Buying Essential Oils: Suggested Guidelines
~ Buy from Reputable Sources: It is unfortunate that essential oils are often diluted, extended, cut, or otherwise altered. Only pure, natural essential oils should be used for wellness or health purposes. Before buying essential oils, question the seller about his/her supplier. You may want to ask the seller if he/she has the oils tested by an independent lab using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) to verify their purity and authenticity. Those sellers who have close communication with their suppliers, and have their oils tested, will be more likely to provide a pure product.
Do Not Buy Oils Stored in Plastic or Clear Containers: Essential oils degrade plastic materials, and should be sold and stored only in glass containers. In addition, the glass containers should be dark – usually amber or cobalt – since light will damage essential oils.
~ Fragrance Oils, Perfume Oils, or Other Synthetic Oils Are Not Essential Oils: Do not substitute fragrance oils, perfume oils, or any other oils containing synthetic ingredients for essential oils, especially if they are to be used for wellness or health purposes. Fragrance and perfume oils and other synthetic oils do not have therapeutic value, and can even cause sensitization or adverse reactions in some people.
Storing Essential Oils: Suggested Guidelines
~ Store Away from Heat, Moisture, and Light: Essential oils should only be sold and stored in dark glass containers, and should be kept away from heat, moisture, and light, as exposure will degrade the oils. Keep the bottles tightly closed when not in use, and avoid touching the inside of the lid or the reducer top when using the oils. Store the bottles in a cool, dry, dark place, out of children’s reach.
~ Beware of Shelf Life: Although the shelf life can be months to years depending on the oil, almost all oils will change and break down over time. Citrus oils tend to degrade more quickly, usually after a period of months. Other oils, such as patchouli, myrrh, and other “fixative” oils, will last years in some cases. “Old” oils should not be used for wellness or health purposes, but may still be used for fragrance purposes, such as in potpourri
