When buying an essential oil, it is important to know what you are looking for. Unfortunately there are lots of companies out there selling adulterated oils. This means that you don't always get what you think you are getting. A good example of this is neroli oil. This is one of the most expensive oils that you can buy. It is made from orange blossom. There is another oil called petitgrain, which has a similar smell as it is from a different part of the same tree. It is of course much cheaper than neroli and some unscrupulous so and so's sell petitgrain as neroli! I have put together a simple guide of things to watch out for when shopping for essential oils.

1. True essential oils must have the words 'pure essential oils' written on their packaging. If it's not there, don't buy it!
   
   
2. Always smell before you buy. I know that this is not always possible but ask if there is a tester bottle. The smell should be very, very strong (my oils knock your head off!) and often do not smell like the preconceived idea of the fragrance. This is because essential oils are very concentrated and when diluted, do smell the way they should. If it does not smell strong then do not buy it as it is of low grade.
   
   
3. The consistency should be that of water. If it is an oily consistency then it is blended with a carrier oil (usually grapeseed as it is cheap!). There are of course exceptions, such as Benzoin, Vetivert and Cedarwood, which are thick and golden brown in colour.
   
   
4. It should come in a dark glass bottle or jar. The pure essential oil would melt a plastic bottle. The glass bottle should be airtight and come with a one-drop dispenser for safety.
   
   
5. Look at how the oils are stored in the shop. They should be stored away from direct sunlight in a cool, even temperature. If they are stored facing the window in a really hot shop, I wouldn't buy them!
   
   
6. Ask questions about the product if you are not sure. If the assistant cannot answer your questions then either don’t buy them or ask the assistant to find out for you. Don't be afraid to do that - it is your right as a consumer!
   
   
7. Try to buy from a reputable source. If you are not sure then either don’t buy it or buy one of the cheap oils like lavender and see what you think of the quality.
   
   
8. Ask how old they are (or at least how long they have been sitting there). Most essential oils have a shelf life of 2 years except citrus oils, which only have a shelf life of 6-9 months and Patchouli, which just lasts forever. Essential oils do 'go off'. They will go cloudy and will smell slightly rancid if this has happened.
   
   
9. Shop around. Compare quality and prices. If you see an expensive oil at a knockdown price, do not think that you are getting a really good deal. I would always prefer to pay the extra if I can be sure that I am getting the real thing.
   
   

There is no art to buying essential oils. Let your senses guide you.

Once you have bought your oils, store them in a dark, cool place. Remember that Essential oils are flammable and must be treated as such. Keep out of reach of children.