Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular. People use them for aromatherapy, as ingredients in DIY home remedies, as a more sustainable alternative to some conventional products, and even in products like aromatherapy body wash. As interest in essential oils grows, more people are starting to explore organic options.
Choosing organic essential oils over conventional ones is important. Non-organic essential oils sometimes contain synthetic compounds that could potentially harm your health.
This article will guide you in selecting the best organic essential oil brands. We’ll discuss key factors like:
- Ethical sourcing
- Sustainability
- Purity
We’ll also cover:
- What “organic” really means when it comes to essential oils
- The criteria to use when selecting the best brands
- Some of the top organic essential oil brands on the market
By the end of this article, you’ll have the information you need to make informed choices and find the best organic essential oils for your needs.
Understanding organic essential oils
You’ve probably seen the word “organic” slapped on a lot of products these days. But what does “organic” really mean when it comes to essential oils?
What Does “Organic” Really Mean?
In agriculture, “organic” means that farmers don’t use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. They rely on natural methods to keep their crops healthy and productive.
When you see “organic” on an essential oil label, it means the oil comes from plants grown according to those same organic standards. No harsh chemicals touched those plants!
Organic Certifications: A Mark of Authenticity
It’s easy to throw the word “organic” around, but how can you be sure a product is truly organic? That’s where organic certifications come in. These certifications, like USDA Organic, ECOCERT, and the Soil Association, are like a stamp of approval. They verify that a product meets strict organic standards.
Certifications ensure that the company can trace the oil back to its source and prove it was produced according to organic guidelines. When you’re shopping for organic essential oils, look for these certifications on the label. It’s the best way to know you’re getting the real deal.
PAMS and QAI
You might also see the acronyms PAMS and QAI on essential oil labels. PAMS stands for Prevention, Avoidance, Monitoring, and Suppression. QAI stands for Quality Assurance International. Both are related to the organic certification process.
Key factors to consider when choosing organic essential oil brands
With so many essential oil brands out there, how do you pick the right one? Here are a few important things to keep in mind.
Purity and Quality
You want 100% pure essential oils without fillers or additives. Some brands cut corners by adding cheaper oils or other ingredients to their products. This dilutes the essential oil’s therapeutic properties and can even be harmful.
Reputable brands use rigorous testing methods like GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) to verify the purity of their oils. GC/MS testing separates the different compounds in an essential oil and measures their amounts. This helps identify any adulterants or impurities.
Understanding GC/MS test results can be tricky, but generally, you want to see a high percentage of the key compounds that are characteristic of that particular essential oil. Look for brands that make their GC/MS reports readily available to customers.
Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
Ethical sourcing means the company is committed to fair labor practices, supporting the communities where the plants are grown, and protecting the environment. Look for brands that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and community development projects.
Sustainable practices are also crucial. Essential oil production can have a significant environmental impact if not done responsibly. Look for brands that use renewable energy, minimize plastic packaging, and reduce waste.
Transparency in sourcing is key. Brands should be open about where their plants come from and how they are processed. This helps you make informed choices and support companies that align with your values.
Transparency and Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing is when an independent lab analyzes essential oils to verify their quality and purity. This provides an extra layer of assurance that the brand is being honest about its products.
Certificates of Analysis (COA) are documents that summarize the results of third-party testing. Look for brands that provide COAs for each batch of essential oil. Some brands, like Rocky Mountain Oils, even allow customers to verify purity using batch numbers on their website.
Customer Experience
A good brand wants you to be informed and successful in using essential oils. Their website and other materials should provide helpful information about the oils, their uses, and safety precautions. Excellent customer service is a must. They should be responsive to your questions and concerns.
Top Organic Essential Oil Brands
When you’re shopping for essential oils, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. And, because the essential oil market isn’t heavily regulated, it can be hard to know if you’re getting a quality product. One way to ensure you’re getting good stuff is to look for organic essential oils. Here are some of the top brands, known for their quality and commitment to organic practices.
Rocky Mountain Oils
Rocky Mountain Oils is all about quality, purity, sustainability, and transparency. They’re super serious about making sure their oils are the real deal. They provide detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) and GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) test results for every batch of oil they sell.
What does that mean? COA and GC/MS testing helps determine the quality and purity of the oils. Rocky Mountain Oils makes these results available, so you can see exactly what’s in your bottle. They even let you verify the purity of your oil by entering the batch number on their website. That kind of transparency is a big win in the essential oil world.
Plant Therapy
Plant Therapy focuses on safety and providing educational resources to help you use essential oils effectively. They’re known for their KidSafe® line, which is specifically formulated for children. This is a huge plus for families who want to use essential oils but are concerned about safety.
Another great thing about Plant Therapy is their affordability. They offer high-quality oils at reasonable prices, making them accessible to a wider range of customers. And, just like Rocky Mountain Oils, they provide transparent test reports so you can see exactly what you’re getting.
Edens Garden
Edens Garden emphasizes ethically sourced, pure, and potent oils. They are committed to education and affordability, making high-quality essential oils accessible to everyone. Edens Garden believes that everyone should have access to safe, natural products without breaking the bank.
Aura Cacia
Aura Cacia stands out for its sustainability practices and fair trade certification. They’re committed to sourcing their ingredients in a way that supports both the environment and the communities where those ingredients are grown. This means you can feel good about your purchase, knowing it’s not just good for you but also for the planet.
Aura Cacia is also committed to purity and transparency. They provide information about the source and testing of their oils, so you can be confident in their quality.
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Neal’s Yard Remedies is a British brand with a strong commitment to organic ingredients. They even have their own purpose-built eco-factory in Dorset, England. A whopping 92% of their ingredients are certified organic by weight, which is pretty impressive.
They’re also carbon-neutral certified, meaning they’ve taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint and offset any emissions they can’t avoid. If you’re looking for a brand that’s serious about sustainability, Neal’s Yard Remedies is a great option.
doTERRA
doTERRA is known for its Co-Impact Sourcing program. This program impacts two-thirds of the countries where they source their essential oils. Co-Impact Sourcing focuses on creating sustainable jobs and providing fair wages for farmers and producers in developing countries.
doTERRA also has a Healing Hands Foundation, which provides funding for community-based social impact projects around the world. These projects address issues like poverty, education, and healthcare.
doTERRA is also serious about the purity of their oils, focusing on what they call “certified pure therapeutic grade” (CPTG) oils. While this is a doTERRA-created standard, it does represent a commitment to quality and testing.
Buying organic essential oils in bulk: Is it right for you?
If you’re a small business owner using essential oils in your products, or a healthcare professional using essential oils with your patients, you may wonder if purchasing wholesale organic essential oils is a good move. Here are some pros and cons to consider.
Advantages of buying wholesale
- Cost savings. Buying in bulk usually brings down the per-unit cost.
- A wider selection. You’ll have access to more essential oils and blends.
- Consistent quality. You’ll have a reliable source of high-quality oils.
What to consider before buying wholesale
- Supplier reputation. Before you buy, do your homework on the supplier’s sourcing practices and certifications.
- Minimum order quantities. Find out what the minimum order requirements are.
- Storage and handling. Make sure you have the ability to store the oils properly to keep them fresh.
- Regional regulations. Know the regulations in your area about selling and labeling essential oils.
Build trust and long-term relationships with suppliers
If you’re going to buy wholesale, it pays to develop a strong relationship with your supplier. Good communication and transparency are essential.
Ask about the benefits of a long-term partnership. For example, can you get a better price if you commit to buying a certain amount of product over time?
HBNO® as a premier choice
HBNO® is committed to uncompromising quality. They offer certified organic excellence and transparency. You’ll also find a wide selection of essential oils and customer-centric policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pure essential oil organic?
Not necessarily. While “pure” essential oil indicates it hasn’t been diluted or mixed with other substances, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s organic. For an essential oil to be certified organic, the plants from which it’s derived must be grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and the entire extraction process must adhere to strict organic standards. Look for certifications like USDA Organic or Ecocert to ensure organic status.
Is it worth buying organic essential oils?
For many, the answer is a resounding yes. Choosing organic essential oils minimizes your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals that could be present in conventionally grown plants. This is particularly important if you’re using essential oils topically or aromatically, as these chemicals can be absorbed into your body. Furthermore, supporting organic practices promotes sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal values and priorities.
What is the best essential oil you can buy?
There’s no single “best” essential oil, as the ideal choice depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences. Lavender is a popular all-rounder known for its calming properties, while tea tree is often favored for its antiseptic qualities. Eucalyptus is commonly used for respiratory support, and peppermint can be invigorating and helpful for headaches. Research the properties of different oils and consider what benefits you’re seeking to find the best essential oil for you.
Summary
Choosing organic essential oils from brands you can trust is essential for a few key reasons. You want to make sure you’re getting a pure product, sourced ethically and sustainably, from a company that’s transparent about its processes.
Organic essential oils can be a great addition to your wellness routine. They’re incredibly versatile, whether you’re using them in aromatherapy to boost your mood, adding them to your skincare routine, or using them for DIY projects around the house, and some, like arnica oil, may even contribute to healthier, stronger hair.
It’s important to do your homework and choose brands that match your own values. Look for companies that are committed to:
- sustainable farming practices
- fair labor standards
- environmental responsibility
Empowering yourself with information allows you to make smart choices for your health and for the planet.
The trend toward organic essential oils is growing, and that’s a good thing. More and more people are realizing the potential impact these oils can have, not only on their own well-being, but on the environment as a whole. By supporting brands that prioritize organic practices, we’re contributing to a more sustainable and ethical future for the essential oil industry.