Validation of the naturalness of essential oils

Validating the naturalness of essential oils confirms that an oil is 100% natural, pure and unadulterated , meaning that it has not undergone any chemical modification or addition of synthetic compounds .
This analysis is crucial to ensure the traceability, quality and regulatory compliance of essential oils used in the aromatherapy, cosmetic, nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic .

It relies on high-precision chromatographic methods, including gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) . These techniques make it possible to obtain a complete chemical profile of the oil , which is then compared to bibliographic references and natural standards .

Principle and method of analysis

The analysis is based on the separation and identification of the volatile molecules characteristic of each essential oil (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, esters, aldehydes, phenols, etc.).

1. GC-FID (Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionization Detector) : allows the precise quantification of volatile constituents, ensuring optimal reproducibility.
2. GC-MS (Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry) : identifies each compound using its mass spectrum, facilitating the detection of possible adulterations (addition of synthetic molecules or foreign oils).
3. Comparison of the chromatographic profile : the results are compared with reference databases (NIST, Adams, ISO 11024 libraries, etc.) to determine the conformity of the profile.

This approach allows the detection of subtle alterations such as:

• the addition of solvents or synthetic compounds,
• artificial rectification or reconstitution,
• the mixture of oils from different origins,
• or even the modification of the natural ratio between isomers.

Industrial applications

Naturalness validation is essential for many stakeholders:

• Producers and distillers of essential oils : quality control at the distillation exit and batch traceability.
• Manufacturers of food supplements and nutraceutical products : verification of compliance with European regulations and organic specifications.
• Cosmetic and perfume laboratories : authentication of natural oils used in formulations.
• Distributors and importers : guarantee of natural origin and fraud detection.

This analysis also helps to secure supply chains and avoid non-conformities linked to the ISO 9235 standard , which defines the criteria for the naturalness of aromatic products.

To go further, YesWeLab recommends completing this study with:

• the analysis of purity and composition of essential oils ,
• verification of botanical and geographical origin by DNA ,
• and analysis of contaminants (pesticides, residual solvents) .

Analytical interest and complementarity

Validation of naturalness is part of a comprehensive approach to controlling the authenticity and conformity of natural extracts.
It can be combined with other tests for a complete characterization of the product:

• Determination of the chemotype for the identification of the majority composition,
• Dosage of aromatic compounds,
• Isotopic analysis (IRMS) for verification of natural origin,
• Light and heat stability control to assess the conservation of oils.

These additional analyses make it possible to guarantee complete traceability of the product , from the raw material to marketing.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab works with a network of ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC accredited laboratories , specialized in chromatographic, isotopic and DNA analyses for the verification of the authenticity of essential oils.
Our experts assist you in the choice of methods and comparison with reference profiles adapted to your botanical and geographical origin.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can order, track and manage all of your analyses with ease.
Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting essential oil manufacturers, cosmetic laboratories and nutraceutical players in securing and promoting their natural products .

For any specific requests or quotes, contact our scientific team today.