USDA Certified Organic Essential Oils are often seen as the gold standard for purity and safety, but are they truly better for your health? With the rising demand for organic products, many consumers are willing to pay a premium, believing it guarantees pesticide-free purity. However, the "organic" label doesn’t always mean what you think. The debate over organic essential oils vs non-organic often stirs questions about their benefits, effectiveness, and actual impact on wellness. Are organic oils worth the higher price tag, or are they simply a marketing trend?  

Before making your own conclusion, it’s important to dig deeper into the facts. While the benefits of organic essential oils are often highlighted, non-organic essential oils, when sourced responsibly, can offer comparable quality at a lower cost. This blog explores the reality behind the organic label and whether it truly delivers on its promise to protect your health and the environment.

What Is The Difference Between Organic and Pure Essential Oils

The debate over organic essential oils often comes down to personal priorities and values. Some people gravitate toward the best organic essential oils brands, drawn by the promise of sustainable farming practices and reduced pesticide exposure. On the other hand, others prefer non-organic options for their affordability and comparable quality, especially when responsibly sourced. 

Understanding organic essential oils' pros and cons is key to making an informed choice.

Organic Pesticides

Going organic means ensuring your products are free of pesticides, which may cause health risks. Or does it? The American College of Healthcare Sciences has found that essential oils may still contain toxic pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides even if they are certified organic.[1] 

In many cases, organic farms still use pesticides that originate from natural sources and are approved by USDA Certified Organic Standards.[2] Despite their natural nature, these pesticides may pose health risks.[3] 

Essential oil chemist, Brett Harris, prefers non-organic essential oils for this reason "with the occasional exception where you are sure no pesticides were used." He also notes that the cost discrepancy between pure essential oils vs organic oils is simply too great. This begs the question, are organic essential oils worth it?

Certified Organic

In the aromatherapy industry, pesticide-free essential oils that are not certified organic are prevalent. According to Essential Oil University chemist Tanner Wortham, organic farming resources that are needed to meet organic standards are not always readily available in third-world countries where many essential oils are sourced. 

Furthermore, while many farmers living in third-world countries choose to farm without the use of pesticides, their products may not be considered organic because of the costs associated with organic certification. 

Pesticides in Essential Oil Distillation

What makes essential oils organic often comes down to the farming and production practices used, including the avoidance of synthetic pesticides. However, even organic crops can be exposed to naturally derived or neighboring pesticide contamination. As Wortham explains, “Another factor that comes into play during the distillation process is the solubility of the pesticide that is being used.” 

During distillation, oil-soluble pesticides may homogenize with the essential oil, while water-soluble ones blend with the hydrosol. Some pesticides, depending on their volatility, may even evaporate during the process, especially if applied long before harvest. 

Understanding these nuances is crucial when learning how to choose essential oils, whether organic or non-organic. Non-organic essential oil pesticides, while often a concern, may not always remain in the final product, underscoring the importance of sourcing oils from reputable producers.

Does It Matter If Essential Oils Are Organic?

Aromatherapist Robert Tisserand notes that non-organic essential oil quality can often rival that of organic oils due to the insignificant amount of pesticides found in non-organic options.[4] 

At Edens Garden, we value both sides of the debate. While we recognize the role of organic farming essential oils in promoting sustainability and eco-conscious practices, we’ve also found that non-organic essential oils can meet high standards of purity and safety. Through extensive testing, analysis by essential oil chemists, and careful vetting of farms and distillers, we ensure that our oils are free of harmful chemicals, synthetic pesticides, adulterants, and fillers—offering nature’s best without the premium price tag.  

What Are The Best Brands for Essential Oils?

The discussion of sustainability and essential oils is important, but so is the quality and transparency of sourcing. Whether you choose organic or non-organic essential oils, understanding their origins and production processes empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your values. At the end of the day, what matters most is the trustworthiness of your essential oil provider.

SOURCES:

1. Behind The Scenes: Sourcing High-Quality Essential Oils. https://achs.edu/blog/2020/11/17/sourcing-quality-essential-oils/
2. Mythbusting 101: Organic Farming > Conventional Agriculture. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/science-sushi/httpblogsscientificamericancomscience-sushi20110718mythbusting-101-organic-farming-conventional-agriculture/
3. Rotenone Use in Organic Farming. https://hygeia-analytics.com/2017/01/04/rotenone-use-in-organic-farming/
4. Clearing Up Essential Oil Concerns: Q&A With Robert Tisserand. https://web.archive.org/web/20171109102821/http://wegotreal.com/essential-oil-concerns-robert-tisserand/