Are Organic Oils Truly Better?

Overview

You can’t deny the appeal of organic oils. They’re often touted as purer, more eco-friendly and packed with more benefits than regular essential oils. Read on to discover if organic essential oils are really worth the hype.

What Does Organic Mean?

Organic is an approach to cosmetics that uses natural ingredients where possible. It also applies to the use of chemicals. Many consumers are interested in organic beauty products because organic products do not contain harmful chemicals.

When you see the label “organic” on your essential oils, it typically means that a certification board can guarantee your oils come from sources free of chemicals and synthetics, and have been grown with the least amount of harmful, artificial growth chemicals possible. Some boards also ensure your oils are environmentally friendly, and that’s always a good thing!

Are Organic Products Really Better?

While organic oils sound like a great idea, you might be wondering if they’re really worth the price and hype. We’re all for you making informed choices, so here’s our take on why going organic is worth it.

You’ll get more out of organic oils compared to regular essential oils because certified organic oils must be at least 95% pure. So you’re getting a more concentrated extract that you can enjoy for much longer.
You’ll feel a lot better knowing that your essential oil was responsibly sourced and you did a little extra to save the environment. Yay you!
If you have sensitive skin, organic essential oils contain zero harsh chemicals and irritants that can cause flare-ups, eczema and breakouts.
You’ll feel more assured about what goes into your essential oils since organic oils contain no growth chemicals, additives or pesticides that can harm you. You can also check the certification boards if you’re truly concerned about a particular ingredient.

How Can I Know If A Product Is Organic?

Organic has been a buzzword used in the beauty industry for a while now. Many brands may use the label “organic” to gain the trust of consumers looking to shop for natural products but under-deliver on their claims. Thankfully, there are some reliable certification boards that make sure your products are derived from organic sources and ethically produced.

USDA

The USDA is the most common seal used for organic products. The products are handled, processed and sourced according to federal guidelines to ensure your products are derived from organic sources only. The board also checks for soil quality, animal raising practices (to ensure no adorable animals are harmed), pest and weed control, and use of additives. USDA producers also have to rely on physical or mechanical means of extracting these natural oils.

ECOCERT

ECOCERT is another certification board that adopts similar practices to the USDA. It ensures your oils are formulated with almost 95% organic ingredients and it checks the packaging to make sure they’re sustainable too! Of course, some beauty products can’t be 100% organic since certain ingredients like water, salts and minerals cannot be sourced from farming.

Definition of the Term Organic

What does it mean when we say that a particular oil is organic? As per the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) the term organic refers to products that adhere to strict standards of production, harvesting sourcing and processing. The standards apply right from respecting and protecting the soil and ensuring that the cultivation does not cause toxic sewage eroding soil health.

Other factors to keep in mind are the shunning of pesticides or potentially harmful additives. Managing pests in a way that falls under the standards set by the regulator and avoiding contact with non-organic substances are also necessary. The foods and oils in organic farming are made as naturally as possible without the use of chemical fertilizers and insecticide (free of pesticides).

How is Essential Oil Organic?

Not all the essential oils available in the market are organic. Staying away from spurious oils is the onus of the consumer. It is the commitment of the farmers, suppliers, vendors and consumers who embrace naturally and organically farmed and processed oils.

When you read “organic essential oil” on the label of the product you buy, you can rest assured that the oil is not only grown and extracted with organic farming techniques and organic ways, it has also taken care of the soil, and the entire process has been environmentally friendly.

Testing The Organic Claim Of an Essential Oil

The presence of an organic certification is one of the topmost ways of ensuring that a product (in this case essential oil) is organic. Vendors cannot randomly stick the certificates from reputed certifying authority to their products. This will incur penal liabilities on the vendor/company. The first step that a consumer (who intends to buy an essential oil) has to do is to research about the company and check for authenticity.

Most of the reputed vendors have organic certification, which are not just pasted on the product, but also inspected and audited periodically. The certificate ensures that the product has been organic right from harvesting to supplying. A product that is certified organic is truly organic.

Many online portals also validate the authenticity of the label or they have strict practices to curb the sale of spurious products on their portals.

Organic Essential Oil V/s Conventional or Non-Organic Essential Oil

What's the difference between organic and non-organic essential oils? Or, what are the differences between organic and non-organic seed oils? There are many differences between organic and non-organic (or conventional) essential oils. Some of the features that both oils are gauged up on are safety, aroma, price and properties.

Safety Feature

The essential oils that are certified organic comes plants and processes that have adhered to strict guidelines from the certifying body. The oils that you apply on the scalp, hair, abdomen, skin and inhale (aromatherapy blend) will be made and processed without any chemicals and pesticides.

The process of extraction of essential oils also ensures that no chemical agents enter the oil. The two methods of extracting the oils are steam distillation and cold pressing. People who are bothered with the thought of using chemicals on their skin can buy organic essential oils and apply it without any reservations.

The USDA certified organic essential oils have better quality than conventional oils as it adheres to the regulation. And no genetically modified seed is used.

Aroma and Colors

The fragrance of the essential oil is its unique perceived benefits. Proponents say that organic essential oil can be differentiated from conventional essential oils through its aroma. The aromas of organic oils are stronger due to the purity of its main constituents. The color of organic oil is also sharper as it has not been treated with other chemicals.

Pricing

Which one do you think will be expensive – organic essential oil or conventional essential oil? Of course, the organic one. Why else would some replicate the oil? In fact, organic oils are 40 to 70 % more expensive than the non-organic oils. The amount of raw materials needed to produce one ounce of essential oil is too high.

Recommended Organic Oils

Convinced that organic is the way to go? Click the links below to add our best-selling 100% pure and ECOCERT & USDA certified oils to your shopping bag.

WE RECOMMEND

Organic Frankincense

Organic Lavender

Organic Atlas Cedarwood

Frequently Asked Questions

Should essential oils be organic?

Technically essential oils must be organic; but, pesticides are sprayed on the plants to drive away the pests and increase the produce. Check for authentication by environment agencies on the packet.

Do you need to use organic essential oils?

Using essential oils will give you peace of mind regarding the product you are using. Essential oils are used for inhaling and for applying on the skin and face. Hence, organic essential oils are sought-after.

Is organic essential oil better?

Organic essential oils are not only better for the environment but also for the body. However, do not be overly worried about chemicals in essential oils as research has shown that barely some essential oils exceeded exposure levels considered unsafe by health organizations.

How can you tell if an essential oil is pure?

The easiest test you can do to check the purity of essential oil is the paper test. Take a piece of white paper and put one drop of the oil on it. Wait for a minute till the oil evaporates. If it leaves behind a patch or ring, then the oil is not pure. Essential oils are volatile in nature and do not leave a patch.

How expensive are organic essential oils?

The process of extraction of essential oils is time consuming and expensive. Huge quantities of raw produce is needed to make one ounce of essential oil. Hence, these oils are expensive.

What is the difference from essential oils and organic essential oils?

Organic essential oils are extracted from plants and herbs adhering to strict fertilizer use policies. It has a strong and distinctive aroma and has several therapeutic properties.

Which is the best brand of organic essential oils?

Essential oils of Gya Labs are genuine and popular.

What is organic oil used for?

Organic oils are used in skincare, cosmetics, food industry, paint industry, etc.

What is the difference between pure and organic essential oils?

Pure essential oils are extracted directly from plants without any additives, ensuring they are 100% natural and unadulterated. Organic essential oils are not only pure but also sourced from plants grown without pesticides or chemicals, meeting organic farming standards for a healthier and eco-friendly choice.