To become a Certified Professional Aromatherapist, I had to complete course work and case studies. After learning the ins and outs of essential oils, I started to enhance massage sessions as well as to make DIY personal care items (e.g., facial cleaners, serums, moisturizers) and household cleaners (e.g., tub and tile cleansers, furniture polish).

I’ve shared my DIYs with friends, co-workers and clients. After seeing the results produced by the essential oils, many have asked if I sell essential oils. After I say “I don’t”, I let them know what to look for when buying oils. Starting with looking for the latin name as well as the common name.

I found this very useful guide and I want to share it with you. It’s put together by researchers who provide the gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) information for each oil tested. For me, this is the key to essential oils. The GC-MS identifies the specific chemical components in a batch of a specific oil.

They also provide a link titled “consumer education'“; it highlights the same type of information I usually pass on to those interested in buying and using essential oils.

If you prefer to type in the URL, here it is:  https://www.consumersadvocate.org/essential-oils

I hope you have time to check out the link and find out more about determining the quality of an essential oil before making a purchase.