Essential Oil Classifications

For the purpose of most people who buy essential oils, there are only two classifications. Commercial grade (for cleaning and gardening) and therapeutic essential oils (for personal and family care).

First, there are commercial grade essential oils that are distilled and standardized (by adding or subtracting other ingredients, some natural, some not) for the flavoring and fragrance trade. This standardization meets the needs of the commercial client, who require that their lavender soap smell the same year after year or that the flavor of their popular mint candies does not vary with the harvest. Standard flavor and fragrance are the criteria. Purity and usefulness for personal health care are not criteria. The vast majority (over 95%) of essential oils are commercial grade. Many lower priced oils on health food store shelves are commercial grade.

Therapeutic grade essential oils are not altered after distillation. Just like wines, they vary from year to year based on climate and growing conditions. Some years are great, and some years may be just average. However, it is their purity and integrity that gives them their healing effect. Therapeutic essential oils are often produced on small family farms rather than large plantations. The extra care needed to produce these oils, as well as the lack of any “doctoring” or extension of these oils is reflected in a price that reflects a better product. Alma del Sol specializes in therapeutic grade essential oils.

Occasionally we will offer a commercial grade essential oil if we are suggesting it for use in cleaning products or for use in the garden. We will tell you if it is commercial grade. This saves you money on oils you are not using for personal care, and allows you to apply the savings to therapeutic grade oils for your personal and family care.