Essential Oil Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in Aromatherapy Oils

Where to Find Quality Clues on Essential Oil Products

When evaluating an essential oil, check the bottle itself, the front and back labels, the product description, and buyer reviews. Together, these can provide helpful indicators of quality — or clear red flags that a product may not be a true essential oil.

The Bottle

Essential oils are sensitive to light and heat, which can degrade their quality over time. Dark glass bottles help protect oils from light exposure and extend shelf life. 

Label and Product Description Red Flags

Here are a couple of automatic red flags that the product is not a high-quality aromatherapy-grade essential oil. 

Watch for Terms Like These: 

•  “5% Pure Essential Oil”

Products labeled “5% pure essential oil” indicate that the product is mostly a carrier oil or base, with only a small amount of essential oil added. While these products may be appropriate for certain pre-diluted uses, they are not equivalent to a pure essential oil. 

• “Fragrance Oil” or “Scented Oil”

Terms such as fragrance oil, perfume oil, or scented oil usually indicate synthetic, blended, or diluted products rather than true essential oils. They might smell pleasant, but aren't up to therapeutic standards.

Label and Product Description Markers of Quality

High-quality essential oils typically provide clear, transparent information on the label or in the product description. 

Organic or Non-GMO

Organic certification or "Non-GMO" can be reassuring. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, it can be reassuring to know that pesticides were not used during plant cultivation. The absence of these terms isn't a deal-breaker, but a plus. 

Botanical Species Name 

Different species of the same plant family can have very different chemical compositions.

For example, Lavandula angustifolia is the lavender species most often used for relaxation, while Lavandula latifolia contains more stimulating components and is not calming. 

A reputable brand should list the botanical name so you know exactly which plant the oil was extracted from. 

“100% Pure” Essential Oil

Essential oils can be expensive to produce. It's important to check that what you're getting isn't watered down.

GC/MS Third-Party Tested

GC/MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) testing analyzes the chemical composition of an essential oil. Reputable companies often make third-party test results available to verify authenticity and detect adulteration.  "GC/MS Third-Party Tested" may appear on the label or in the product description. 

"Undiluted"

Aromatherapy-grade essential oils will often explicitly mention on the label that they are undiluted. 

Read the Reviews

Reviews can be very helpful for finding out whether an essential oil has a pleasant or unpleasant smell and other quality assessments that may save you from a purchase you regret.