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My Reward PointsThe demand for essential oils is so much that some counterfeit brands have also entered the market. They usually offer low-quality and fake essential oils to the customers. These adulterated essential oils may contain fillers, chemicals, or artificial fragrances instead of pure concentrated oils. So, they prove to be harmful for your skin and overall health. More details on how to identify counterfeit essential oils have been provided in the sections below.
Why Fake/Adulterated Essential Oils Exist?
The rising demand for essential oils has created stiff competition in the market. D2C brands usually sell the essential oils through their official site or app. So, to cut through the competition, some brands try to sell essential oils at a cheap rate. To manage the production cost, they often dilute the concentrated oils with additives or artificial fragrances. It creates a massive influx of adulterated essential oils in both the offline and online marketplaces.
Common Signs of Fake/Adulterated Essential Oils
Identifying fake essential oils can be tough, especially if you don’t have much idea about how authentic ones feel or smell. Here are some ways of identifying counterfeit essential oils in the market:
1. Packaging & Bottle Quality
The packaging used for fake essential oils is usually of substandard quality. The bottles lack UV protection and also do not come with high-quality lids or droppers. So, identifying them is pretty easy, even if you are purchasing essential oils for the first time.
2. Label & Botanical Information
The counterfeit oils do not offer proper labels regarding the presence of sulphates, parabens, and other compounds. Also, they do not disclose all the ingredients and botanical information regarding the essential oil formula.
3. Lack of Transparency
The adulterated essential oils lack transparency when it comes to disclosing the raw ingredients used for manufacturing the oils. They also do not mention the extraction methods clearly on the package.
4. No Testing Report
The fake essential oils do not come with extensive documentation and product certifications like the authentic ones. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and other testing reports regarding the purity and authenticity of the oils are provided with the package. Therefore, the essential oils that do not offer the testing reports are not worth buying.
5. Source Information
The source information regarding the part of the plant from which the essential oil has been extracted is also missing in fake essential oils. They tend to hide the properties of the essential oils and also do not guarantee any return policy to the customers.
6. Unrealistically Low Price
The fake essential oils are mostly priced at an incredibly low price. They offer unrealistic discounts or offers to lure customers. It is primarily a trap that customers fall into while exploring the essential oils.
Why Is Using Fake Oils Risky?
Fake or counterfeit essential oils may contain certain additives, fillers, or allergens that might harm your skin health. The chemicals used in them might damage your skin in the long run. Some people might also experience breathing issues, allergic reactions, or other adverse side effects after using the adulterated essential oils. To avoid these risks, it is usually recommended that you avoid using fake oils.
How to Choose Authentic Essential Oils?
Always purchase essential oils from trusted sources. Only the top brands can guarantee the purity and authenticity of the essential oils. So, you must do enough research on the brands and their reputation when it comes to offering high-quality essential oils. Also, it is better to check some online reviews of the essential oils before purchasing them through online or offline channels. Finally, analyse the labels and ingredient list carefully. Also, go through the product documentation to ensure that you are investing in the right product.
What to Do If You Suspect an Oil Is Fake?
Here are some steps to take if you do not have complete trust in the particular essential oil:
- It is better to avoid purchasing the oil even if you have the slightest suspicion regarding its purity and quality. Compare the same essential oils from the competitor brands and decide if they invoke more trust and transparency.
- Check the ratings and customer reviews carefully. If a particular oil has been the highest purchased essential oil in its category, it would be a better choice than buying an essential oil with no previous buyers.
- You can also conduct some online research to confirm whether a brand sells original or fake essential oils. Customer testimonials and reviews on third-party websites can provide you with some insights regarding the purity and effectiveness of the essential oils.
Conclusion
We hope you now understand the difference between authentic and fake essential oils. Always go for the essential oils from reliable and reputable brands. VedaOils is one such brand that has been leading the space of essential oils and carrier oils for the last few years. Check the official website to explore hundreds of essential oils under one roof!
