As the demand for essential oils has grown, so too has the market been flooded with counterfeit and pirated products. With so many options available, how can you be sure that the essential oil you are purchasing is genuine? In this guide, we will explore some key indicators that can help you determine if your essential oil is the real deal or just another fake product.
5 Signs to Identify a Genuine Essential Oil
Remaining observant is crucial for consumers to distinguish authentic essential oils, allowing them to fully harness their therapeutic benefits and ensure their monetary worth. Opting for high quality essential oils mitigates the potential hazards linked to adulterated products that may contain harmful additives and toxic substances. Moreover, non-authentic oils typically represent counterfeit items lacking approval from regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To enlighten you on this matter, here are five key indicators that warrant your attention.
1. Aroma and Consistency
Genuine essential oils have a strong and distinct aroma that is characteristic of the plant they are derived from. Unlike synthetic fragrances or diluted oils, genuine essential oils carry a natural and powerful scent that is immediately recognizable. This aroma not only indicates the purity of the oil but also allows you to enjoy the true essence of the plant. The consistency of genuine essential oils is usually thin and watery, with no presence of any fillers or additives.
When you drop a genuine essential oil on a piece of white paper, it should evaporate quickly and leave no trace behind. If you notice any stickiness or residue, it may be a sign that the oil has been adulterated or mixed with other substances. When genuine essential oils are applied to the skin, they are quickly absorbed without leaving any greasy or sticky residue.
Since pure essential oils are volatile, they penetrate the skin easily, delivering their therapeutic benefits straight to the cells. If you find that an oil leaves your skin feeling oily or causes an uncomfortable coating, it may not be genuine. You can identify genuine essential oils by their evaporation rate.
2. Price and Reputation
When it comes to purchasing genuine essential oils, price can be a helpful indicator. Genuine essential oils are usually priced higher due to their quality and the meticulous process involved in extracting them. Reputable brands are known for their commitment to quality and purity standards, which often reflect a slightly higher price range.
It is important to be cautious of suspiciously low prices, as they might indicate a low-quality or adulterated product. Checking for certifications like organic, pure, or therapeutic-grade can further indicate the authenticity of the essential oils. Before purchasing, reading and relying on verified customer reviews can play a significant role in identifying trusted brands and their authenticity.
Real people's experiences and opinions can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision. To ensure you are getting a genuine product, it is recommended to do thorough research and compare prices and reviews among different brands.
3. Botanical Information
One way to identify genuine essential oils is to check the source of extraction. Because they are extracted from specific parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, or roots. This information can be found on the product labels, brochures, pamphlets, or websites of reputable brands. Another sign to look for is an indication of the essential oil extraction method used.
These methods help preserve the natural properties of the plants and ensure the purity of the oil. Steam distillation and cold-press extraction methods usually produce the highest quality and purest oil by only filtering volatile compounds from the plant material without adding additives or harsh chemicals. Genuine essential oils will also provide the Latin name of the plant source.
Oils derived from plants grown without the use of pesticides or non-organic fertilizers are likely to be pure and authentic. By providing information about where the oils are sourced from, consumers are guaranteed by the manufacturer’s commitment to quality and transparency. When purchasing essential oils, take the time to read the labels or visit the brand's website. Look for certifications like "certified organic" or "USDA organic" to ensure that you are getting genuine products.
4. Label and Packaging
A reputable supplier will sell their essential oils in a tightly sealed, dark (usually amber) glass bottle with a stopper. This protects it against light and heat, which can damage the highly volatile chemical compounds of essential oils. That is why, if an essential oil is in a plastic bottle, do not buy it! That is a red flag. Sometimes they’ll come with an eyedropper cap. More often, they’ll come with a stopper, or called orifice reducer, the round, plastic part fitted into the bottle’s opening that helps release one drop at a time. This protects certain oils prone to oxidation and prevents them from evaporating when unused.
A tamper-proof seal is always present on the box lid and on the bottle cap, which ensures that the product has not been opened or tampered with before purchase. Some labels may include symbols like laser hologram stickers, QR codes, or other security features to prove the authenticity of the product. Most prominent brands will also display their company logo or name on the packaging, along with their contact information for customer support.
5. GCMS and MDS
Luckily, there are scientific methods that can be used to verify the purity and authenticity of essential oils. GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) is an analytical technique that separates and analyzes volatile compounds present in essential oils to determine if any adulteration or dilution has occurred.
MDS (Material Data Safety) takes the analysis one step further by using mass defect information to confirm the presence or absence of specific chemical compounds in an essential oil sample. It differentiates between different varieties and chemotypes within a particular plant species.
If a seller is unable to provide GCMS and MDS information, it should raise suspicion for potential buyers if the product is authentic or has undergone testing for safe use. These two documents are important in establishing the quality and safety of a product. Without access to these documents, buyers are left in the dark about the composition and potential risks of the essential oil they intend to purchase.
Tips To Ensure You Are Purchasing Genuine Essential Oil
In summary, purchasing genuine essential oils can be a daunting task due to the prevalence of fake products in the market. However, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of buying authentic and high-quality essential oils.
Always do your research and buy from reputable sellers or brands. Also check for proper labeling and certifications, examine the scent and consistency of the oil, and be cautious of unusually low prices unless they are on sale. In general, genuine essential oils specify the Latin name of the main ingredient on the bottle or in the box.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure that you are getting genuine essential oils that will provide you with all the benefits they have to offer. So next time you go shopping for essential oils, remember to keep these tips in mind to be satisfied with your purchase.