Ready to Stock Up On Essential Oils? Best Essential Oil Brands
Consider the price
Essential oils can be used for a number of things: aromatherapy, massage, skincare, haircare (I like Rosemary for it's proven hair growth), as insect repellent, and for pain relief (studies have shown essential oils combined with conventional treatments can help relieve pain: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28070420/) . But, not all essential oils are created equally. When picking out the best essential oil brands, start by considering the price and reputation, but know that price doesn't necessarily equate to the quality of the product.
Consider the brand's reputation: Pure Essential Oils
When assessing an essential oil brand, consider the following:
Purity and Quality:
Reputable brands ensure the purity of their essential oils. Look for brands that provide information about their sourcing practices, extraction methods, and whether they conduct third-party testing for purity.
Transparency:
A trustworthy brand is transparent about its production processes. This includes details about the botanical source of the oils, cultivation methods, and any testing or certification procedures.
Certifications:
Some brands may have certifications such as USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, or specific quality standards like ISO certification. These certifications can be indicators of a commitment to quality.
Sustainability Practices:
Brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility. Look for information about how the brand sources its raw materials and its impact on local communities.
Customer Reviews:
Check customer reviews on various platforms, including the brand's website, social media, and independent review sites. Real user experiences can provide insights into the effectiveness and quality of the essential oils.
Educational Resources:
Reputable brands often provide educational resources about essential oils, their uses, and safety guidelines. This commitment to customer education can be a positive sign.
Longevity in the Market:
Established brands that have been in the market for a longer time often have a track record that can be assessed. However, newer brands can also be reputable, so it's essential to consider other factors as well.
Community Engagement:
Some brands actively engage with their community through social media, newsletters, or forums. Positive interactions and responsiveness to customer inquiries can contribute to a positive reputation.
Ethical Marketing Practices:
Be cautious of brands that make exaggerated health claims or use aggressive marketing tactics. Reputable brands tend to provide realistic information about the benefits of their products.
Regulatory Compliance:
Check if the brand adheres to regulatory standards and guidelines for the production and labeling of essential oils. Compliance with regulations is an indicator of a brand's commitment to quality and safety.
Check For Carrier Oil On Their Oil's Ingredient List
When exploring the world of essential oils, it's easy to focus solely on the aromatic and therapeutic claims. However, behind every drop of essential oil, there's often a companion – the carrier oil. It's important to be aware of the kinds of carrier oils, their role, and their benefits.
Understanding Carrier Oils:
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from plants, flowers, or fruits. Their potency necessitates dilution before application, and this is where carrier oils step in. Carrier oils are less concentrated, fatty oils often derived from seeds, nuts, or kernels, serving as a vehicle to dilute essential oils for safe use.
Carrier oils play a crucial role in diluting essential oils to make them safe for topical application. The recommended ratio of carrier oil to essential oil depends on its use but it should be somewhere between 1-3%. NOW foods recommends 1% for facial oil use, 2% for massage oils or other body applications, and 3% for for body products you plan to wash off. https://www.nowfoods.com/healthy-living/articles/diluting-essential-oils
Popular choices for carrier oils include jojoba, sweet almond, olive oil and coconut oil to lesser-known gems like rosehip seed and argan oil, each carrier oil brings its unique set of benefits to the table.
Carrier oils can have beneficial properties that moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin, making them an integral part of your skincare routine when paired with essential oils.
You can tailor your essential oil blends by selecting carrier oils that complement your skin type, preferences, and the desired therapeutic effects. You can always experiment to see what combinations you like! Make sure to take into account absorption rate and shelf life.
SAFETY is so important when using essential oils. Be extremely careful of skin sensitivities and allergies, and use carrier oils as a gentle buffer which will help in reducing your risk of irritation.
As you embark on your aromatic journey with essential oils, don't forget the unsung heroes – carrier oils. Their partnership is the key to unlocking the full potential of aromatherapy while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you're crafting a signature scent or concocting a nourishing skincare blend, carrier oils are the foundation upon which your essential oil adventure thrives.
Be Careful of Bad Reactions To Essential Oil
Essential oils have become popular choices for natural wellness enthusiasts. However, it's crucial to recognize that, like any potent substance, essential oils can cause adverse reactions.
Skin Sensitivities:
Skin sensitivities to essential oils are a real thing. Some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions when using certain oils, emphasizing the need for patch testing and proper dilution.
Photosensitivity:
Some essential oils can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Understand precautions and guidelines for using these oils, especially before sun exposure.
Respiratory Irritation:
Inhaling certain essential oils can trigger respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. It's important to properly ventilate and use oils in moderation, especially in enclosed spaces. They're not a cure-all but meant as supplementation to a healthy lifestyle.
Allergic Reactions:
Allergic reactions can be triggered by essential oils. It's necessary to understand one's allergies and consult with a healthcare professional before introducing new oils into a routine.
Pregnancy and Pediatric Considerations:
If you're pregnant or have a family with children, some essential oils may not be safe during pregnancy or for young children, and it's crucial to speak to a healthcare professional.
Recognizing Adverse Reactions:
Skin Redness and Irritation:
Common signs of skin irritation includes: redness, itching, or a rash. Immediately discontinuation if any discomfort occurs.
Headaches or Dizziness:
Inhaling strong essential oils can sometimes lead to headaches or dizziness. Dilute oils, diffuse in well-ventilated spaces, and take breaks if needed.
Respiratory Discomfort:
If you experience respiratory discomfort, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, make sure to discontinue the use of oils immediately. Moderation is critical as is choosing oils known for respiratory support.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils:
Patch Testing:
Patch test new essential oils on a small area of skin before widespread use to identify potential sensitivities.
Dilution Guidelines:
As mentioned previously under carrier oils, be very careful to dilute your essential oils properly.
Ventilation:
Make sure you have proper ventilation when diffusing essential oils, especially in closed or small spaces, to prevent respiratory irritation.
Consultation with Healthcare Professionals:
Always consult with healthcare professionals, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or are pregnant.
How does it smell?
Observing the quality of essential oils through smell is a fundamental and insightful practice. While it may not be foolproof, the aroma can provide valuable clues about the purity, freshness, and overall quality of the oil. Here are some considerations when evaluating essential oils based on their smell:
Purity:
What you want: High-quality essential oils should have a pure, authentic, and well-defined aroma characteristic of the plant from which they are derived. The scent should be consistent with the known fragrance of the botanical source.
What to avoid: If the aroma is synthetic, overly perfumed, or smells off, it may indicate the presence of additives, diluents, or synthetic components, suggesting a lower-quality product.
Freshness:
What you want: Fresh essential oils have a vibrant, lively scent that reflects the vitality of the plant. The aroma should be bright and true to the nature of the botanical, indicating that the oil has been properly extracted and stored.
What to avoid: Stale or rancid odors may suggest improper storage, exposure to light or heat, or an oil that has passed its optimal shelf life.
Consistency:
What you want: A high-quality essential oil should exhibit consistency in scent from one batch to another. Reputable brands maintain strict quality control measures to ensure uniformity and reliability in their products.
What to avoid: Inconsistencies in scent from one purchase to another may signal variations in quality or sourcing practices.
Chemical Notes:
What you want: The scent should be well-balanced, with a harmonious blend of top, middle, and base notes. This complexity is a hallmark of quality and reflects the full spectrum of aromatic compounds present in the oil.
What to avoid: If an essential oil smells one-dimensional or lacks depth, it may indicate poor distillation methods or inadequate sourcing.
Clarity of Aroma:
What you want: The aroma should be clear, without any muddiness or off-putting undertones. Clarity in scent suggests a well-distilled, high-quality essential oil.
What to avoid: Murkiness or unusual undertones may be indicative of impurities, contaminants, or incomplete distillation.
Intensity:
What you want: A high-quality essential oil should have a potent, concentrated fragrance. The intensity of the scent reflects the concentration of aromatic compounds and is a positive indicator of quality.
What to avoid: Weak or diluted scents may suggest a lower concentration of essential oil in the product.
It's important to note that individual preferences and familiarity with specific scents play a role in these evaluations. Additionally, the expertise of the essential oil company or individual assessing the aroma can significantly impact the accuracy of these observations. For those new to essential oils, seek quality products from reputable and transparent brands is a good starting point.
The Process of Testing Essential Oils
Testing essential oils is a crucial step in ensuring their quality, purity, and safety. Reputable essential oil producers often employ a combination of physical, chemical, and sensory tests to assess various aspects of the oil. Here is an overview of the common methods used to test essential oils:
Organoleptic Testing:
Smell and Appearance: Trained experts use their senses to evaluate the aroma and appearance of essential oils. They assess the oil's color, clarity, and overall quality based on established standards for each type of oil.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS):
Chemical Composition: GC-MS is a widely used analytical technique that separates and identifies the individual chemical components of an essential oil. This method helps confirm the purity of the oil and ensures that it contains the expected compounds in the correct ratios.
Density and Refractive Index Testing:
Physical Properties: These tests assess the physical characteristics of essential oils. Density measurements help verify the oil's concentration, while refractive index testing evaluates its clarity and purity.
Optical Rotation Testing:
Chirality: Essential oils can contain chiral compounds that affect their aroma and therapeutic properties. Optical rotation testing helps determine the specific rotation of these compounds, contributing to the identification and quality assessment of the oil.
Flash Point Testing:
Safety Assessment: Flash point testing determines the temperature at which an essential oil can ignite. This information is crucial for ensuring the safe handling and transportation of the oil.
Solubility Testing:
Purity Assessment: Solubility tests involve assessing how well an essential oil dissolves in various solvents. This helps identify impurities and confirm the oil's purity.
Microbial Testing:
Microbial Contamination: Essential oils can be susceptible to microbial contamination. Microbial testing checks for the presence of bacteria, molds, and yeast, ensuring the oil meets microbiological safety standards.
Heavy Metal Testing:
Contaminant Assessment: Essential oils can sometimes contain trace amounts of heavy metals, which can be harmful. Testing ensures that the oil complies with safety standards for heavy metal content.
Stability Testing:
Shelf Life: Stability tests assess how well an essential oil withstands changes in temperature, light, and air over time. This information is crucial for determining the oil's shelf life.
Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS):
Authenticity: IRMS helps verify the botanical origin of the essential oil by analyzing the stable isotope ratios of specific elements. This method aids in preventing adulteration or mislabeling of oils.
It's important to note that reputable essential oil manufacturers often conduct these tests at various stages of production to ensure quality, for organic oils, from raw materials to the final product. Additionally, third-party testing by independent laboratories can provide an extra layer of assurance regarding the quality and authenticity of essential oils. Consumers can often find information about a brand's testing practices on their website or product labels.
Reputable Essential Oil Companies
doTerra:
doTERRA is often praised for its Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) standard, rigorous testing protocols, and commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing. They offer a wide range of single oils and blends. It is an MLM, so that's something you'll have to make sure you feel comfortable with before purchasing.
Young Living:
Young Living is a long-established and well-known essential oil brand. They are known for their "Seed to Seal" commitment, where they control the entire production process, from seed cultivation to distillation and packaging.
Plant Therapy:
Plant Therapy's essential oils are recognized for their affordability and high quality. They are committed to transparency, providing detailed information about sourcing and testing. They claim they are third-party tested. the Plant Therapy website also offers products like a KidSafe line, making them suitable for families.
Rocky Mountain Oil:
Rocky Mountain Oils places emphasis on providing 100% pure and natural essential oils. They often prioritize organic and sustainable farming practices and also claim to be third-party tested. The brand is known for its extensive range of single oils and blends.
Aura Cacia:
Aura Cacia is praised for its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. They offer a variety of essential oils, including organic options. Aura Cacia is also known for its affordability and accessibility. It is GC/MS tested (gas chromatography mass spectrometry testing) the gold standard for essential oil testing. It is unknown if the oils are 3rd party tested
Edens Garden:
Edens Garden is known for offering high-quality essential oils at competitive and reasonable prices. They focus on transparency and provide extensive information about their oils' sourcing, testing, and benefits.
Mountain Rose Herbs:
Mountain Rose Herbs is recognized for its commitment to organic and sustainable practices. They offer a diverse range signature blends of essential oils, often sourced from small-scale farmers and ethical producers.
NOW Foods:
NOW Foods is a well-established brand that provides a broad range of essential oils at affordable prices. They are committed to the highest quality throughout, and their oils undergo testing for purity.
Radha Beauty:
Radha Beauty is known for offering premium essential oils at affordable prices. They source their oils globally and aim to provide therapeutic-grade products without a premium price tag.
Florihana:
Florihana is a brand that is highly regarded for good quality and its commitment to organic farming and distillation. They provide a range of certified organic essential oils with a focus on sustainable and ethical practices.
