Creating Compliant Product Labels For Essential Oils

Before you can start making money off an essential oils product, you've got to make essential oil labels for it. Liz Fulcher of the Aromatic Wisdom Institute School of Creative Aromatherapy, said many graduates from the school go on to develop their own line of essential oils as part of their business plan, but some struggle with labeling compliance. To help, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has formulated guidelines that recommend producers properly label essential oils once they are ready to put on shelves for consumers.

According to AHPA, all undiluted, topical, plant essential oils for sale should adhere to a long list of requirements and guidance policies when printing labels. They must identify the source of all plants used, including the Latin name, part of the plant the oil comes from, common or unusual name. Labels also need to establish manufactured date and expiration date, plant extract process and lot or batch identification number

Read Labels For Safety Precautions However, the requirements for essential oil labels don't end there. Packaging must also display storage cautions and instructions for use. The AHPA said the emphasis placed on informative labels is needed to protect consumers, who must always read packaging before using the product.

Consumers who use essential oils should always consult the product label for safety, storage and risk factors. It's important to read the ingredients in case of allergies or skin irritants. Consumers should be aware that essential oil labels that display bergamot, lemon, lime, orange and angelica citrus oils as ingredients means skin is susceptible to burns from sun exposure.