The term “therapeutic grade oil” has created a lot of confusion. According to various published reports, it was probably coined, somewhere along the line, perhaps by one company. It has since been widely adopted by many of the other interests that sell aromatic oils.
However, there’s no agency that regulates whether or not an oil is “therapeutic grade.” This term has come to mean that a product is 100 percent pure, with no additives. Most essential oil companies do claim that their oils are pure.
Many beginners, myself included, once assumed we must always buy oils sold buy multilevel marketing distributors.
However, after doing my own research, I realize I don’t have to. I now buy most of my oils elsewhere. I’ve also found excellent brands that aren’t sold on the multilevel marketing principle. All of them are considered “therapeutic grade.” I trust these brands because I know they are committed to quality.
The major MLM brands, I will say, sell excellent oils. But so do a number of other companies. For consumers, it’s good to know we have choices. You don’t have to buy an MLM label in order to get a great product. I really do believe this. I use essential oils every day. I haven’t shopped the multilevel marketing networks in years.
What is a Therapeutic Grade Oil?
(This post contains affiliate links, and if you purchase anything I receive a referral fee, at no extra cost to you.)
Although the term “therapeutic grade” implies there’s some sort of certification process, in reality, no central regulating body closely watches the production of essential oils. Tales of fraud and tampering are rife, no surprise in an industry that’s seen explosive growth in the last decade.
Therapeutic Oils vs Essential Oils
Despite the lack of regulation, in the industry, therapeutic grade has now come to mean an oil that’s suitable for massage, without added chemicals. This distinction makes sense when you take into account all of the cheap fragrance oils on the market, which can often be had for as little as $1 a bottle.
Fragrance oils are not suitable for use on the body. (Actually, I’d recommend avoiding them altogether because they could contain toxic ingredients. Even if you plan to use them only to mask bad odors, you’ll still be breathing in these potential poisons.)
Therapeutic Oils vs Essential Oils
When shopping for an oil, you want to find one that’s 100 percent pure, whether or not it’s labeled “therapeutic grade.” Today, most companies selling aromatic oils also note that their products are “therapeutic grade.” Some of them are also quick to point out that this term means little or nothing. But, now, they’re pretty much forced to use this term, because people may assume their oils are inferior if they don’t.
Because of the alleged instances of essential oil fraud, it comes down to a matter of trust. Consumers should probably find one or two companies they trust, and purchase their oils from these sources. If you’re looking for a good brand, here’s another post I wrote on Essential Oil Companies Comparison.
Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil Brands
All of the brand mentioned on this page would be considered “therapeutic grade,” which has come to mean pure and suitable for personal use. But let me stress this is only a marketing term. Go for trust. A good company should be able to furnish testing results. Someone should also be on hand to answer your questions.
A number of companies sell excellent oils, without the help of MLM distributors. Two of my favorites are Plant Therapy and Aura Cacia. There are a number of other very good sources as well. Edens Garden and Natures Fusions are two other companies I recommend on this site.
Once I stepped outside of the MLM mindset, I was pleasantly surprised at what I discovered. Plant Therapy was one of my initial finds.
Plant Therapy peppermint essential oil was one of the first non-MLM oils I purchased. Since then I’ve been a repeat customer of this family-run company, based in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Organic Plant Therapy Peppermint Oil
&
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
For Additional Reading
