Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, test a small amount of diluted oil on your skin before full application. Some oils, like cinnamon or clove, can be irritating.

Allergies: Be sure to avoid any oils that you may be allergic to.

Pregnancy and Health Conditions: Consult with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any health conditions before using essential oils. Alive Oils Blends in the Pregnancy Range use only GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) oils.

Quality Matters: Alive Oils sources high-quality, 100%  pure essential oils from various reputable Wholesale Suppliers. Wherever possible we prioritise organic oils.
Alive Oils does not stock synthetic fragrances, as they are not pure and do not provide therapeutic benefits.

Usage Methods:
Decide how you prefer to use the oils:
       Diffusion: For general ambiance and mood enhancement.
       Topical Application: For targeted relief (always dilute with a carrier oil).
       Bath: Alive Oils does not recommend using Essential Oils in the bath unless highly diluted and not a ‘Hot’ Oil like Cinnamon.
                 They are not targeted at the problem areas.
                 They can burn the delicate areas of your body.
        Ingestion: Alive Oils does not recommend ingestion of Essential Oils.
                  Stomach Acids degrade the Oils.
                   Edible food plant Essential Oils are also too concentrated to be ingested safely without very strong dilution.

Safety and Sensitivities
Skin Sensitivity: If you plan to apply the oil topically, be aware of any skin sensitivities or allergies. Conduct a patch test first.
Health Conditions: Consult with a healthcare provider if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant, or are nursing, as some oils may not be safe for certain groups.
Avoid Certain Oils: Some essential oils can cause adverse reactions or should be avoided in specific situations (e.g. Hot Oils like Cinnamon oil may irritate the skin and should be diluted to 2,5%).

Formulation and Dilution of Pure Essential Oils from Alive Oils
Dilution: If using topically, ensure you know the appropriate 5% dilution ratios with complementary Carrier Oils to prevent skin irritation.
Alive Oils considers the Therapeutic Benefits of the Carrier Oils

Blends vs. Single Oils:
Decide whether you want a single Essential Oil for a specific purpose or a Therapeutic Blend that combines multiple oils for synergistic therapeutic effects.

Usage Methods
Diffusion: If you plan to use the oil in a diffuser, make sure it’s a Pure Essential Oils and is suited for that purpose.            
Topical Application: Ensure it is safe for skin application and diluted to 5% if you intend to use it this way.
Inhalation: Some oils can be inhaled directly, while others may require dilution or should not be inhaled at all.

Regulatory Standards
Certifications: Alive Oils only purchases oils that meet industry standards and certifications, such as organic or therapeutic-grade from Verified Bulk Suppliers.

Storage
Store oils in a cool, dark place to prolong their potency.

Cost
Higher quality Oils are more expensive, be very wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate lower quality or diluted products.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting Essential Oils that best suit your needs and preferences while ensuring Safety and Effectiveness.

How do I determine the quality of an essential oil?
Determining the quality of an Essential Oil is crucial for ensuring that you are using a product that is pure, effective, and safe.
Here are several key factors to consider when assessing the quality of Essential Oils:

Labelling and Transparency
100% Pure: All Alive Oils Single Oils are 100% Pure. We avoid products that contain fillers, synthetic fragrances, or additives.
Botanical Name: The label always includes the botanical name (scientific name) of the plant from which the oil is derived. This provides clarity on the exact species used.

Extraction Methods
Distillation Process: Common methods include steam distillation and cold pressing. The extraction method can influence the oil’s purity and chemical composition.
Alive Oils Absolutely Avoids Solvent Extraction: Oils extracted using solvents may contain chemical residues, making them less desirable.

Quality Certifications
Third-Party Testing: Look for essential oils that have been tested by independent laboratories for purity and potency.
Organic Certification: Oils that are certified organic are less likely to contain pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
Therapeutic-Grade: While this term is not regulated, some Suppliers offer therapeutic-grade oils, indicating a higher standard of quality.
Alive Oils sources Oils in Bulk from reputable Wholesalers who test every Batch received.

Packaging
Dark Glass Bottles: Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt) to protect them from light, which can degrade their quality over time.
Proper Sealing: Ensure that the bottle is properly sealed to prevent contamination or evaporation.
Alive Oils complies to these standards.

Fragrance and Appearance
Aroma: High-quality Essential Oils should have a strong, pleasant, and characteristic aroma. If the scent is weak or off-putting, it may indicate lower quality.
Colour and Clarity: Some oils may vary in colour depending on the plant source, but they should generally be clear. Cloudiness can indicate contamination or poor quality.
Alive Oils complies to these standards.

Price Point
Cost vs. Quality: While high price does not always guarantee quality, extremely low-priced oils may be diluted or synthetic. Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
Alive Oils is meticulous in complying to these standards.

Chemical Composition
GC/MS Testing: Some companies provide Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) reports, which analyse the chemical composition of the Essential Oil.
This can confirm the presence of key compounds and ensure it matches the expected profile for that oil.
Alive Oils only uses Wholesale Suppliers who comply to these standards.

Availability of Information
Educational Resources: Quality brands often provide educational materials about the benefits, uses, and safety of their Oils, helping you make informed decisions.
Alive Oils complies to these standards.

Personal Experience
Test and Observe: After purchasing an Essential Oil, observe its effects on you.
High-quality oils will typically yield better results in terms of aromatherapy benefits, therapeutic effects, and overall satisfaction.
By carefully considering these factors, you can better assess the quality of essential oils and choose products that are safe and effective for your needs.
Alive Oils welcomes feedback and testimonials from satisfied clients which are at aliveoils.co.za/Testimonials.