Essential Oil Quality, Standards, and Safety Part 1: The Search for the Best Quality Oils

Why is “Quality Essential Oils” Such a Charged Term for Essential Oil Users?

One of the most common questions newcomers to aromatherapy ask me is, “How do I find good quality essential oils?”

It seems like an innocent question, right?

Actually, this inquiry has gotten quite complex and even contentious among experienced aromatherapists and different customers of various essential oils companies. In fact, the debate over which producers have the best quality oils can even become competitive and divisive.

Unfortunately, this argument has deterred both consumers and practitioners from incorporating essential oils into their wellness plans. Many have reported to me that they were “turned off to oils” due to fervent enthusiasts’ insistence that they use their specific brands and methods. Additionally, many were hesitant about trying these aromatic wonders due to hyped-up cautionary claims about their supposed dangers. Sadly, these distractions have diverted many from obtaining the knowledge of the medicinal potential of essential oils.

As a result, more education is needed regarding appropriate applications of essential oils, essential oil quality, and to debunk claims that can be misleading. I also believe the scares around essential oil safety are overblown. I have called out how these “cautionary conclusions” of pure aromatics are often based on one or more of the following:

• studies with poor research methodology
• inappropriate dosages and/or applications of fragrances or personal care products containing questionable amounts of essential oils
• misconstruing the effects of isolated compounds in petri dishes for the synergy of the essential oils

For these reasons, I have started a series on essential oil quality and how this impacts the safety and effectiveness of aromatherapy as a therapeutic tool.

So, if you are intrigued with essential oils, a newcomer, or a versed aromatherapist, please join me in my series. I welcome an inclusive discussion in the feedback and comments section!

Topics covered in Part I include:

• Factors related to how people choose their selected essential oils brands
• Why I have preferences for essential oil companies but remain brand neutral in reporting on the science of essential oils
• The essential oils used in research

Click here to access the full video and additional resources.

Having this knowledge will set you up to understand more about the standards and regulation of essential oils and how this impacts their quality and purity in Part 2.

In Part 3, we’ll discuss what I look for in quality essential oils and how I vet the ones I choose.

After reading the blog or watching the video, I’d love to hear from you on how you feel about essential oil quality and what your favorite oils are!

If we all join together to aim for high standards, better accessibility, environmental sustainability, safety, and education of essential oils, oilers can be a united powerful force of healing.

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn how to nurture your mind, body, heart, and soul.

Sending you many blessings. ❤