How to choose a high-quality essential oil

With so many essential oils on the market today, it can be hard to determine which essential oils are quality and which are not! The quality of essential oils depends on several factors.

Here is what to look for when shopping for essential oils...

Essential Oils, NOT Fragrance Oils

Essential oils are concentrated oils distilled from plants. They contain the beneficial compounds of the specific plant they’re derived from.

Fragrance oils are synthetic and do not contain any beneficial or natural compounds. Fragrance oils are far less expensive because they're made with artificial substances.

You can typically find this differentiation on the label. It's pretty clear from a quick smell test if an oil is made from pure and natural ingredients or synthetic substances.

Therapeutic Grade Isn’t Enough

You will see, on almost any bottle of essential oil, "therapeutic grade" (or something along those lines) on the label. This term is not regulated by the FDA. It’s essentially just a marketing term used when promoting essential oils. Reputable companies will use this term to show that their oils are pure, but any company can use the same term and that doesn’t mean they are of equal quality.

Packaging Matters

Now, I’m not saying to purchase whatever essential oil comes with the cutest label here, but packaging DOES matter!

Essential oils should be tightly packaged properly in a sealed dark, glass bottle. Even the purest, highest-quality essential oil can be compromised if not packaged properly!

Third-Party Testing

An easy way to ensure you’re getting the highest quality essential oils available is to check their third-party testing. Companies should offer their test results directly on their website. This testing process is used to identify any adulteration of the essential oil tested and to ensure that the oils are pure, potent, and do not include any additives that may compromise or dilute the quality and effectiveness.

“Ok, Liv, can you just tell me your faves?!”

Absolutely. These brands are my tried and true! You can find their third-party testing results on their websites and see for yourself that they are as good as they say!

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