FAQs

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are natural oils that are typically (but not always) obtained by steam or water distillation. They have the characteristic fragrance of the plant material from which it is extracted.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRAGRANCE OIL AND ESSENTIAL OIL?
While essential oils are pure plant distillations, fragrance oils will likely contain synthetics.

I JUST BOUGHT SOME ELLIA ESSENTIAL OIL. WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?
You just purchased a bottle of Ellia's pure essential oils. They are designed to work aromatic wonders when used in conjunction with our aromatherapy diffusers.

HOW DO I DILUTE AN ESSENTIAL OIL?
There are many ways to dilute an oil, but the standard rule of thumb for an adult is ½ tsp carrier oil (olive, coconut, jojoba, almond, etc.) for every 1-3 drops essential oil.

CAN THEY BE USED UNDILUTED?
While some essential oils can safely be used undiluted (NEAT), we recommend diluting all essential oils for topical application.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO APPLY MY OILS?
If using topically, we recommend always diluting and keeping away from eyes and mucus membranes.

HOW MANY DROPS ARE IN A 15ML BOTTLE?
There are approximately 18-20 drops of essential oil per ml. You can expect about 280 drops per 15ml bottle, depending on the viscosity of the oil.

WHAT’S THE SHELF LIFE OF YOUR OILS?
Our oils are packaged in violet glass to protect against damaging UV light and extend shelf life. Most oils have a shelf life 18-24 months, if not longer. Some oils, such as citrus oils, degrade much faster and have a shelf life closer to 12-18 months. Some oils, such as patchouli, frankincense, and sandalwood, can actually last well over 5 years when stored in proper conditions. To extend shelf life of your oils, store in a cool, dry place, with cap tightly closed.

ARE MY OILS STILL GOOD IF THEY GOT FROZEN?
Yes, freezing will not degrade the quality of the oils. If oils do somehow get frozen, it is best to thaw oils completely before use. This is especially true for high menthol content oils, such as peppermint.

HOW SHOULD I STORE MY OILS?
It is best to store oils in dark glass, away from light and heat. Stored in these conditions, you can expect your oils to last up to 2 years. Certain oils, like citrus, are more prone to oxidation and may degrade more rapidly. We recommend using these oils within 12 months from date of purchase.

WHY DOES YOUR PEPPERMINT SMELL DIFFERENT THAN OTHER BRANDS?
The same oils sourced from different regions will often have different scent profiles; sometimes minimal, sometimes dramatic. Also, different species or chemotypes of a plant can also result in scent variation.

WHAT MAKES ELLIA UNIQUE COMPARED TO OTHER ESSENTIAL OIL COMPANIES?

1. Pure, undiluted, steam-distilled and cold-pressed essential oils.
2. Batch tested before and after bottling to ensure purity.
3. Violet glass to protect the integrity of our oils.

 

DO YOU GROW YOUR OWN PLANTS AND OWN YOUR OWN FARMS?
We do not. We work with a global network of suppliers who are experts in cultivating and distilling our oils.

DO YOU DISTIL YOUR OWN OILS?
No, we work with a network of expert distillers.

WHERE DO YOUR OILS COME FROM?
We source our essential oils from all around the world. We have carefully selected our oils for their scent profile and purity.

WHAT SPECIFIC TESTS DO YOU PERFORM ON YOUR OILS?
We perform GC/MS testing on every batch of oil before and after bottling.

HOW ARE YOUR OILS PROCESSED?
Our essential oils are either steam distilled or cold-pressed, depending on the oil.

WHAT IS COLD-PRESSED?
This method of essential oil extraction is most often used for citruses, since the essential oil is found in the peel. The basic idea is that the peel is removed from the fruit and mashed around in order to open up the essential oil sacs. The oil is then collected.

DO YOU USE SOLVENTS TO EXTRACT YOUR OILS?
We do not use any solvents in the extraction of our essential oils.

ARE OUR OILS ORGANIC?
Our oils are not certified organic, however, they are batch tested and free of pesticides, herbicides, and contaminants.

ARE YOUR OILS GLUTEN FREE?
Pure essential oils, by nature, are gluten free. This is not necessarily true for synthetic fragrance oils. If you are concerned about gluten, be sure to select only pure essential oils.

WHY DO YOUR OILS SAY NOT TO USE INTERNALLY?
Although our oils are GRAS (generally recognised as safe), and many of them are labelled as food grade from our suppliers, our focus is on the safe aromatic and topical use of essential oils. We do not advocate the internal use of essential oils.

ARE YOUR OILS FOOD GRADE?
Many of our oils are indeed GRAS (generally recognised as safe) for internal use, HOWEVER, we do not recommend internal use of essential oils.

WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON ANIMAL TESTING?
We do not ever test on animals.

DO YOUR PRODUCTS CONTAIN ANY GENETICALLY MODIFIED INGREDIENTS? (GMOS)?
No.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS IRRADIATED?
No.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS KOSHER?
No.

WHY DON’T YOU PROVIDE ANY MEDICINAL USES OF YOUR OILS?
There are strict regulations against making any health claim. Our practices comply with Australian rules and regulations.

WHY ISN’T THERE A NUTRITIONAL PANEL ON YOUR OIL PACKAGING?
Because we are not marketing or selling our oils as food.

ARE YOUR OILS SAFE TO USE DURING PREGNANCY?

• Always check with your healthcare provider before diffusing or using essential oils when you are pregnant. 
• It is always best to exercise caution when using essential oils during pregnancy. It is recommended that essential oil usage be kept to a minimum for the first few months of pregnancy and use discretion with oil usage in later stages of pregnancy, being mindful that some essential oils are not recommended for use at all during pregnancy.
• Generally safe essential oils: lavender, geranium, and orange.
• Best practices – Always dilute. Use the smallest amount possible. Check with your physician if you are concerned or have questions.
• Oils best to avoid or use in extremely small, diluted amounts during pregnancy: cinnamon and (clary) sage.

ARE YOUR OILS SAFE TO USE WHILE BREASTFEEDING?
We recommend caution using essential oils while breastfeeding. If you are going to use essential oils, we recommend aromatic usage. If using topically, use common-sense principles, such as always dilute. Keep oils out of reach of babies. Don’t put oils on nipples. Peppermint is one oil to use caution with, as some mothers have found a decrease in milk supply with the use (topically and aromatically).

ARE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFE TO BE USED WITH CHILDREN?
When it comes to children, it changes according to age. Once they are 12, you can use the same oils/dilutions as you would for an adult. Oils MUST be diluted with children. Err on the side of caution.

WHATS THE SAFEST WAY TO USE THE OILS?
Aromatically in a diffuser.

WHAT ARE BEST PRACTICES FOR USING ESSENTIAL OILS?

1. Read and follow all label cautions and warnings.
2. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
3. Do not use on babies, children, or pets.
4. Keep away from flame, heat, and ignition sources (essential oils are flammable).
5. Do not apply undiluted (neat) essential oils directly onto skin; dilute with a carrier oil first.
6. Always conduct a patch test of diluted essential oil on the inner arm before using; do not use if redness or irritation occurs.
7. Do not ingest essential oils.
8. Keep essential oils out of eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and any body opening.
9. Never assume an essential oil possesses the same properties as its plant.
10. If you have sensitive skin, epilepsy, heart, or kidney problems, or any serious medical condition, do not use essential oils unless advised by a physician or medical professional that it is safe.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH MY ESSENTIAL OILS?

1. If essential oil gets into eyes: Immediately flush with cold milk or vegetable oil to dilute; if stinging persists, seek medical attention.
2. If essential oil gets on hands: Use cream or vegetable oil to dilute; wash with soap and warm water; repeat if necessary.
3. If ingested: Contact your doctor or call the Poisons Information Service on 13 11 26.
4. If ingested by a pet: Call your 24 Hours Vet Emergency or your nearest vet immediately. 
5. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.