Why aren t essential oils FDA approved?

Author: Jovany Harber DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, May 22, 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.

Why aren't essential oils regulated?

- It is ultimately up to consumers to research and understand the products they are using, including their benefits and potential risks. In summary, the lack of FDA certification for essential oils is due to their classification and the regulatory framework governing cosmetics and dietary supplements.

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.

Are essential oils scientifically proven?

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.

Why are essential oils controversial?

These reasons include public misunderstanding of essential oil safety, misleading marketing and advertising of essential oils, and the use of synthetic fragrances and adulteration processes in the production of essential oils.

Why aren’t essential oils accepted by the FDA?

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.

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 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.

Is doTERRA legit?

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the FTC, won lawsuits against three doTerra distributors for making claims that the company's essential oils and dietary supplements could treat, prevent, or cure COVID-19, in violation of the FTC Act and the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act.

Are essential oils hormone disruptors?

Endocrine Disrupting Activities

In addition, these chemicals are known to interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, transport, and degradation [28]. In previous reports, essential oils have been determined to act as an EDC [16-18].

What is the problem with essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated, so inhaling them directly can irritate the respiratory tract. This may lead to symptoms such as coughing, nose and throat irritation or shortness of breath.

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 it okay to put essential oils in your nose?

DON'T Just Rub Them Anywhere. Oils that are fine on your arms and legs may not be safe to put inside your mouth, nose, eyes, or private parts.

Why is now essential oil so cheap?

Your essential oils cost less than other brands, how can you offer such low prices? At NOW® we've established long-standing relations with our essential oil vendors, and we purchase our oils in large quantities that qualify for bulk discounts, which we then pass on to consumers in the form of everyday low pricing.

What are the most allergenic essential oils?

It's important to monitor your body's response each time you try new oils. A few oils that are more likely to cause an allergic reaction include: Citrus-based oils (lemon, lime, orange or bergamot) Clove.

How long do essential oils stay in your bloodstream?

The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the type of essential oil, the method of application, and individual metabolism. In general, essential oils can stay in your bloodstream for up to 24 hours.

Is doTERRA a Mormon company?

While many dōTERRA employees are members of various faiths, the company is not affiliated with any religious organization, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Why is dōTERRA so expensive? dōTERRA's premium pricing is a reflection of our unparalleled commitment to quality and ethical sourcing.

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.

Why is doTERRA suing Revive in the USA?

Revive Essential Oils has overstepped legal boundaries into unfair competition by marketing that its oils have the same quality as dōTERRA oils and implying that its oils are sourced from dōTERRA sources. Due to Revive's actions, dōTERRA has filed a lawsuit against Revive Essential Oils.”

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.

Which essential oil is best for anti-aging?

Examples of essential oils that are effective in anti-aging are Frankincense, Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Sandalwood, Citrus, Carrot seed, Ylang Ylang, and Rosemary.

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?

What are the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in humans?

What are the symptoms of toxicity?
  • drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, coma (after large ingestion)
  • seizures.
  • persistent cough, gagging/choking, shortness of breath, wheezing.
  • nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
  • skin irritation (skin exposure)
  • eye redness, irritation or pain (eye exposures).

What essential oils should not be mixed together?

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

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.

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