Title:Investigation of the Adulteration of Essential Oils by GC-MS
VOLUME: 16 ISSUE: 8
Author(s):Mara Dubnicka, Benjamin Cromwell and Mindy Levine*
Affiliation:Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, 140 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881, Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, 140 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881, Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, 65 Ramat HaGolan Street, Ariel
Keywords:Carbitol, diethylphthalate, essential oils, GC-MS, inhalation hazards, toxicants.
Abstract:
Background: A lack of regulation about the chemical composition of essential oils and the
growing popularity of these oils among consumers presents an urgent need for the accurate characterization
of various oil types from a variety of manufacturers. The aim of this paper was to characterize
the composition of essential oils bought from a popular retail location, with the goal of understanding
the chemical composition and presence of adulterants with potential toxicity.
Methods: Reported herein is an investigation into the components of a variety of essential oils using
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The investigation initially focused on two popular
oils, tea tree and lavender oil, and then moved to investigate four additional essential oils from the
same brand (sandalwood, rose, eucalyptus, and lemongrass).
Results: Results of this analysis indicated that all six store brand essential oils contained Carbitol (in
concentrations from 23% to 35%), and four of the six oils had diethyl phthalate (in concentrations
ranging from 0.33% to 16%). These toxicants are particularly concerning because they are known inhalation
hazards, and the intended usage of these oils is for aromatherapy (i.e. inhalation).
Conclusion: These results highlight a potentially significant and under-reported health concern from
inhalation of toxic contaminants in the store brand oils, and showcase the need for more regulation
and transparency about the composition of these commercial products.
