Did you know that there are about 68 essential oil manufacturers in the United States? That makes for a lot of aromatherapy options to choose from.

But when it comes to finding the best essential oils online, the quality can vary greatly from brand to brand. If you’re new to buying essential oils online, there are a few key signs to look for to identify quality products.

The following guide will explain 5 crucial tips to consider before making your next essential oils purchase.

1. Study the Bottle

First, make sure the essential oils you buy come in dark and securely sealed glass bottles. Most quality suppliers use amber-colored bottles for their oils.

Hot temperatures and light can harm essential oils which is why they must come in dark colors. The bottles are glass because oils contain very volatile chemicals that don’t do well in plastic. Never buy any essential oils if they come in plastic or clear bottles.

Essential oil bottles tend to be under 4 ounces no matter where you buy them. The standard size you’ll find in most online stores is 1/2 ounce bottles.

If you see any bottles online that have abnormal sizes or don’t have a standard way to dispense oils, it might be a red flag.

2. Read Labels

Standard essential oil labels include a Latin name and a common name. It should state which parts of the plant helped create the oil such as twigs and leaves. It should also mention if the oil extraction occurred via distillation or expression.

Always make sure that the label says “100% pure” and lists proper measurements. If the label doesn’t say “pure”, it might be a premixed blend of several oils.

Sometimes you might want blends that include scents, so it’s not always a bad thing. Check out this bestsellers scents set for an example of essential oil blends. Just stay aware of the difference and the meaning of “pure” so that you buy the right product.

3. Confirming the Origin

Straightforward labels should make it easier to find where an essential oil came from. Look for the product number if you find a label that doesn’t clearly state the country of origin.

Online stores should always mention where essential oils came from on the product page. If they mention the origin on the product page, they might not bother to print it on the bottles.

4. Avoid Fragrance Oils

If you see a bottle labeled “fragrance oil, you’ve probably stumbled across a fake oil. For example, some flowers can’t produce essential oils.

If you see “violet oil”, know that it’s not actually an essential oil, it’s just a misleading name. If there isn’t a Latin name, that probably means it’s a fake as well.

5. Compare Prices

If you’re comparing prices for essential oils and come across a price that’s too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap essential oils tend to be mass-produced and lack quality.

However, some big-name brand oils get mass-produced and still have high prices. That’s because you’re paying for the brand name and not the quality of the essential oils!

How to Buy Essential Oils Online

Now you know how to buy essential oils online and receive quality products perfect for your needs. Remember to study the bottle, read labels, and stay away from mass-produced essential oils.

Take a look at our site’s tips and techniques section for more helpful ways to find quality products.