Different Grades of Essential Oils

Grade A

• Grade-A or therapeutic oils are extracted from organically grown and properly harvested plants. To maintain the beneficial properties, the herb must be distilled at the correct temperature, for a set length of time and at a prescribed pressure. Because of their strength these oils may be toned down with carrier oils -- sweet almond, jojoba, olive or sunflower -- when used in aromatherapy, massage or diffusing.

Grade B

• Extracted by heat or chemicals, Grade-B oils -- food or perfume grade -- may contain synthetics or extenders, such as alcohol or carrier oils. Grade-B flavors peppermint in candies or lemon extracts for baking. Also, these lower grade oils are used in household products such as pine- and orange-based cleaners.

Grade C

• A number of companies stretch essential oils for quantity and not quality. Therefore, some oils are altered, known as adulterated, to create an illusion of higher quality oils. Grade-C or perfume oils are used in industrial cleaners, fragrances designed for making candles and potpourri and, of course, perfumes. Grade-C oils have no therapeutic effects.

Floral Waters

• Floral waters or hydrosols are a byproduct of the Grade-A distillation process and are sometimes considered the fourth grade of essential oils. Popular hydrosols include rose or lavender water and orange-flower water, usually found in skin and hair products. Some floral waters contain natural fungicidal traits from the primary oil and are resistant to spoilage. Others that do not have natural anti-microbial properties are treated with preservatives, stabilizers or anti-oxidants to maintain the product for later usage. Although they are treated, these floral waters are considered natural.