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As you can imagine, I get asked a lot where to buy good quality oils. I refer them to our 3rd party GC/MS test results, but there are so many companies out there that we have yet to test.

Until we have a more extensive list of companies tested, I have listed some things you should look for in a company when deciding whether or not to purchase from them.

Clear Labeling

This information should be on the bottle, preferably on the front, and/or on the website itself:

1. The common name: such as Lemon, Rosemary, or Niaouli. I’ve yet to see a bottle without a name on it - even if it isn’t the correct name, there will be a name
2. The botanical name/Latin name (preferably directly under or above the common name). Example of a botanical name: Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus). Including the botanical name will prevent confusion, as there can be different species. Some species are safe for children, some are not. of Read: Latin Names Do Matter.
3. The chemotype - if applicable. Example: camphor, thymol, linalol. Here is how a label would look for Rosemary: Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor. Not all essential oils have chemotypes, but for those that do, it should be noted right on the bottle. Read: The Importance of Knowing Chemotypes.
4. The extraction method: steam distilled, CO2 extracted, cold pressed, solvent extracted - each method provides different therapeutic properties and safety precautions. A steam distilled Lime essential oil does not put you at risk for phototoxicity, for example, whereas a cold pressing does. Read: Essential Oil Extraction Methods.
5. The plant part used in extraction: flowers, fruit, leaves, resin, twigs, seeds, roots, etc. Cinnamon Leaf, for example, is best for topical application, where Cinnamon Bark can cause irritation.
6. Country of origin should be noted, as the climate and soil conditions can affect the therapeutic properties.
7. Horticultural status lets you know if the essential oil is Certified Organic, organic, wildcrafted, etc. An Organic cold-pressed Lime essential oil is phototoxic, where a steam-distilled Lime essential oil is not. Read: Phototoxicity - How to Stay Safe in the Sun.
8. Safety warnings including but not limited to: keeping out of the reach of children; not using internally without the advice of a qualified aromatherapist; notifications to dilute; and when applicable, phototoxicity warnings. This information is especially helpful to those new to essential oils. Read: Ingesting Essential Oils.
9. Distillation date. In order to determine the shelf life of essential oils, distillation date is helpful.
10. The size of the bottle. This is not a deal-killer, but at the same time, it’s not hard to fit the size of the bottle on the label. Most bottles have the size clearly indicated, although I have come across one or two who did not include size on the label. Sometimes it’s hard to judge a 10ml from a 15ml.

Here is a sample label:

Informative Website

The website should include GC/MS reports for the essential oils you purchase. These should be updated to reflect the current batch you are about to purchase. Previous batches listed are also good, in case you have to look up your bottle’s report again down the road.

Beyond having a good selection of essential oils in more than one size, information about each essential oil should be thorough and complete. All the information on the bottle, and more, should be on its own page. Ways to use the oil, how to use it and at what dilution, all warnings explained in detail, what other essential oils it blends well with, and even recipes.

A bonus is if they offer samples, either for free or for a small fee. This can help you put some feelers out without breaking the bank. And if you obtain a sample you don’t care for, not much is lost.

Beyond just a shopping cart for essential oils, the website should include educational information about aromatherapy in general. Customers new to essential oils will find this kind of information helpful. Basic information such as “what is aromatherapy” and “how to use essential oils” as well as safety information on dilutions and carrier oils show a company cares about safety and not just making a buck.

Proven Track Record

Be aware of companies that have not been in business very long, as they don’t have much of a track record yet. Essential oils are becoming popular, and there are those who would want to take advantage of the popularity and make a few bucks. Look for business who have been around at least 5 years, preferably decades. They do exist

Do you have any criteria to add to this list? Let me know!

Further Reading (from other websites):

• Essential Oil Label Guidelines
• Trade Requirement & Guidance Policy for Labeling of Undiluted Essential Oils Used Topically and Offered for Retail Sale