The term "therapeutic grade" is a widely used marketing term in the essential oil industry, but it's important to understand that it is not officially regulated or defined by any governmental body or independent third-party organization in the United States or globally.
Here's a breakdown of what "therapeutic grade" typically implies to companies using it, and why its lack of regulation is a concern:
What "Therapeutic Grade" is Generally Intended to Mean (by companies using the term):
When essential oil companies use "therapeutic grade" (or similar terms like "medicinal grade," "aromatherapy grade," "pure therapeutic grade," etc.), they generally aim to convey that their oils are:
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100% Pure: Free from synthetic additives, fillers, carrier oils, or other essential oils.
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Unadulterated: Not chemically modified or "rectified" (where certain components are removed or added).
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From the Correct Botanical Species: Derived from the specific plant identified (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia for true lavender).
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Properly Extracted: Produced using appropriate methods like steam distillation or cold pressing, which preserve the delicate chemical compounds.
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Chemically Balanced: Contains the optimal balance of natural chemical constituents expected for that specific essential oil, leading to desired therapeutic effects.
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Rigorously Tested: Subjected to thorough quality control measures, often including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) testing, to verify purity and composition.
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Sourced Ethically and Sustainably: Implies attention to the entire supply chain, from cultivation to bottling, though this isn't always explicitly covered by the "grade" itself.
Companies use this term to distinguish their products from lower-quality essential oils found in the market, such as fragrance oils (which are often synthetic), diluted oils, or oils derived from poor plant material.
Is it Regulated? No.
As mentioned, no U.S. governmental agency (like the FDA) or international body regulates or certifies essential oils as "therapeutic grade."
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FDA's Role: In the U.S., the FDA regulates essential oils either as cosmetics (if intended for topical application for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance) or as drugs (if intended for therapeutic use, such as treating or preventing disease, or affecting the structure/function of the body). However, they do not have a grading system for essential oil quality. If an essential oil company makes claims about treating specific diseases, the FDA may consider it an unapproved drug.
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Marketing Term: "Therapeutic grade" is primarily a marketing and branding term coined by essential oil companies themselves. Some companies, particularly multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, have even trademarked their own versions of the term (e.g., "Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade" or CPTG), which can create the misleading impression of an independent certification.
What to Look for Instead of "Therapeutic Grade":
Since "therapeutic grade" lacks official meaning, consumers should look for other, more concrete indicators of essential oil quality:
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Botanical Name: The label should clearly list the full botanical (Latin) name of the plant (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia) to ensure you're getting the correct species.
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Country of Origin: Knowing where the plant was grown can give clues about its expected chemical profile.
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Extraction Method: Specify "steam distilled" or "cold-pressed" (for citrus oils).
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Purity Statement: Clearly state "100% pure essential oil" and avoid terms like "fragrance oil," "perfume oil," or "natural identical oil."
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GC-MS Test Reports: Reputable companies provide batch-specific GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) reports from independent third-party laboratories. This is the gold standard for verifying the oil's purity, authenticity, and chemical composition. Look for companies that make these reports readily available on their website or upon request.
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Company Transparency: A company committed to quality will be transparent about its sourcing, cultivation practices (organic, wildcrafted), distillation methods, and quality control procedures.
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Packaging: Essential oils should always be sold in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt blue) to protect them from light degradation.
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Price: While not a guarantee, genuinely high-quality essential oils, especially those from lower-yielding plants like true lavender, will generally not be very cheap.
In conclusion, while the intent behind "therapeutic grade" is often to signify high quality, the term itself is unregulated. Consumers should rely on independent testing, transparency from the brand, and a thorough understanding of essential oil chemistry to ensure they are purchasing a pure and effective product.
The Lavender Farm in Door County Wisconsin focuses on producing high-quality lavender products, and when you buy lavender products online at islandlavender.com, you can inquire about their specific quality assurance practices and testing to understand what makes their oil suitable for various applications.