Aura Cacia FAQs

So, as an example, E020U would be a product manufactured on January 20th, 2024.  

Q: Why are some products in 1/8-ounce bottles? 

A: Some of our essential oils, such as Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum, Jasmine Absolute, and Rose Absolute, are sold as 1/8 fl. oz. Since we don't offer bottles smaller than 1/4 fl. oz, the bottle will appear halfway full. This is normal because the bottles are filled by volume.  

Q: Vetiver/Thicker viscosity 

Q: Why does it take a while for drops to release from the bottle with some of my essential oils? 

A: Aura Cacia offers some oils with a denser viscosity, like Vetiver and Myrrh. Denser oils have a slightly larger orifice to help dispense the oil. It is helpful to warm the bottle of oil in your hands or in a small container of warm-to-hot water (not boiling) for a few minutes. Make sure the water does not cover the lid to prevent the oil from being contaminated. Shake the bottle, and the oil should be warmed enough for dispensing.   

Q: Is there a difference between organic and non-organic oils?  

A: Certified organic oils come from plants that are cultivated, harvested, and distilled in accordance with certified organic regulations. Certified organic growers must always consider sustainability as part of the certification process, and supporting organic farmers is a way for the consumer to commit to the health and sustainability of our planet.   

Q: Is there a difference between an organic oil and “natural” oil? 

A: Yes. The terms "natural" and "organic" are not interchangeable. While the term "natural" suggests that products have been minimally processed or are free from synthetic ingredients, no federal regulations must be complied with to label a botanical product "natural." our products are not treated with irradiation or chemicals, such as ethylene oxide (ETO), and there are a number of other ingredients and processes that we do not allow for our products — but the government does not regulate these. On the other hand, products labeled "organic" must be certified to meet the government's strict organic standards by a USDA-accredited third-party certifier.  

Q: What is an absolute?  

A: Absolutes are not true essential oils, but they are aromatic and volatile, often used in aromatherapy and perfumery. The most popular aromatherapy absolutes are jasmine and rose. Absolutes are produced through solvent extraction using "the concrete," a thick, fragrant material extracted from the plant with a hydrocarbon solvent, like hexane. “The concrete” contains volatile compounds, fatty acids, and waxes. The solvent/alcohol used washes away the solid waxy material, capturing only the remaining volatile compounds. Afterwards, the solvent/alcohol is removed through vacuum distillation.  

This extraction method is used either for delicate flowers that are susceptible to damage/distortion from heat distillation or plants with essential oil content so low that distillation would be impractical.  

Q: Is separation in avocado oil a sign of a quality problem? 

A: No, haziness in avocado oil is inconsequential and indicates a natural, unrefined oil with all the beneficial constituents. As with any skin care oil, some cloudiness may develop when exposed to cold temperatures. Cloudiness is not an indication of poor quality, age, or rancidity.   

Quality problems are indicated by an off aroma and elevated peroxide value.   

We check all Aura Cacia skin care oils for acceptable peroxide levels before bottling them and seal them with an induction seal to maintain freshness.  

Q: Does Aura Cacia distill its own essential oils?  

A: We can distill oils for research purposes, but we are not equipped to consistently meet the quantity or quality requirements for Aura Cacia oils by solely distilling them ourselves. Our products come from various locations around the world, and to obtain the highest yield from the plants, we rely on strategic partners to distill materials in their respective countries.  

Q: Approximately how many drops are in 1/8-ounce, 1/2-ounce, 2-ounce and 4-ounce bottles of essential oil?  

A: While the number of drops varies according to the consistency of the oil, the average drops per bottle for the sizes in question are about 72 drops, 288 drops, 1,152 drops, and 2,304 drops, from smallest to largest.  

Q: What is rose otto?  

A: Rose otto is the steam or water-distilled essential oil of the fresh petals of the damask rose (Rosa damascena). It is considered the finest rose oil in the world (and is also the most expensive). Also known as attar of rose, rose otto has an intensely warm, rich, profoundly rosy scent.  

Q: Where do your essential oils come from?  

A: Some essential oils, such as peppermint, spearmint, Texas cedarwood, and citrus oils, are commercially produced in the U.S. however, most are produced in other parts of the world, where the specific plants thrive.  

Q: Why do some peppermints smell different than others?  

A: Aura Cacia sells both the complete natural peppermint essential oil and a redistilled peppermint oil. Both are suitable for aromatherapy use. The redistilled oil is distilled twice to achieve a sweeter minty aroma that is considered more candy-cane like. The complete peppermint oil has a more nuanced minty aroma. Some peppermint oils on the market can be combined with cheaper mint oils, like corn mint or even synthetic menthol. Mentha x piperita is the botanical name to look for. 

Q: Is it a problem to have essential oils freeze?  

A: Because essential oils do not contain water, they will not freeze; cold temperatures can, however, cause one or more constituents to crystallize. The quality isn't affected, though sometimes the crystallized constituents may not thoroughly blend into the solution once the oil "thaws," resulting in a "cloudy" appearance. Placing the oil in a warm location or warm-water bath will eliminate the cloudiness.  

Q: How is lavandin different from lavender?  

A: Lavender oil comes from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia, also known as true lavender. Lavandin, on the other hand, is a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender. It contains a higher camphor content than lavender oil and is recognized for its soothing, sanitizing, and deodorizing properties. Lavandin is more affordable and easier to find than lavender oil and is often used as a substitute for true lavender essential oil.  

Q: Are German and Roman chamomile related?  

A: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are different plants of the same family (Asteraceae). They are also similar as essential oils but differ in one major respect: color. German chamomile oil is blue, resulting from a constituent called chamazulene produced during the distillation process. Roman chamomile has little or no chamazulene; therefore, its essential oil lacks the vivid blue color that characterizes German chamomile oil.  

Q: Why does Aura Cacia use jojoba oil in so many products?  

A: Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax rather than a true oil, and it's very similar to the sebum of the skin. Because it forms a light, non-greasy layer that does not clog the skin's pores, it's often used in all types of skin preparations. And because it isn't a fat, it doesn't go rancid, thereby helping extend the shelf life of other oils to which it's been added.  

Q: What is the difference between a fragrance oil and an essential oil?  

A: Essential oils are concentrated, volatile, aromatic components extracted from plants' leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, tops, or fruits.  

On the other hand, fragrances are a blend of natural and synthetic aroma chemicals developed in a lab to imitate an essential oil or plant's scent or create an entirely new aroma. They are used in perfumes and to add scent to products like toiletries, soaps, room fresheners, paper, tobacco products, and paints. Only pure essential oils are recommended for use in aromatherapy.  

Q: Do you test essential oils?  

A: We test every pre-shipment sample of essential oils before making a purchase. Then, after we purchase an essential oil, every shipment we receive is tested to make sure it continues to meet all quality and purity standards.  

Q: What causes photosensitivity and what oils cause it?  

A: Oils containing furocoumarins can cause skin reactions when used on skin exposed to ultraviolet light. These photosensitive reactions may range from mild redness to severe acute lesions known as bullock dermatitis. This dermatitis usually resolves itself in a few weeks, but the accompanying hyperpigmentation (brown spots on the skin) can take months or even years to disappear entirely. Bergamot, which contains the furocoumarin bergaptene, is especially likely to cause reactions. To eliminate this risk, we sell bergaptene-free bergamot (Bergamot BF). Other oils that might cause photosensitive reactions include ginger, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin orange, and tangerine.  

Q: Why doesn't Aura Cacia have health benefits on their labels?  

A: Aromatherapy products are regulated by the FDA as cosmetics and must conform to cosmetic labeling regulations. Aura Cacia labels all products in compliance with regulations to protect users. Not all companies comply with the law. That's why you may see competing products making claims or statements about the product's supposed benefits that you won't see on an Aura Cacia label.  

Q: Can you use oils in food products?  

A: Ingestion is a widely misunderstood practice. We do not recommend using essential oils internally because:  

•  Essential oils are highly concentrated, and toxicity varies with each oil.   

• There are not established dosages for safe internal usage, and there is potential for harmful effects.  

Aura Cacia 100% pure essential oils are intended for aromatherapy purposes and are labeled in compliance with FDA regulations to protect users. 

Q: Can you put undiluted oils directly on your skin?  

A: In general, it is best to avoid topical application of essential oils. Oils should only be used with a recommended dilution based on the specific needs of the individual and the intended use of the oil (typically 1-10%). Some oils, such as lavender and tea tree, can be applied directly on occasion, but dilution is generally recommended. We advise conducting a skin patch test with any oil and always exercising caution.