Essential oil ingredients vary from product to product. Understanding the label helps you distinguish a concentrated plant oil from a diluted blend, fragrance product, or plant water.
Understand essential oil ingredients
An essential oil is a concentrated aromatic plant product. A finished preparation may also contain carrier oils, water, alcohol, preservatives, or other ingredients. The complete formulation matters more than the appealing name on the front.
A carrier oil dilutes an essential oil in a suitable formulation. A hydrosol is a water-based product associated with distillation; it is not interchangeable with concentrated essential oil. An infused oil is another type of plant preparation, with its own composition.
Read the product rather than assuming
- What ingredients are listed?
- Is the product concentrated or ready to use?
- What use does the label describe?
- What warnings and storage instructions are provided?
- Can the manufacturer answer a specific ingredient question?
The FDA’s fragrance information explains that some fragrance components may be grouped under “fragrance” on cosmetic labels. Ask the manufacturer if a concern is not answered by the label.
Separate ingredients from treatment claims
The presence of a plant compound does not prove that the finished product heals injuries, treats infection, or improves a medical condition. Avoid using broad claims about laboratory properties as treatment instructions.
Choose products for a clear purpose, and seek appropriate clinical advice for health concerns.