Aromatherapy & Essential Oils
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is a concentrated liquid derived from plants, typically obtained by steam distillation and cold pressing. Essential oils are mainly used for aromatherapy but they actually have a wide range of uses from air fresheners to homemade cleaning products and beyond! (HINT: Follow our informative Blog - The Pipe Line - for great ways to use essential oils!)
Are your oils pure? Do they have anything added to them?
We provide therapeutic grade essential oils which are 100% pure, and not diluted with other oils. We do have a few exceptions - but they are clearly labeled 'blend' - for example, Sandalwood Blend - Item 6471 - 15 ml blended oil. Unless noted as such, our essential oils are 100% pure oil with no additives.
How are your essential oils are derived?
We use a steam distillation process on the majority of them. Citrus oils like bergamot and grapefruit are derived using a cold press process. Each oil has the extraction method listed on our site.
How are essential oils tested?
Piping Rock's Quality Assurance department checks essential oils for potency, purity, heavy metals, and contaminants. We check for active chemical components, specific gravity, and adhere to stringent testing specification. We scour the globe in order to bring you the purest and most effective essential oils available at great prices.
Why can't I take your essential oils internally?
Essential oils are highly concentrated and may be dangerous if taken internally. Piping Rock's Essential oils are intended for external use only.
What is a carrier oil?
Carrier oils are plant based oils which are key components in aromatherapy. They are generally odorless oils which may be blended with essential oils to make customized massage oils and sprays. They also contain wellness-promoting nutrients which may help support healthy skin and hair.
Why do the scents of essential oils vary?
Essential oil aromas will vary between batches as they are natural products, and their unique chemical compounds change slightly with fluctuations in temperature, soil conditions, seasons, geographical location, etc. This is a natural occurrence. We do not add isolated compounds to enhance or alter their natural scent.
What are fragrance oils?
Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils are synthetic fragrances which are laboratory created. Since they are created in a lab, the scents will not deviate. These oils are often used in DIY/crafting projects for their typically stronger scents.
How do your oils compare to "brand x"?
We are sorry, we do not keep competitor files and cannot compare our products to others.
Where can I find more resources on essential oils & aromatherapy?
Click here to view, download, and/or print our Beginner's Guide to Aromatherapy and our Essential Oil Recipe Guide! We also are happy to offer several options for helpful aromatherapy books that can be found here.
