Cheap EO price, cheap EO quality

[cassia]

Hi, I have been a "member" here for a couple of years but rarely drop by or comment.
I bought some EOs recently, inexpensive enough, pretty packaging fooled me, I guess. I bought sandalwood, patchouli, and bergamot.
The bergamot smells fine. The other two smell like they had petroleum added! As I did some research on EOs I read that sandalwood oils can change over time, or that there are several different types of sandalwood so there will be variations on the smell.
Pretty sure I will not use the sandalwood and patchouli for anything. There might be some hope for the bergamot.

 

[CaraBou]

Where did you get them? Patchouli is on the upper end of my budget, but it has been relatively consistent for me across vendors, and it goes a long way. I've never bought sandalwood; it's way too rich for my blood.

I got lucky once and bought a no-name brand lavender EO from a non-traditional source (maybe through Etsy?). It was the best I've ever smelled, and it worked wonderfully in soap. But I never found it again. Boo hoo!

 

[Vicki C]

How much was the sandalwood? Real sandalwood is very expensive. Years ago I bought “sandalwood” on eBay I think and it smelled like cheap aftershave.

 

[lsg]

I have learned from experience that it doesn't pay to buy cheap EOs or FOs. Go with a well known supplier. I only use Sandalwood FO. Sandalwood essential oil is too pricey.