Need help on fregrance issue

[Aynoor]

Dear all,
I am confused with essential oil prices. In amazon 50 ml bergamot essential oil is 4,95 euros, but a Malaysian company sells 50 ml bergamot oil for 68 yrm, which is 16 euros. Now I wish someone could explain me the difference and advice me what to do with it.
Sharing any experience would be very helpful as well.

Thank you!

 

[Susie]

Welcome to the widely varying price of EOs. We all have the same issues. I have to write down the company name with the price and how much the shipping is every time I want to order some. If I am ordering multiple EOs, I make a chart.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

I have a spreadsheet with each ingredient and supplier so I can see where I get the best deals.

 

[Susie]

I order so little that the prices and shipping are all changed from one order to the next. So what I tend to do is just order about a year's worth to avoid the whole, "What is the best deal?" issue.

 

[dixiedragon]

Make sure you are getting 100% essential oil. I run across things that are labeled "lavender oil" (for example) and are lavender EO mixed with sweet almond oil, or alcohol.

 

[DeeAnna]

Another thing to remember is not all EOs are made equal. Some people are selling EOs diluted with carrier oils. Others are selling blends of cheaper EOs that duplicate the scent of an expensive pure EO (rose otto, helichrysum, and sandalwood come to mind). Others just charge more for the exact same product.

I don't shop just on price -- I also consider the reputation of the seller and what I plan to do with a particular EO. If I'm using it mainly for scent, I'm picky, but not too picky. If I'm using the EO for therapeutic reasons, I am very particular about who I buy from.

 

[JustBeachy]

I have a spreadsheet with each ingredient and supplier so I can see where I get the best deals.

Emphatically second this statement. I run a spreadsheet on everything I buy, split into Oils, Additives, Scents. Track product cost, shipping costs/times, and how I like the product.

When I'm out of something, it makes it real easy to decide who I need to place the order with.

 

[DeeAnna]

I also include the results of my personal scent tests, the IRFA max dosages for lotion and soap, the seller's recommendations for dosing, whether reviewers say the FO discolors or accelerates, what batches I've used the product in, etc.

 

[CrafterAl]

As already suggested, essential oils vary.

The source of the plant material varies. The manufacturing processes vary. The people involved in the processes are different. The packaging varies. As suggested, the oils may be diluted. The companies selling the oils may differ in pricing strategies. The marketing is different. And so forth...

Consider looking at a very few suppliers and place some orders.

Rarely do you need the most expensive oils for soap making.

The cheapest priced product may not be what you want either.

I often am looking more for a reliable supplier that just cheap prices.

Once I find a good supplier and a product I like, I can just keep going back to the same source. That makes for less stress and less time spent. It often gets me a consistent product, both batch to batch and over time.

 

[SplendorSoaps]

I have a spreadsheet with each ingredient and supplier so I can see where I get the best deals.

Exactly. I also have a running spreadsheet of costs per ounce by vendor. It's mind boggling how much the EO and FO prices vary, even among reputable sources.

Just a word of caution...As others mentioned, it's a good idea to make sure that what you're getting is 100% essential oil without dilution, or other oils/additives being included. Some EOs are labeled as "therapeutic grade", which isn't a regulated term, and is widely open to interpretation. It's basically like when a food product says that it's "natural." It's a selling point, but doesn't really tell the consumer anything substantially useful IMO.

 

[Cindy2428]

Aynoor I would suggest a simple test after you buy your EO's - especially from a new vendor. You can use blotting paper, but I just use white copy paper. Place a drop onto the paper and leave it sit 24 hrs. There should not be any visible ring on the paper once it's dry. This would indicate doctoring of the oils. Also some of the more expensive oils and absolutes are sold in dilutions of carrier oils to keep costs down. Reputable companies list this information up front. I also maintain spreadsheets. EO's for me contribute to the highest expense in my soap and I do what DeeAnna does - note results with each recipe and monitor my "control" bar(s) at least monthly. I'm still new to soaping so I may be going overboard in my notetaking, but I just consider it as extra time in the lab.