Grade A: Therapeutic Grade Made from organically grown plants and distilled with water at low temperatures using low pressure.
Grade B: Food Grade Often contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, chemical extenders, and cut with food grade carrier oils
Grade C: Perfume Grade Often contain adulterated chemicals or solvents that can be carcinogens. Part of this "oil" is formulated in a lab. May be diluted 80-95% with ethanol, aka alcohol. Commonly found on shelves in stores. Toxic solvents, such as Hexane, can also be used to gain a higher yield of oil. Even if there isn't an extra ingredient listed on the bottle, the presence of these toxic ingredients during the distillation process can make the “oil” dangerous and hazardous to health.
Grade D: Floral Water By-product of Grade A oils. After oil is pulled out, the leftover water is taken by other companies and diluted with up to 95% carrier oil, yet labeled "pure".
What to look FOR: • A company who owns farms • A company who controls entire process (planting seeds, cultivation, distillation, testing, sealing & labeling bottles) • A company who doesn't keep secrets or proprietary information (that's where hundreds of toxic ingredients can be hidden). They should be able to answer all your questions. • Plants grown in their indigenous environment • Grade A oil with real therapeutic health benefits • Truly PURE essential oil
What to look OUT FOR: • Deceptive marking ("100% pure and natural", “No Parabens”, “Non GMO”, “No Synthetic Fragrances”) • Expiration dates • Added ingredients • The word “fragrance” • Warnings (flammable, skin irritations, allergic reactions) • "Not for Internal Use", "External Use Only" • Low prices usually mean low quality