What does the FDA say about essential oils?

Author: Lavada Jerde  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Generally, the oils are not regulated by the FDA. The key factor that determines FDA regulation is whether the product is considered or advertised as a cosmetic or a drug. FDA does not generally need to pre-approve cosmetic products or ingredients.

Are any essential oils FDA approved?

§§ 331(d), 355(a)]. FDA approves a new drug based on scientific data and information demonstrating that the drug is safe and effective. No FDA-approved application is in effect for any of these "Essential Oil", "Vitality", “Ningxia”, or "Nature's Ultra CBD" products.

What is the 30/50/20 rule for essential oils?

When it comes to blending essential oils by note it is a good idea to follow the 30/50/20 rule. This makes it easier to find the right balance between the oils used in your blend, with 30% being top note, 50% middle note and 20% base note.

What to avoid when buying essential oils?

Avoid buying oils from retailers/suppliers that don't provide the essential oil's botanical name (Latin name), country of origin or method of extraction.

Are there regulations for essential oils?

Currently, no U.S. regulatory agency certifies or approves essential oils for their quality and purity. Manufacturers use many marketing terms, such as “therapeutic grade” or “pure” to sell products. However, those terms do not reflect the product's quality.

The FDA, Essential Oils, and Labels: What You Need To Know

Is Doterra lavender approved by the FDA?

dōTERRA products are not FDA-approved because they are not drugs. They are dietary supplements and cosmetics, and there is not an FDA approval process for those types of products.

How can you tell if an essential oil is high quality?

But even the experts still use the following three tips to ensure quality:
  1. Check the bottle. A quality supplier will sell their essential oils in a tightly sealed dark (usually amber) glass bottle. ...
  2. Read the label. It should clearly state the common and the Latin name of the plant used to make the oil. ...
  3. Verify the source.

What to watch out for when buying essential oils?

Some important considerations
  • Is the Latin name of the plant provided so that you are sure you are getting the right essential oil? ...
  • Is the name of the country in which the plants were grown provided? ...
  • Is there a statement about purity? ...
  • Is the cost comparable in comparison with other brands of the same essential oil?

Why don t doctors prescribe essential oils?

Aromatherapy is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of any medical condition. This is one reason why many clinicians are reluctant to use aromatherapy in their practice. They also say there's not sufficient evidence to show that it works – nor do most have any training in aromatherapy.

What is the safest essential oil to diffuse?

Essential oils to be diffused pure
  • Bergamot.
  • Asian rosewood.
  • Roman chamomile.
  • Cardamom.
  • Lemon.
  • Java Lemongrass.
  • Elemi.
  • Frankincense.

What is frankincense used for?

Frankincense oil seems to kill some types of bacteria and fungi (yeasts). It is commonly used as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. People use frankincense for aging skin, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

What essential oils should not be mixed together?

Which Essential Oils Should Not Be Mixed?
  • Peppermint and Eucalyptus.
  • Lemon and Lavender.
  • Clove and Thyme.

How many drops of essential oil in 1oz of carrier oil?

This means using 10-18 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Aromatic bath – Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a teaspoon of carrier oil and pour into a bath. Be aware that some oils are strong, and that just because they smell good doesn't mean they are great for the bathtub.

Is frankincense FDA approved?

The FDA hasn't approved Indian frankincense as a drug for any disease. If you want to use it, be sure to talk to your doctor first. That's especially important if you take other medications. Even natural remedies can have dangerous interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Is there any truth to essential oils?

Although people claim essential oils are natural remedies for a number of ailments, there's not enough research to determine their effectiveness in human health.

What happened to Nature's Ultra?

Young Living Acquires Nature's Ultra

Lehi, Utah – July 18, 2019 – Young Living Essential Oils, the world leader in essential oils, announced today its acquisition of Nature's Ultra.

What are the negative effects of essential oils?

For example, a 2022 study of 200 individuals demonstrated the negative association between the use of essential oils and cardiopulmonary health. Study participants who inhaled essential oils one hour or more each day had increased heart rate and blood pressure and a decreased lung function rate.

Why do dermatologists not like essential oils?

Some common reactions to essential oils include contact dermatitis, dryness, redness, and itchiness. Common irritants found in these oils include fragrance ingredients like limonene, citronellol, eugenol, and linalool, all present in many fragrant plant oils. The positives just don't outweigh the negatives.

Are there FDA approved essential oils?

Because the FDA does not regulate essential oils, there is no such thing as a list of FDA-approved essential oils. The FDA regulates cosmetics and drugs, so unless an essential oil is added to a cosmetic product or used in the creation of a medication, it will not fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA.

Is diffusing essential oils safe for your lungs?

You can use pure essential oils with most diffusers on the market. But some oil diffusers use special cartridges or scents instead of essential oils. Using these types of diffusers can be bad for your lungs because the fragrances often contain harmful chemicals and perfumes.

How can you tell if an essential oil is 100% pure?

Read the label carefully

Ideally, the label should say that it's a 100% pure essential oil.

Is Pura D or essential oil safe?

Essential oils must be pure extracts from the plants to experience its full therapeutic effect. PURA D'OR makes sure that we are providing nothing but pure and high quality essential oils for potency while ensuring your safety.

What is the most sought after essential oil?

Derived from ethically and sustainably sourced plants, these represent the most popular essential oils from around the globe.
  • LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL. ...
  • PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL. ...
  • ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL. ...
  • CHILL PILL ESSENTIAL OIL. ...
  • TANGERINE ESSENTIAL OIL.

What is the shelf life of most essential oils?

Some oils like Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Vetiver can last 6–8 years. Here are some timelines for popular essential oils: 1–2 years: Lemon, Lime, and Tangerine. 2–3 years: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Copaiba, Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lemongrass, Melissa, Rosemary, Spearmint, and Tea Tree.

What essential oils repel mice?

Essential oils that may be helpful in repelling rats and mice include peppermint oil, lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil. You can make an essential oil spray by mixing 2 teaspoons of oil with 1 cup of water or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Then spray it anywhere you see traces of rodents.

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