Step 1 : Chemistry
Chemistry is the foundation of pure , quality essential oils . After the aromatic compounds are distilled from the plant material , it is confirmed that each batch meets the chemical composition standards using a combination instrument known as a GC / MS , or “ Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectroscopy ”, to guarantee that the chemistry of the oil matches the expected profile . The gas chromatography instrument separates the molecules in the oil based on chemistry , and the mass spectrometer identifies each group of molecules .
After GC / MS testing , the ratios between each chemical constituent are analyzed so that our essential oil experts can verify that each oil is in its most pure , natural form . Once a batch is determined to meet our chemical profile guidelines , it can then move on to the next stage of testing .
Step 2 : Physical Testing
Following chemical testing , each batch of essential oils goes through a battery of physical tests : organoleptic assessments , Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy ( FTIR ), optical rotation , specific gravity , and refractive index . In reference to essential oils , organoleptics are those attributes that can be tested through sight and smell . In this phase , our team of essential oils chemists , manufacturing engineers , and quality technicians manually assess the appearance , aroma , and color of each essential oil . Each batch is then put through FTIR testing , which uses infra-red light to analyze the material composition of an oil to determine if it meets dōTERRA established standards . Optical rotation then tests for chirality , using instrumentation to twist essential oil molecules in order to identify synthetic additives that GC / MS testing would not detect . Next , the specific gravity of each batch is tested ; the volume-to-weight ratio is compared to reference standards to verify oil quality and purity . Lastly , a refractometer is used to determine if the essential oils refractive index , a measurement of how light propagates through a specific substance , meets dōTERRA established standards .
Step 3 : Chemistry Testinsg
Batches that make it through the physical testing are then run through a series of contamination tests to confirm that there are no harmful contaminants . We test for potentially harmful microorganisms , heavy metals , and pesticides to certify that use is safe for your entire family when proper usage guidelines are followed . Our CPTG ® quality testing process does not stop here . We continue on with a fourth step of testing to ensure these essential oils remain pure for the entire shelf life of the product .
Step 4 : On-Going Stability Testing
The final phase of testing verifies that CPTG ® oils will maintain their purity and efficacy for as long as you intend to use them . Stability testing is ongoing and involves not only examining the integrity of the essential oils , but of their packaging as well . In the first series of tests , utilizing chambers that can alter temperature and humidity , we analyze what happens to the essential oils when exposed to different atmospheric conditions in both accelerated and long-term studies for extended periods of time . This testing protocol ensures that dōTERRA CPTG ® essential oils will continue to provide safe and effective benefits years after they have been manufactured .
With no official controlling entity , dōTERRA has confirmed its dedication to honesty by developing an industry-first testing protocol which verifies that each bottle ’ s contents actually match the purity and quality claims made on the label . With dōTERRA CPTG ® essential oils , you can be certain that every product is safe and effective , and will be for the entirety of its shelf-life .
Visit youtube . com / doTERRAcorp to view “ CPTG ® Essential Oils is Part of dōTERRA ’ s Promise to You ” doterra . com / 15