Many people use essential oils for their soothing aromatherapy benefits, but the booming market has also attracted counterfeit products. Buying fake oils means you could be inhaling synthetic fragrances instead of natural plant extracts. Here’s how to tell if your essential oils are pure—and the best trusted brands to buy online.
1. Check the Bottle Color
True essential oils degrade when exposed to light, which is why reputable brands use dark amber or cobalt blue glass bottles.
⚠️ Warning: Some counterfeiters mimic this packaging, so don’t rely on color alone.
Amazon Picks:
- CLEANSING & PURIFYING- Tea Tree essential oil, steam-distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. This …
- WAYS TO USE- Tea Tree essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically to the skin to potentially a…
- BLENDS WELL WITH- Tea Tree essential oil blends well with other medicinal and herbal oils like Eucalyptus, Lavender, and…
- ♛ [AFFORDABLE] The essential oil bottle set contains everything you need, 40 pcs 2oz amber glass Boston round bottles, e…
- ♛ SUNLIGHT RESISTANT: The Glass Bottle is made of Corrosion-resistant amber glass. Colored glass protects against chemic…
- ♛ GOOD-SEALING: The black cap screw on properly; well-built bottles can stand normal transport in any conditions without…
2. Be Wary of Fake Health Claims
If the label says the oil “treats depression” or “cures anxiety,” it’s either making unapproved medical claims or is flat-out fake. The FDA regulates therapeutic claims for essential oils as drugs, so reputable brands avoid unverified promises.
3. Ignore “Therapeutic Grade” Marketing
There’s no universal grading system for essential oils. Terms like “therapeutic grade” or letter grades (A, B, C) are purely marketing and don’t prove purity.
4. Try the Paper Test
Put 1–2 drops of the oil on a piece of white printer paper. On another spot, place olive oil for comparison. Leave overnight.
✅ Pure essential oil: Should evaporate completely without leaving a greasy stain.
❌ Fake oil: Leaves a visible oil ring like cooking oil.
5. Look for the Botanical Name
A label that simply says “lavender oil” without the scientific name (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia) is a red flag. Quality oils list the plant’s Latin name and “100% pure essential oil” on the label.
6. Test the Feel
If the oil feels slippery or greasy, it’s likely diluted with carrier oils. True essential oils absorb quickly and don’t feel slimy.
7. Smell the Difference
Pure essential oils smell fresh and complex. Synthetic oils often smell overly strong or “perfumey” because of added fragrances. If the label says “fragrance oil,” it’s not pure.
Bonus Tip: Check for GC/MS Reports
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) testing is the gold standard for verifying essential oil purity. Trusted brands like Plant Therapy and Rocky Mountain Oils often post GC/MS reports on their websites.
Trusted Essential Oil Brands on Amazon
If you want to skip the guesswork, here are reputable, pure essential oils you can buy today:
- OUR MOST POPULAR ESSENTIAL OIL SET: 7 & 7 includes seven of our top single oils and seven of our powerful synergy blends…
- EASY, AFFORDABLE WAY TO FIND YOUR FAVORITE: Here’s what’s included: Lavender, Tea Tree, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Lemon,…
- BATCH SPECIFIC GC-MS REPORTS ON EVERY OIL: Every bottle of oil from Plant Therapy goes through multiple rounds of testin…
- Ideal for freshening and cleansing
- Compare to Thieves Oil
- The essentials: Perfect for any essential oil user, whether just starting or a seasoned user; With a sampler of our best…
- Brightens: Our orange and lemon essential oils have vibrant and robust citrus aromas; Our orange essential oil is gentle…
- For skin and hair care: Our tea tree and rosemary essential oils are strong, yet gentle to use in skin and hair care rou…
FAQ
Q: Can I make my own essential oils at home?
Yes, with an oil distillation kit, you can make your own pure oils from fresh plants.
Shop Home Oil Distillation Kits
Q: How long do essential oils last?
Most last 2–3 years if stored in dark glass bottles away from heat and light.
Q: Are cheap oils always fake?
Not always—but extremely low prices can be a warning sign. Compare prices across reputable brands.
