Don't be fooled - how to choose an essential oil among hundreds of fakes. Essential oils from which company are quality 100 essential oils from which company are quality

The benefits for medicinal and cosmetic purposes have been known for a very long time. They are no less popular for regulating the emotional state. However, all these properties are inherent primarily in natural essential oils, and not in them. How to distinguish natural products from artificial ones?

How to distinguish natural essential oils from synthetic ones?

When choosing an oil, you must first consider the purpose of its use. In general, any type of oil is suitable for use in aroma lamps, however, for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, when performing massage, it is extremely important that the product is truly natural - otherwise there is a high risk of allergic reactions and other side effects. At best, synthetic products simply will not bring the desired effect.

What is it difference between natural, identical to natural and synthetic oils?

Natural essential oils. In their production, only natural plants grown in an environmentally friendly area are used. When purchasing such oil, you can be sure that all necessary technologies and degrees of purification of the finished product were strictly observed during production.
There are also cheaper natural oils - their low price is due to insufficient quality raw materials or disruption of production processes. Using them for various purposes is absolutely not dangerous to health, but you should not expect a positive effect from them.
Oils identical to natural ones. Such products are manufactured in laboratories, artificially recreating the composition corresponding to the original one. Like cheap natural oils, they do neither harm nor tangible benefits.
Synthetic essential oils. The process of obtaining them is in most cases very simple: to produce such oils, a mixture of solvent and flavor is used. The vast majority of fragrances and perfume oils fall into this category. Their main purpose is to add fragrance or decorative candles. Often synthetic oils are sold under the guise of natural ones due to the incompetence of the seller, so you should be vigilant: the labels "parfume oil", "fragrance oil" they say that it is simply an aromatic - or synthetic - oil.

Signs of a quality product

How to determine whether the proposed product really belongs to the category of natural? First of all, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

Cost and weight

A natural product simply cannot be cheap due to the expensive process of its production. And the point here is not so much the complexity of the process - most of them are obtained by steam distillation - but rather the ratio of the necessary raw materials and the resulting product. To produce several milliliters of natural oil, kilograms of flowers of essential plants are required - in most cases, it is the cost of raw materials that determines the price of the finished product.

In addition, by generally accepted standards, such oils are very rarely bottled in bottles larger than 15 ml. And especially expensive varieties are often sold in 1 ml bottles.

Prices for natural essential oils vary greatly depending on which group they belong to. The most budget-friendly are representatives of the citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit) and woody (spruce, fir, eucalyptus, etc.) groups. The price for 1 ml of products is about $5-15.

The next most expensive group is oils obtained from herbs and flowers: these include lavender, chamomile, ylang-ylang, etc. The price for 1 ml is $10-50.

The most expensive oils are those extracted from rare or initially expensive plants: roses, tuberose, jasmine, neroli, etc. The price for 1 ml of such oil can range from $20 to $100, depending on the raw material. One of the most expensive is considered to be lotus oil, a plant listed in the Red Book. Having seen such a product on the counter, you should not rush to purchase it - due to its high price, it is not available for free sale.

Design of packaging and containers

All natural essential oils are very sensitive to sunlight. Under its influence, they lose most of their beneficial properties, and some of them, as a result of chemical reactions, even begin to release harmful substances. That is why natural oils are bottled in dark—usually brown—glass bottles.

Most certified natural product manufacturers also provide the bottle cap with a first-opening ring (similar to medicines) and a child safety lock.

Since the concentration of active beneficial substances in a natural product is quite high, a small amount is required to achieve the desired effect - that is why bottles with products of natural origin are equipped with a dropper dispenser.

The label of a bottle of natural oil must include the manufacturer's data, production date and batch number. But the main thing you need to pay attention to is the presence on the label of the Latin name of the plant from which the oil is made, and the country of its origin. Many expensive oils are often diluted with more budget-friendly fatty carrier oils - in this case, the percentage composition of the product must be indicated on the label.

Inscriptions

On packaging with natural essential oil, nothing can be written other than “100% natural essential oil” or “100% essential oil”. All other variations in which at least one of the words is missing, and especially those containing the words “aromatic”, “perfume”, indicate synthetic products.

ATTENTION! If you have the slightest doubt when purchasing an essential oil, you can ask the seller for a product certificate. All real oils must be certified according to one of the international standards - GMP or ISO. If this is not indicated in the text of the certificate, the product is almost certainly not natural. The presence of the “refurbished” characteristic in the certificate indicates that the contents of the bottle are of synthetic origin.

Chromatogram

Find out exactly composition of the oil and the percentage of various substances in it only possible in the laboratory using chromatographic analysis. Although the accuracy of the test is highly dependent on the instrument used and may vary between laboratories, this analysis can accurately indicate whether an oil contains foreign substances that are not inherent in its standard composition.

The only disadvantage of this method is its low availability to ordinary consumers and relatively high cost.

IMPORTANT! You can try to conduct a small experiment without the help of laboratory equipment. Natural essential oils are very volatile, which means their aroma changes over time, revealing new notes. By dropping a few drops of natural oil onto a sheet of paper or cloth at intervals of 10-15 minutes, you will notice that each of them will have its own aroma. In the case of synthetic oil, this effect cannot be achieved - the smell will only weaken over time, while remaining unchanged.

Rating of 100% natural essential oils

Pharmacopoeial quality— The concept of pharmacopoeial quality determines the extent to which a particular product complies with approved norms and standards.

Today, in terms of this indicator, the oils from such manufacturers as:

Primavera Life (Germany);

Updated: 09/12/2018 11:07:42

Expert: Laila Weiss

Essential oils were used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, appreciating their beneficial properties, which helped maintain not only beauty, but also health. In those distant times, only pharaohs and their wives, priests, and people of the wealthy classes could afford them, since the cost was unaffordable for the ordinary population. The modern cosmetics industry also cannot do without this valuable ingredient.

A high concentration of nutrients rejuvenates the skin, helps other components penetrate deeper into the dermis, and enhances their effect. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of oils help in the fight against acne and other inflammatory processes, promote the healing of wounds, microcracks, smooth out scars and scars. Aromatherapy relaxes, relieves fatigue, stress, tension, and relieves insomnia. Using them during a massage significantly enhances the effect of the procedure: blood microcirculation improves and metabolic processes intensify. Oils are also indispensable in the treatment of colds.

Their secret is simple: they contain a large amount of organic acids, sulfides, oxides, esters, phenols, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons. Essential oils are obtained from plants by evaporation or pressing. The quality of the finished product depends on many factors. The production process is quite labor-intensive, since each plant requires certain collection rules. Some can be collected all year round, others only once a season, and then only at night. Less expensive oils are obtained not only from flowers, but also from stems and leaves. Others will require a huge amount of raw materials, such as petals, which directly affects pricing.

In order not to be mistaken in the quality of the product and to purchase a truly worthwhile product, Expertology specialists have compiled a rating of the best manufacturers of essential oils that guarantee quality and safety, and this has been confirmed by numerous studies and reviews of real customers.

Rating of the best essential oils

Nomination	place	product name	rating
Best Budget Essential Oil Manufacturers	1		4.9
	2		4.8
	3		4.7
The best manufacturers of essential oils: price-quality	1		4.9
	2		4.8
	3		4.7
The best producers of essential oils: premium segment	1		4.9
	2		4.8
	3		4.8
	4		4.7

Best Budget Essential Oil Manufacturers

Many users are sure that essential oils are a rather expensive product, and the budget price of the product is suspicious. But no need to worry. Manufacturers have long been focused on producing products for the mass consumer and are trying to maintain a competent pricing policy. Large companies can afford to reduce costs due to large turnover, collecting raw materials on their own plantations or locating production in our country, which reduces the cost of delivering finished products. Below we present the 3 best manufacturers of essential oils that will delight you with quality and affordable prices.

The Russian brand, founded in 2001, produces effective cosmetics based on natural ingredients. These are essential and fatty oils, ready for massage or intended for mixing at home, weight loss preparations, shampoos, balms, shower gels, medicinal bee products, fragrances, care cosmetics for eyelashes and eyebrows.

100% naturalness, environmental safety and affordable prices for all segments of the population are the main advantages of Elpharma products. Companies from Europe and the UK became suppliers of raw materials. Everything, from delivery to the production of finished products, is aimed at preserving the beneficial properties of organic components.

The company's main philosophy is to limit the use of chemical ingredients in cosmetology. Studying the beneficial properties of plant components, the brand produces new products that are absolutely safe, comfortable to use, and meet international environmental standards.

Essential oils Spivak

Second place in this rating category goes to another domestic brand, which began its activities by producing natural handmade soap. Today, the range of products is striking in its diversity: masks and creams for the face and body, hydrophilic oils for makeup removal, shampoos, foams, mousses and jams for washing, massage tiles, products for strengthening and growth of eyebrows and eyelashes, bath salts, nail waxes , scrubs.

All products are created from natural, environmentally friendly ingredients without the addition of dyes, preservatives, or fragrances. The products are not tested on animals. Of particular note is the wide range of essential oils, including exotic ones.

Plants used for their production: juniper, basil, peppermint and spearmint, pine, spruce, cedar, geranium, mandarin, lime, orange, anise, coriander, cinnamon, ylang-ylang. Also presented are frankincense and elemi oils, extracted from the resin of tropical trees.

The Russian company represents the largest range of essential and fatty oils on the domestic market. All formulations are created on the basis of organic natural ingredients, the products are not tested on animals, are suitable for use by vegans, and comply with international quality standards.

Buyers are offered natural shampoos, conditioners, face, body and hair masks, shower products, scrubs, lotions, massage oils, soaps, fragrances, serums, and tonics. Essential oils are presented in compositions and single-component formulations. The packaging and bottles are designed in Provence style. The sets will be the best gift for any occasion, and their price is affordable for all buyers.

Botavikos is a member of the International Federation of Essential Oils and exchanges experience with other well-known manufacturers. By discovering new healing properties of herbs and flowers, the company has firmly strengthened its position not only in our country, but throughout the world.

The best manufacturers of essential oils: price-quality

Next in the rating we have collected the best brands that have become leaders in the price-quality category. Many companies are family businesses and produce products in small batches, all of which are made by hand, so their cost will be higher than budget funds. Buyers often choose these brands, not trusting cheap goods and not wanting to spend money on luxury products. We will introduce you to 3 brands that, according to experts and users, deserve to be the best.

Half a century ago, a family business was created in America, the founder of which had no idea of such resounding success and popularity in the future. The company's philosophy is that all products should be accessible not only to the rich, but to all people regardless of status. Today, Now Foods is the epitome of healthy living and produces more than 3,500 products.

The range includes sports nutrition, dietary supplements, vitamin preparations, and care cosmetics. Essential oils are produced from organic plants: juniper, cinnamon, orange, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, lime, tangerine, rose, grapefruit, avocado and many other herbs, flowers and fruits.

All manufactured products are certified, comply with international quality standards, and have undergone laboratory research and numerous tests. The American manufacturer guarantees environmental safety and maximum efficiency from the use of its products.

Next, we include in the rating a Russian brand that produces natural cosmetics and environmentally friendly household detergents. The family-owned manufactory creates products in small batches and only by hand, using safe natural ingredients and unique recipes that help maintain health for many years.

Adhering to the basic rules that have not changed over the years, the brand can be proud of its achievements in the field of cosmetology. All raw materials are purchased from trusted suppliers who guarantee their environmental friendliness. Ancient production technologies make it possible to preserve the beneficial properties of plant components as much as possible. Formulas are developed jointly by domestic and foreign specialists.

Essential oils are produced from both common and rare or expensive components. These are damask rose, myrrh, blue chamomile, jasmine, hyssop, juniper berries, immortelle, cistus, sandalwood, neroli, vanilla, tropical tree resins.

The domestic company adheres to the principle that the best does not mean expensive, and proves this by producing high-quality, safe, natural products accessible to the mass consumer. The brand produces cosmetics for hair, body, face care, bath and shower accessories, and household cleaning products.

Natural oils are represented by unrefined base oils, essential oils, organic oils and premium oils. Consumers can purchase mono-compositions with lavender, orange, spruce, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon, green coffee, cranberry, black cumin, coconut, flax and sesame seeds and other equally useful ingredients.

Raw materials are collected from ecological areas of the world, many flowers and herbs are grown on organic farms. Cooperation with well-known suppliers guarantees high quality and absolute safety for human health and the environment, and their price will be a definite bonus when purchasing.

The best producers of essential oils: premium segment

The last category of the rating will please lovers of premium products. Their high price is the result of several factors. Firstly, 100% natural, carefully selected and tested raw materials are used in production. Secondly, they are created using unique technologies that preserve the properties of plant components. Thirdly, quality control of the finished product guarantees safety and at the same time maximum efficiency when used. Such products are used in medical and rehabilitation centers and beauty salons.

Russian consumers have been enjoying high-quality, natural products from a company from Jordan for more than 10 years. Its product range includes body and hair care products, organic decorative cosmetics, essential and aromatic oils. Aleppo soap, hand-brewed according to ancient Arabic recipes, is especially famous.

Sulfates, parabens and other chemical components are absolutely excluded from the composition; the products are not tested on animals. All raw materials meet international quality standards and are collected in Jordan, Morocco, India and European countries. The formulations of the products include plant extracts, natural ingredients, and beekeeping products.

Essential oils are packaged in bottles decorated in oriental traditions. They will decorate a room or give to friends as a gift. Popular compositions presented by the brand: anise, basil, jasmine, bigardia, marigold, cypress, ylang-ylang, myrrh, petitgrain.

Created in 1990, the French company is confidently included in the list of the best brands producing BIO cosmetics, and does not forget its main principle: to respect the interests of people and nature. That is why it takes a worthy place in our ranking. Today it produces more than 13 tons of oils per year and 600 types of hygiene products, hair and body care products, cosmetics and perfumes.

The company completely abandoned the use of chemical ingredients. The compositions contain 100% natural ingredients, 95% of which are labeled ECO. The raw materials are grown on bioplantations in Provence or imported from 40 countries located in different parts of the world.

Essential essences are extracted by cold pressing or distillation. The assortment includes oils from rare plants of Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Environmental friendliness, international quality certificates, unique recipes are the main advantages of Florame.

For almost 40 years, the brand from Italy has been scientifically developing new, high-quality formulations and producing organic products to the delight of lovers of natural products. All products are certified, do not contain synthetic ingredients, are hypoallergenic, not tested on animals, and are suitable for use by vegetarians and vegans. Cosmetics are made on the basis of green clay, the healing properties of which were discovered in ancient times.

Essential oils are made from clove, patchouli, mint, eucalyptus, sandalwood, fennel, thyme, rosemary, juniper and other plants. The most popular is the “golden” series, in which the essence is extracted in a special way. GOLD technology helps to reveal new plant odors, maximize their properties, and give oils a more delicate and rich aroma.

Today Argital offers a full range of cosmetic products: body, face, hair care, lines for children and oral hygiene, hypoallergenic and medicinal products, base and essential oils, compositions made from them.

Our rating is completed by the Iris Aromatherapy Center, which was founded in 1994 and today has become one of the popular brands of natural cosmetics not only in our country, but also in Europe. He is engaged in research work, collaborates with famous scientists and companies, has been awarded diplomas, and was awarded a gold medal for his contribution to the development of aromatherapy in the world.

All essential oils were produced according to the method of Professor O. A. Irisova, have patented formulas and contain a unique complex of natural polyterpenes. Created using proprietary technology, many of them are included in collection series, the release of which is limited. The raw materials for the products comply with the BIO indicator, are transported from the cleanest corners of the planet, and shipments occur from 50 countries. Gentle production technology allows you to preserve maximum beneficial properties, which affects the effectiveness of the products.

The company offers a full list of products for healing and relaxation: basic, essential, massage oils, accessories for aromatherapy, as well as educational aids: books, scientific articles, video materials.

Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Essential oils are popular cosmetics for skin and hair care. The range of beneficial properties of esters is amazing: cleansing, regenerating, whitening, moisturizing - you can’t find anything. Traditionally, they are used for aromatherapy and wraps, as components of masks, massage products, for washing and for steam baths. Cosmetologists note that what we are used to calling essential oils actually means organic oil-like substances that easily evaporate at room temperature and leave no traces. Their distinctive characteristic is the absence of fats in the chemical composition; the source is exclusively vegetable raw materials.

The cost of a bottle can vary from several tens to thousands of rubles. An important role in the pricing process is played by the method of extracting the extract - pressing, distillation, enfleurage, etc. Experts suggest how to choose the best essential oil among the variety - here's what you should consider before purchasing:

Contraindications. Essential oils are essences. Such high concentrations do not occur in nature. Cosmetologists and trichologists warn that esters should be used with caution. It is preferable to first consult a specialist who would tell you in detail about the individual characteristics of your skin and help you choose the best essential oil, taking into account contraindications (damage to the skin, a number of diseases, intolerance to components). To prevent an allergic reaction, apply ether to your wrist before use. If after five minus the itching and redness have not stopped, opt for another extract.
Mixing. Esters are usually not used in their pure form. Mixing with base oils is a must. An acceptable dosage is from two to seven drops per 15 g of base. As an exception, essential oils are used locally in the treatment of acne. However, not all extracts are suitable for this. Remember that the vegetable oils in the formulation must also meet the requirements of your skin type.
Variety. The division of essential oils according to their effect on the skin is very arbitrary, since each ester can have several effects simultaneously. The degree of effectiveness depends on the skin type, its condition and age. Among the most popular extracts on the cosmetic market are extracts of jasmine, neroli, pine, fir, cedar, juniper, eucalyptus, bergamot, cloves, patchouli, cinnamon, mandarin and sage.

characteristics of the company (certification, composition, assortment);
cost of production (price-quality ratio);
user reviews;
recommendations from experts (cosmetologists, trichologists).

Best Budget Essential Oil Manufacturers

3 Oleos

Wide range of esters. Natural composition
Country: Russia
Rating (2018): 4.8

The Russian representative is the Oleos company. The company produces various oils: edible, cosmetic and essential. All of them are distinguished by high quality and natural composition. Over the past ten years, the brand has been producing esters that are in wide demand among consumers. Reviews mention pleasant scents, durability and affordable price.

The brand cooperates with leading raw material suppliers around the world. Multifunctional extracts are recommended by experts to normalize the functioning of the nervous system, improve facial skin and hair condition. Buyers note positive changes with regular use of essential oils. A rich assortment allows you to easily purchase both the most popular esters and less popular ones (bey, verbena, palmarosa, petitgrain, ravintsar, etc.).

2 Aspera

"Aspera" is a company founded in 2006, focusing on the production of cosmetic, food and essential oils. The peculiarity of the brand is its 100% natural composition, developed in accordance with the recommendations of ethnobotanists. Plants that become the source of raw materials for future products are grown in 30 countries around the world. Company representatives exercise careful control at all stages of ester production, from sowing and harvesting to delivery to pharmacy chains in Russia and the CIS countries. The company is a member of the international federation for trade in essential oils and flavors IFEAT.

Buyers indicate a wide range and low cost as the main advantages of the company. In their reviews, users note the high effectiveness of essential oils of this brand. For example, thyme extract used to activate hair growth and added to shampoo when washing actually helps accelerate hair growth by awakening dormant hair follicles. Other esters of the brand, including those beneficial for facial skin, also received a large number of positive ratings.

The leading factor in choosing an essential oil for the face is skin type.

Holders dry skin Essential oils of chamomile and sandalwood are suitable to stimulate the production of subcutaneous fat, lemon and rosemary - to improve blood circulation, neroli and lavender - to accelerate cell renewal, jasmine - for high-quality hydration.
Cope with oily epidermis The following essential oils will help: tea tree - for cleansing, grapefruit and bergamot - for narrowing pores, juniper - for a lifting effect.
Cleans better than others normal skin esters of orange and rose; for toning, geranium essential oil is preferable; extracts of jasmine and tea tree can boast anti-aging effects.
Problematic dermis Peppermint ester is shown as an antibacterial agent for acne ripening, lavender - to fight scars and acne spots, ylang-ylang - to smooth the skin, tangerine - for a disinfectant effect.

Essential oils that have a beneficial effect on hair include:

For hair growth - fir, cinnamon, lemon balm, cloves;
For volume – cypress, cedar, rosewood, thyme;
Against hair loss – pine, eucalyptus;
To moisturize dry hair – jasmine, sandalwood, ylang-ylang;
Anti-greasy - grapefruit, geranium, juniper.

1 Mirrolla

Best price. Large volume (25 ml)
Country: Russia
Rating (2018): 4.9

"Mirrolla" is a domestic research and production company that develops and promotes natural cosmetics and dietary supplements. The company has been operating since 2004. The range includes more than 300 products that increase the quality of life and improve health. The manufacturer’s specialty is rare herbs grown on its own plantations without the use of chemicals, so the raw materials for future products remain environmentally friendly. As the company assures, even the collection of herbs is carried out in full accordance with the calendar of greatest benefit. Control over recipes is carried out in the company’s laboratory, where scientific research is constantly being conducted to create new, even more effective products. Modern equipment and international quality standards are a couple more advantages for the brand.

A prominent place in the catalog is occupied by essential oils for the face and hair, available in bottles of 10 and 25 ml. Reviews note that the esters of this brand have a persistent aroma that allows you to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere for hours. Users are also pleased with the variety of products - the range includes the most popular citrus, spicy, floral, pine and exotic essential oils.

The best manufacturers of essential oils: price-quality

4 Elfarma

Best design. Favorable price
Country: Russia
Rating (2018): 4.8

"Elpharma" is a Russian manufacturer of pharmaceutical cosmetics, cosmetic and essential oils, beekeeping products, etc. A characteristic feature of the company's entire product range is high quality. The brand, founded in 2001, offers natural face, body and hair care products that are free of toxic chemicals. Raw materials are supplied from the UK and other European countries.

User reviews often mention the attractive design - each package is decorated with a picturesque landscape. Buyers also like the affordable pricing policy. Among the advantages, it is impossible not to mention the variety of aromas of essential oils, durability and 100% natural composition.

3 Lecus

International quality standards. Unobtrusive scents
Country: Russia
Rating (2018): 4.8

Lecus is a Russian company engaged in the production of natural and medicinal cosmetics, cosmetic and essential oils, and bath cosmetics. A distinctive characteristic is the production of products that meet all international quality standards, including those approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The brand is one of the three best domestic representatives. Environmentally friendly raw materials undergo mandatory certification in Europe. The company cooperates only with reputable foreign suppliers.

The brand takes part in annual exhibitions, receiving recognition, diplomas and awards year after year. In reviews, users indicate bright modern design, a rich variety of essential oils, high durability and competitive cost among the advantages. The scents are natural and unobtrusive, which allows them to be used both for the purpose of healing hair and skin, and for filling the room with pleasant notes, taking a bath and performing a massage.

2 Botanika

The most popular. User selection
Country: Russia
Rating (2018): 4.9

"Botanika" is a manufacturer of cosmetic and essential oils that appeared on the domestic market about 10 years ago. Currently, the company is a recognized leader: a member of the Russian Perfumery and Cosmetic Association and the International Federation of Trade in Essential Oils, winner of the exhibition (2014) in the category of the best massage oils. In reviews, the neutral design is called very relevant, without distracting attention from the key characteristics.

The back of the package provides information about the use of a specific ester, its beneficial properties and compatibility with other oils. The manufacturer provides the product with information about the composition, contraindications, storage conditions and expiration dates. Inside the box you will find a bottle, instructions, recipes and even recommended proportions for mixing the extract with the base for preparing masks for the face and hair.

1 Bergland-Pharma

The best value for money. Environmentally friendly raw materials
Country: Germany
Rating (2018): 4.9

Founded a quarter of a century ago, the Bergland company set the goal of preserving the natural purity of the material and creating unique parapharmaceutical and cosmetic oils. Actually, the goal has been achieved. Now the brand is known all over the world, and pharmacies and medical institutions in Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and other European countries unanimously prefer the brand’s products. Their essential oils have a positive effect both locally and on the entire body as a whole, providing an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antibacterial effect on the skin of the face and hair.

Esters are produced from environmentally friendly raw materials, which is confirmed by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certificates. The company, on its own initiative, is regularly tested for compliance with the standard of the Federation of German Cosmetics Manufacturers and Distributors (BDIH), the so-called first “natural” standard. Many products from the brand’s catalog are marked with the “Cosmos Organic” and “Cosmos Natural” marks, indicating the naturalness of the products. “It’s hard to imagine a better quality guarantor!” - says expert reviews.

The best producers of essential oils: premium segment

Luxury essential oil companies stand out from other companies due to their high cost, which is fully compensated by first-class quality, 100% natural composition and careful control over the production of extracts. These brands are attentive to the characteristics of the skin, which has a positive effect on the effectiveness of the esters.

3 IRIS

The best of the domestic ones. Special series of esters for problem skin
Country: Russia
Rating (2018): 4.8

Essential oils of the “Iris” brand have been produced by the aromatherapy center for more than 20 years. The company is named after its leading employee, Dr. Irisova. High-quality raw materials – that’s what the manufacturer relies on. The components of the esters are delivered directly from the plantations: anise from Spain, oranges from Brazil, calamus berries from Nepal, etc. The extracts are isolated using a special gentle technology, retaining maximum beneficial properties. The composition of the esters is completely natural.

Experts call the company's products exclusive due to the content of a biologically active collection, including enzymes and antioxidants, vitamins and other elements. With their help, the body has an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiviral, as well as antimicrobial effect. The oils of this brand are in wide demand, judging by the reviews, in the treatment of acne. The manufacturer has developed special series “Anti-acne” and “Post-acne” to effectively relieve inflammation, smooth the skin, eliminate redness and prevent the formation of new pimples.

2 STYX

First class quality. Effective face and hair care
Country: Austria
Rating (2018): 4.8

Styx is an Austrian company of natural essential oils and cosmetics that appeared on the trading scene at the beginning of the 20th century. Having invested in the production of oils, the founder of the company of the same name, Wolfgang Stix, was awarded a number of privileges from raw material suppliers around the world. The brand's privileges continue to this day, which allows the brand to purchase raw materials of exclusively first-class quality, while the cost of the original product remains at an acceptable level.

All drugs are based on ancient recipes and do not involve the inclusion of chemical synthesis products. Technologies for production and processing of raw materials fully comply with international standards. The central place in the catalog is occupied by base and essential oils. The assortment includes cosmetics based on them for the face and body, hair care products, massage and perfume preparations. Reviews from users and experts say that the company’s products have no analogues in the world - safe, fragrant, durable, effective.

1 Karel Hadek

Better production control. Suitable for aging and sensitive skin
Country: Czech Republic
Rating (2018): 4.9

Karel Hadek is the best brand of professional aromacosmetics in the Czech Republic, as well as a leader in the markets of Japan, Russia, China and Europe. The company is named after the founding scientist who developed over 300 drug formulations and his own production technologies. The company has been operating since 1983, and has now acquired an entire army of fans. All aromatherapy cosmetics of the brand are free of antioxidants, dyes, fragrances and preservatives. All raw materials purchased from global markets undergo laboratory testing, and in some cases even double testing.

The products are in wide demand in professional environments - beauty salons, rehabilitation centers, medical institutions, etc. Natural essential oils of the brand are also suitable for home use. Reviews write especially flatteringly about esters as products for problematic, aging and sensitive skin of the face and body. In addition, extracts have a positive effect on hair. The assortment is represented by all kinds of aromas, the cost of which exceeds most of its analogues, however, as experts assure, it is fully justified by the first-class quality.

Essential oils are volatile, liquid, multicomponent (from 50 to 500 compounds) organic substances contained in plants. It is thanks to them that we smell plants.

There are approximately 80 thousand species of ether-bearing plants, but only 150–200 species are of industrial importance. Most of the plants from which essential oils are obtained are tropical or subtropical. There are also essential plants in the middle zone - coriander, mint, anise, sage, basil, caraway, fennel, lavender and others. Essential oils can be concentrated in various plant organs: leaves, flowers, stems, bark, seeds, fruit peel, flower buds, wood, roots. Some types of lichens, such as oakmoss, often used in chypre perfumes, also contain essential oils.

Essential oils in some plants are sometimes contained in such small and even ultra-small quantities that it makes it impossible to obtain them from these plants.

Natural essential oils are often confused with vegetable oils. Their similarity is that both do not dissolve in water, are oily to the touch and leave a greasy residue. But here it is necessary to make an amendment - the stain from the essential oil evaporates due to its volatility, but the stain from vegetable oil remains.

Essential oils are transparent, colorless or slightly colored, insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, resins, ether, benzene, as well as in natural products such as honey, cream, fats, wax and vegetable oils. Essential oils can flavor water. Under the influence of oxygen and light, they oxidize and resin. Boiling point 160-240?C. When cooled, they can crystallize.

How to choose and buy natural essential oils

How to determine the quality of essential oils?
Before answering this question, it is necessary to explain by what parameters the quality of the oil is determined. The quality parameters of essential oils are their effectiveness and harmlessness to the body.

What determines the quality of essential oil?
The quality of the oil depends on the production method, the place where the plant grows, the time of collection and the storage period. The quality of oil is also affected by climate and soil, as well as chemical fertilizers, and even insect repellents. The method of making the oil matters. Some parts of essential plants, such as flowers, quickly lose their quality. Therefore, they must be used as quickly as possible. But things like roots or seeds can be stored longer. They are transported to various parts of the world. There are also peculiarities in the collection of essential plants: some are collected at certain times of the day or at certain times of the year, during flowering or fruit formation.

“...At the end of June the time of jasmine began, in August - tuberose. These plants had such an exquisite and at the same time fragile fragrance that it was necessary not only to pick the flowers before sunrise, but also to subject them to special, most gentle processing...”

P. Suskind. "Perfumer"

Essential oil quality
By external signs, high-quality oil is transparent, without sediment, homogeneous. After a drop of oil evaporates from the surface of the paper, no greasy stain remains, but if the oil has color, then light staining is possible. The quality of the oil can be determined this way: apply one drop of oil to three sheets of paper every 30 minutes. And then smell it. The first sheet should have lower shades of scent (lower tone) - balsamic shades. On the second (middle tone - heart tone) there are tart, refined notes, on the third (upper tone) - freshness and lightness predominate in the shades. All these different tones in the melody of an essential oil are natural and indicate high-quality oil. If all three leaves differ only in the intensity of the smell, and not in the variety of sounds, then... we can only guess what kind of oil it is.

Labels can also tell you about the quality of the oil. If the labels say 100% pure, 100% artifisches (essentail) oil (100% pure; 100% essential oil), then this indicates confidence in the quality of essential oil producers. They do not need to assure customers that the oil is “in-house bottling” or “environmentally friendly oil” and make other beliefs. In accordance with International Standards, the label must not contain advertising information. If the bottle states that it is “Aromatherapy Oil”, it is not pure essential oil, but it is not counterfeit either. “Aromatherapy oil” is a mixture of essential oil (10 - 15%) with mineral, carrier oil or alcohol (85 - 90%). On the other hand, if it is sold as ethereal, then it is simply a hoax.

Another important determinant of oil quality is that the bottle should be made of dark glass with a dosimeter on the neck. The beauty of the bottle does not mean the high quality of the oil. The most optimal packaging of oil is 10 ml, except for especially valuable oils - rose, jasmine, verbena, tuberose, which can be in a 1 ml container. (AVAILABLE 2 and 5 ml)

And the brand name is an important guarantee of high quality.

How is the cost of essential oil determined?
The cost of essential oil is determined by the quality, rarity of essential oil plants and the percentage of essential oil in the plant. In the latter case, several examples can be given: from 100 kg of eucalyptus, 3 kg of oil is obtained, from 100 kg of juniper - 500 g, from 100 kg of bitter orange flowers - 50 g of oil, from 100 kg of clove tree buds - 16-19 kg of oil, and from 100 kg of lemon balm leaves - 100 g butter.

The cost of essential oils depends on the cost of raw materials (hyssop is more expensive than bitter orange flowers - neroli); on the method of obtaining essential oil: enfleurage (jasmine) is a more expensive procedure than steam sublimation (melissa), and steam sublimation is more expensive than pressing (peel oils - tangerine, lemon); from environmental restrictions on production (sandalwood).

Sometimes from the same plant you can obtain essential oils that differ in their properties, action and aroma. This also affects the cost. For example, three different essential oils can be obtained from bitter orange: “Petite grain” - from the shoots, “Neroli” - from the inflorescences and “Bitter orange” - from the peel of the fruit.

What explains the different costs of oil of the same name, even within the same manufacturer? Essential oil contains a high percentage of oxygen-saturated hydrocarbons. The higher this percentage, the more irritating the oil is to the skin. The process of reducing oxygen-saturated hydrocarbons in essential oil causes a gradation in the cost of oil of the same name. The cost of oil also depends on the volume of production of essential oils by a given company. The larger the volume, the cheaper the essential oils.

Essential oils are produced all over the world, in some countries more, in others less, and each country has its own specifics. This is due to the climatic conditions of the country, which favor the growth of certain plants.

The largest producers of essential oils on the world market are Styx Naturcosmetic Austria, Bergland-Pharma Germany, Vivasan Switzerland, R.Expo India, Floressence France, and the Russian company LECUS.

Lekus products and website - https://lekus.ru/

Natural essential oils at affordable prices can only be produced by large companies. If the company selling oils is smaller, the price is always higher. And in order to compete on prices with large companies, sometimes you have to lower the quality of products. This is where synthetic fragrances come in.

What is the shelf life of essential oils?
The shelf life of essential oils could be called long - essential oil could be stored as long as good wine. But it all depends on the storage conditions. Since essential oil evaporates easily, if the cap is not tightly closed, soon there will be nothing left in the bottle. Essential oils deteriorate quickly when exposed to light and high temperatures. Therefore, taking into account the possibility of storage in dark bottles with a well-closed stopper (not rubber), as well as storage temperature, we can approximately estimate the shelf life of oils:

– citrus oils - orange, lemon, tangerine, bergamot, grapefruit – 1 year. Optimal storage mode t = 10° +15° C.

– resinous oils - patchouli, myrrh, sandalwood, vetiver and the like – shelf life 2 years with optimal storage conditions from +15° to +40°. If stored incorrectly, they thicken and the shelf life is shortened.

Essential oils love temperature constancy.
If the oil is expired, it cannot be used; it will not bring any benefit.

If essential oils are diluted, they begin to lose their properties after about two months; the aroma and beneficial qualities gradually disappear.

If you often use oil and therefore open the cap, the oil will come into contact with oxygen contained in the air more often. Thus, the shelf life is also reduced, i.e. the approximate shelf life of the essential oil can be considered one to one and a half years at an average temperature for all oils of +15? C.

All essential oils have healing properties: bactericidal, analgesic, antiseptic. But synthetic fragrances do not have these properties. The ability of essential oils to easily penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream is used in cosmetics, therapeutic massage, and aromatherapy.

If you use essential oils for massage, be sure to dilute them with a base oil, i.e. vegetable oil, which in itself has medicinal properties, as it contains many vitamins and biologically active substances. Vegetable oils help essential oils penetrate our body. Some people prefer to use oils such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, jojoba (oil in the form of a liquid wax), peach, apricot, etc., but in reality our oils - sunflower, corn or olive have no less healing properties than exotic.

Some tips and precautions when consuming essential oils:

Pure, undiluted oils should not be consumed internally. In this case, the doctor can prescribe treatment and dosage.

It should be remembered that essential oil is a very powerful remedy! If pure essential oil comes into contact with the skin, there can be not only allergic reactions, but even burns! In this case, they should be removed with a cotton swab moistened with any vegetable oil (sunflower and olive oils are the best helpers). Water will not help in this case. It is written above that essential oils do not dissolve in water.

Under no circumstances combine essential oils of different types without consulting a specialist aromatherapist, since the choice of oils and their combination play a huge role. Many such independent decisions tell sad stories. And with acute neuroses or an unstable psyche, the results can be completely tragic.

For children, essential oils - their combination and quantity - should be used after consultation with a doctor, since the use of essential oils can cause negative reactions in the body of children.

During pregnancy, essential oils can also be used after consultation with a doctor; most likely, the recommendation will be negative.

Freshly prepared aromatic compositions lose their medicinal properties within one week.

When taking other medications, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of using essential oils.

When you first start using essential oils, check to see if you have any allergies. Start with small dosages. And in no case exceed the dosage indicated as permissible. Take the bath initially for no more than 3 – 5 minutes.

If essential oil gets into your eyes, rinse with clean vegetable oil, but not with water.

It is best to use all essential oils for no more than two to three weeks, then take a break.

Citrus essential oils (orange, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, petit grain) should be used 4 hours before going outside, as they increase skin sensitivity to the sun, i.e. pigmentation is possible.

When using oil, first find out from your loved ones and those around you whether they like the smell.

Since essential oils are capable of spontaneous combustion, they should not be stored or placed in bottles near fire.

They should be stored out of the reach of children, and it is best to immediately dilute the essential oil with some base oil, i.e., vegetable oils (in a ratio of 1:10) after purchase.

Fragrances are an integral part of our lives. The great Hippocrates said: “Medicine is the art of imitating nature.”

Using plants in our lives gives us the opportunity to find natural remedies to be healthy and happy.

Natural essential oils– natural aromatic substances extracted from essential plants.

Synthetic essential oils, these are oils obtained from synthetic aromatic substances and are identical to natural ones in both qualitative and quantitative chemical composition. They are much cheaper than natural ones. Synthetic oils do not provide the same physiological effect, do not have the activity of natural oils, and the smell cannot be completely reproduced with their help. Synthetic oils can be completely identical to natural ones, but they always differ in their chemical structure.

Artificial oils– oils that imitate the smell of natural ones, but not the composition. These oils contain some natural oils in combination with synthetic ones. They are created exclusively for perfumery in order to imitate natural aromas. For medical purposes, these oils are useless.

The use of synthetic and artificial oils in perfumery is legal and is not counterfeit. It is thanks to these categories of essential oils in perfumery that consistency of composition and aroma can be achieved. This consistency is impossible when using natural essential oils, since different batches of the same name of essential oils differ from each other in quality, processing technology and other factors.