Why we stock highest-quality oils
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Kia ora whānau,
When it comes to essential oils, not all bottles are created equal. Just like kai from the supermarket, there are different grades, and the price tag often reflects what’s inside. Here’s a straightforward rundown of the common grades you’ll see, why costs can swing wildly, and why at Zurma we stick to only the highest-quality oils—no compromises.
1. Common Essential-Oil Grades
Aromatherapy (Therapeutic) Grade
– Sourced and tested for purity and chemical profile.
– Typically steam-distilled or cold-pressed, with Certificates of Analysis (COA) and GC-MS reports.
– Great for massage blends, diffusing, and topical use (diluted).
Cosmetic (Fragrance) Grade
– Intended for perfumery or scented products.
– May tolerate minor adulteration or additives to bolster aroma or shelf life.
– Cheaper, but lacks the consistency or potency needed for true therapeutic effect.
Pharmaceutical Grade
– Ultra-pure, meeting stringent pharmacopoeia standards (e.g. BP, USP).
– Rare in retail; usually only used in clinical or lab settings.
– Highest price point, often overkill for home aromatherapy.
Food-Grade (Culinary) Grade
– Safe for internal use in very small amounts, diluted in food or drink.
– Subject to food-safety regulations and purity testing.
– Pricier than fragrance grade but still more affordable than pharmaceutical grade.
2. What Drives Price Variations
Plant Species & Yield
– Oils from rare or low-yield plants (rose, jasmine) can cost hundreds of dollars per 10 mL.
– High-yield oils (lavender, peppermint) are more affordable “per drop”.
Origin & Harvesting
– Wildcrafted vs cultivated: wild yields are smaller and less predictable, hence steeper prices.
– Single-source, single-distillation batches (e.g. Moroccan cedarwood) cost more to track and verify.
Extraction Method
– Steam distillation is standard, but CO₂ extraction and solvent-free methods preserve more actives—at a premium.
– Cold-pressed oils (citrus) can oxidise quickly; fresh batches command a higher price.
Certifications & Testing
– Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance: each certification layer adds both paperwork and cost.
– COA and GC-MS analysis ensure you’re not getting cut with cheaper synthetics—worth every cent if you’re after true potency.
Supply & Demand
– If a harvest fails or political unrest disrupts farms, prices spike overnight.
– Popular scents (rose otto in Valentine’s season) can see temporary price surges.
Weather
-Then there’s Papatūānuku’s whims—droughts, floods, frosts or pests can wipe out an entire harvest, sending prices through the roof.
3. The Pitfalls of “Cheap” Oils
When a 10 mL bottle of rose oil is under $20, alarm bells should ring. Cheap oils are often:
Adulterated with synthetic aroma chemicals or lower-cost carrier oils.
Rectified: blended from multiple sources, losing the signature profile of the original terroir.
Under-tested: no COA or GC-MS, so you don’t know what’s actually in the bottle.
Using these in blends risks skin irritation, reduced therapeutic benefit, or simply a disappointing scent.
4. Why Zurma Stocks Only the Best
At Zurma Botanical Oil Studio, we reckon quality is everything. Here’s our promise:
Single-Source Distillation
We trace each oil back to the very farm or distillery—no mystery blends, no “wild but maybe”.
Rigorous Testing
Every batch comes with a COA and GC-MS report. You can whānau-trust that your oil is pure, potent, and unadulterated.
Organic & Ethical
Wherever possible, we source certified organic oils. We’re all about manaakitanga—respect for the whenua (land) and those who tend it.
Small-Batch Approach
We keep things sweet as by bottling in small runs. That means fresher oils with all the colour, scent and active goodness intact.
Sustainability
From recycled packaging to supporting regenerative farming practices, we make sure our supply chain honours Papatūānuku (Mother Earth).
5. Investing in Quality
Choosing premium essential oils isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about safety, consistency and real results. When you’re diffusing, blending or applying topically, you want confidence that you’re getting the genuine article. Sure, it might cost a bit more upfront, but you’ll find you use less, get better outcomes, and avoid any nasty surprises.
At Zurma, we’re honered to bring you oils that tick all the boxes—no shortcuts, no nasty extras, just pure botanical aroha in every drop. Explore our collection today and experience the difference that true quality makes.