information on the chemical components of your essential oil. Essential oil reporting also includes testing for heavy metals, visual inspection and other quality assurance procedures.

In addition to GC-MS testing, look for companies that hold certifications from recognized organizations. Some certifications to look out for include organic certifications, which verify that the oils are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals, and certifications from aromatherapy or essential oil organizations, which indicate adherence to quality standards.

When a company provides these third-party test results and certifications, it’s a sign that they’re committed to quality and customer safety. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re purchasing a genuine, high-quality essential oil.

8. Packaging Matters: Look for Dark Glass Bottles

Packaging and storage can directly affect your essential oil. This is not only the responsibility of the supplier but it is important for you to take care of your oils properly at home. Essential oils should always be packaged in dark glass bottles, usually amber or cobalt blue. These dark bottles help protect the oils from exposure to light, which can degrade the oil over time. Do not buy or store essential oils in plastic containers, as essential oils interact with certain plastics, breaking them down and potentially contaminating the oil.

9. The Botanical Name Must be on the label

Another important packaging factor is proper labeling. A quality essential oil will include detailed information on the bottle’s label, such as the botanical name (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia for lavender), country of origin, and, ideally, the batch number and expiration date. This transparency allows you to verify the oil’s authenticity and ensure you’re getting the right species of plant.

Storage is also key to maintaining the quality of essential oils. Once you’ve purchased a high-quality oil, store it in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed to avoid exposure to air and heat, which can accelerate the oil’s degradation. With proper packaging and storage, you help ensure you will get the oil’s maximum shelf life.

10. Pricing: Why Cheap Isn’t Always Better

When it comes to essential oils, price might be an indicator of quality but not always. Knowing that your oil is properly priced comes with practice. Here’s where to start.

While it may be tempting to grab the cheapest option available, extremely low prices can be a red flag. High-quality essential oils require a large amount of plant material and careful extraction methods, which often result in a higher price point. For instance, it takes around 10,000 pounds of rose petals to produce just one pound of rose essential oil, making it one of the most expensive oils on the market. The yield of oil is very low compared to the large amount of plant material needed to make it.

While a high price doesn’t always guarantee superior quality, very cheap essential oils may be diluted with synthetic additives or carrier oils to cut costs. For example, if you find an oil like frankincense or sandalwood at an unusually low price, it’s worth investigating.

That said, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality essential oils. An expensive essential oil may be taking you for a ride. The key is to be aware of fair market pricing for different types of oils and to avoid anything that seems too good to be true. Trustworthy companies will price their oils reflecting both the quality of the oil and the cost of proper sourcing and testing.

11. Commitment to Education

Another sign of a trustworthy brand is a commitment to customer education. Look for companies that offer resources on how to use essential oils safely and effectively, including proper dilution guidelines. Brands that invest in educating their customers are likely to value long-term relationships over quick sales.

12. Buy Directly from the Supplier Where possible

When it comes to purchasing, it’s best to buy directly from the brand’s website or a trusted distributor to avoid counterfeit products. While third-party marketplaces can be convenient, they also carry the risk of knock-offs, which may not meet the quality standards you expect. Stick to well-known brands that specialize in essential oils and are widely recommended within the aromatherapy community.

Some of my favourite trusted essential oil brands include Divine Essence, Now Essential Oils, New Directions Aromatics, Plant Therapy, and Aromatics International.

13. Ask the Company Questions

It’s always worth doing your own research to find the brand that aligns with your values and meets your quality expectations. If you have questions, email the company. A reputable company will answer your questions and provide you with information.

To recap, you will be buying high quality essential oils if you:

Understand that the word “pure” isn’t regulated
Stay away from buzz words like “therapeutic grade”
Know the difference between and essential oil and a fragrance oil
Know that “nature identical” is not the essential oil
Check for information on how the oil is harvested
Look for organic where possible
The supplier should provide third party testing reports such as GC-MS reports
Look for amber or cobalt blue glass packaging
The label should indicate botanical name, country of origin and batch number
Compare pricing to ensure that there is no unnecessary price inflation, nor is your oil too cheap.
Does the website tell you how to use your oil
Buy from the supplier website, not a third party marketplace
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable supplier will answer you

With so many brands of essential oils on the market, how can you be sure you’re getting a quality essential oil? Using the guidelines above you will be able to choose a company that sells essential oils that provides quality essential oils and aligns with your own personal values.

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