How to Buy Affordable, High Quality Essential Oils (Even with Tariffs Raising Prices)

As the cost of everyday essentials continues to rise, many aromatherapy lovers are feeling the pinch — especially with new tariffs affecting imported goods. If you've noticed that your favorite essential oils are more expensive lately, you're not alone. Recent tariff hikes under the Trump administration have increased the cost of raw materials and imports from major essential oil-producing countries like China and India. But don’t worry — affordable, authentic oils are still within reach. You just need to know what to look for.

This guide will walk you through how to shop smart for essential oils, spot the fakes, and ensure quality without overpaying.

🧾 Why Are Essential Oils More Expensive Right Now?

In early 2025, new tariffs were reintroduced on a wide range of imported goods, including agricultural and plant-based products. This has affected many essential oils, especially those sourced from Asia, like ginger, citronella, cassia, and tea tree oil.

Increased shipping and production costs are also being passed down to consumers. That doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality — but it does mean you should become a more informed buyer.

✅ 6 Ways to Know You’re Buying Real, High-Quality Essential Oils

Whether you're new to aromatherapy or a seasoned user, knowing how to identify legitimate oils is key. Here’s what to look for:

1. The Oil Should List the Botanical (Latin) Name

A reputable essential oil label should include both the common name and the botanical name — for example:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This helps you distinguish between similar oils with different therapeutic effects. If there’s no Latin name, consider it a red flag.

2. Every Batch Should Have GC/MS Testing Reports

The gold standard of essential oil purity is Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) testing. This report shows you the chemical breakdown of the oil, proving that:

• It’s pure

• It’s not adulterated or diluted

• It contains the correct chemotypes

If a company won’t provide this report, or only offers it for select oils, be cautious.

3. Transparency on Country of Origin

Ethical sellers list where their oils are grown and harvested. Look for country of origin, harvest date, and distillation method. Quality can vary by region, so this information matters.

4. The Price Should Reflect the Oil’s Rarity — But Not Be Too Good to Be True

Essential oils vary widely in price depending on how they’re made. For example:

• Rose (Rosa damascena) is labor-intensive and costly

• Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is plentiful and cheap

🚩 If you see rose oil for $10 or sandalwood for $8, it’s likely diluted, synthetic, or completely fake.

5. It Should Be Packaged in Dark Glass

Essential oils degrade in sunlight. Reputable sellers package their oils in amber or cobalt glass bottles — never clear or plastic.

6. Sellers Shouldn’t Make Medical Claims

Watch out for companies that say their oils “cure cancer” or “replace prescription medications.” Not only is this illegal , it’s a red flag for MLMs or shady sellers.

⚠️ How to Spot Fake or Adulterated Oils

Unfortunately, essential oil fraud is more common than people realize. Here's how to avoid wasting your money: