The Quality Question
Walk into any shop or browse online, and you'll find essential oils at wildly different price points. A bottle of lavender oil might cost £3 or £30. Why the difference? And does it matter?
The short answer: yes, it absolutely matters.
What Makes an Essential Oil "Pure"?
A truly pure essential oil contains nothing but the natural aromatic compounds extracted from the plant. No synthetic fragrances, no carrier oils, no fillers, no additives.
Here's what to look for:
1. Latin Name on the Label
A reputable brand will always list the botanical (Latin) name of the plant. For example, true lavender is Lavandula angustifolia, not just "lavender oil." Different species produce very different oils.
2. Extraction Method
The best essential oils are typically extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing (for citrus oils). If the method isn't mentioned, that's a red flag.
3. Country of Origin
Quality brands are transparent about where their plants are grown. Soil, climate and altitude all affect the oil's chemical composition and therapeutic value.
4. No "Fragrance Oil" Label
If a product is labelled "fragrance oil" or "perfume oil," it's synthetic. It may smell pleasant, but it lacks the therapeutic properties of a genuine essential oil.
5. Price Reflects Reality
Producing essential oils is resource-intensive. It takes approximately 30 pounds of lavender flowers to produce a single 15ml bottle of lavender oil. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Why Purity Matters
Synthetic or adulterated oils can cause:
- Skin irritation and allergic reactions
- Headaches from artificial fragrances
- No therapeutic benefit whatsoever
- Environmental harm from synthetic chemical production
Pure essential oils, on the other hand, offer genuine aromatherapeutic benefits that have been studied and documented for centuries.
The Lotessa Standard
Every Lotessa essential oil is:
- 100% pure — no synthetics, no fillers
- Sustainably sourced — from trusted growers who care for the land
- Batch tested — for purity and potency
- Transparently labelled — with botanical name, origin and extraction method
We believe you deserve to know exactly what you're putting on your skin and breathing into your body. No compromises, no shortcuts.
How to Test at Home
A simple purity test: place a single drop of essential oil on a piece of white paper. Let it dry completely. A pure essential oil will evaporate without leaving an oily residue. If a greasy spot remains, the oil has likely been diluted with a carrier oil.
Discover our range of pure essential oils — crafted with integrity, designed for feeling.