In the pandemic era, we have started paying more attention to what we are using on a daily basis. The quality and efficacy are key factors. One must ensure they are well informed before making any purchase for them or their families. Karina Kapoor, Brand Manager, Puressentiel India, explains to you how.
The term “Organic” is being used in many ways today. As per the Oxford Dictionary Organic stands for – “produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals” i.e. chemical free. Organic products are made of ingredients that use this organic agriculture to grow. One can find organic food, coffee, skincare products, perfumes and water to name a few. Organic products are priced higher due to the limited shelf life and the seasonal production of the ingredients. Purely for marketing and commercial reasons large brands use the label of organic to make the products seem more beneficial.
On the contrary, these same products can also be found with chemical additives to enhance the appearance and benefits of the products. Synthetic products can be made in labs or by sourcing non organically farmed ingredients. These products have a more pronounced colour, smell and appeal. They can be easily mass produced and have a longer shelf life. Majority have side effects and multiple use, long term repercussions.
In the pandemic era, we have started paying more attention to what we are using on a daily basis. The quality and efficacy are key factors. One such item is Essential oils. We can find all types of essential oils in the market at different price ranges.
Essential oil is a natural oil concentrate obtained by distilling the flower, root, stem of a plant to retain its true essence and benefit. These again can also be chemically made to give the same look and smell and character. however the true benefit cannot be replicated. This particular product can also vary in price and availability due to the type of plant and how readily available it is. For example, in order to produce 500ml of essential oil, enormous quantities of plants are required: 10,000 pounds of rose petals, 250 pounds of lavender, 6,000 pounds of melissa plant, 1,500 lemons and so forth. In addition, there is an international certification called the EOBBD – Essential Oils Botanically and Biochemically Defined, which authenticates the quality from the source of the method of harvesting and storing till it reaches the end consumer.
