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Essential Oils & Chemotypes

Updated: Sep 12, 2023

We've been asked A LOT about essential oils and chemotypes over the years, even by professionals in the industry. Let's take a closer look at this seemingly daunting concept and dispel some of the confusion.


Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and aromatic properties. These oils are extracted from various parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, bark, and roots, and contain a complex mixture of natural compounds that give them their unique properties. However, what many people don't realize is that the same plant species can produce essential oils with different chemical compositions, also known as chemotypes.


These variations occur due to a variety of factors, including geography, climate, soil conditions, and harvesting methods. Understanding essential oil chemotypes is essential for selecting the most effective oil for a particular use, as different chemotypes may have different therapeutic properties and potential side effects. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of essential oil chemotypes in a little more detail.


 

Knowing how to identify an Essential Oil's Chemotype.


The identification of an essential oil chemotype involves a detailed analysis of its chemical composition. This is typically done through a process called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).


GC-MS separates the different chemical compounds in the essential oil and provides a detailed analysis of their molecular structure and quantity. Using this information, chemists and aromatherapists can identify the primary constituents of the oil, which in turn allows them to determine its chemotype.


For example, the chemotype of lavender essential oil can be identified by analyzing the levels of its primary constituents, such as linalool, linalyl acetate, and camphor. The relative proportions of these compounds can vary depending on factors such as the location, climate, and soil conditions in which the lavender was grown.


In some cases, the chemotype of an essential oil may also be indicated by the oil's Latin name or INCI. However, it's important to note that not all essential oils are labeled with their chemotype, and in some cases, the chemotype may not be relevant to the oil's intended use. In many cases where the Latin name is not the giveaway then the Safety Data Sheet section 3 can help point the way as the dominant chemicals should be listed there.



Some examples of Essential Oils and their Chemotypes


Here are some examples of essential oils with different chemotypes:


Lavender: Lavender essential oil has three primary chemotypes, which are named after the regions in which they are found: Linalool, Linalyl acetate, and Camphor.


Rosemary: Rosemary essential oil has three primary chemotypes: Cineole, Camphor, and Verbenone.


Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus essential oil has several chemotypes, including Citriodora, Globulus, Radiata, and Smithii, each with different levels of eucalyptol and other compounds.


Thyme: Thyme essential oil has several chemotypes, including Thymol, Linalool, and Geraniol.


Sage: Sage has several chemotypes including 1,8-cineole & thujone.


Basil: Basil has different chemotypes including linalool, carvacrol and eugenol.


Melissa / Lemon Balm: Chemotypes include Citral and citronellol.


Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil has two primary chemotypes, which are named after their primary constituents: Menthol and Menthone.



In Conclusion

Overall, the identification of an essential oil's chemotype is an important step in understanding its potential chemical and therapeutic properties and should be considered when selecting oils for specific purposes.

An essential oils different chemical balance can be fairly inconsequential many times but it's worth noting that it can alter safety margins for certain uses. You can check this on your IFRA Certificate which should be available from your oil supplier.


If you need any help with essential oil documentation then Elerium is here to help. We can help with documents for any of your oil or blends. Whether that be a Safety Data sheet, Dangerous Goods information for shipping or CLP for you essential oil reed diffusers or wax melts. Feel free to Contact Us with your requirements.

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