dōTERRA considers purity the most critical characteristic of essential oils. Their mission is to produce the highest quality, unadulterated essential oils through their own rigorous testing process called Certified Pure Tested Grade (CPTG™). It consists of

1. Organoleptic Testing

– Uses human senses (sight, smell, taste, touch)

– First-line quality check by expert distillers

– Identifies unusual characteristics immediately

2. Microbial Testing

– Analyzes oils for unexpected microorganisms

– Checks for fungi, bacteria, viruses, and mold

– Performed at manufacturing entry and before distribution

3. Gas Chromatography

– Vaporizes oil to separate individual components

– Measures molecular weight and chemical properties

– Identifies specific compounds in the sample

4. Mass Spectrometry

– Used in conjunction with gas chromatography

– Ionizes separated components

– Determines precise constituent amounts and potency

5. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

– Identifies structural components of oil compounds

– Shines infrared light through the sample

– Compares results to high-quality sample database

6. Chirality Testing

– Examines 3D molecular orientation

– Ensures no synthetic elements are present

– Checks the ratio of right- and left-handed molecules

7. Isotopic Analysis

– Examines carbon isotope ratios

– Verifies oil sourcing and authenticity

– Detects adulterations by comparing isotopic profiles

8. Heavy Metal Testing

– Uses inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to confirm absence of heavy metals to make sure oils are free from contamination

When considering essential oils for sale, dōTERRA has key standards for a decision:

1. Plant quality and growing conditions, everything should be as natural and environmental friendly as possible

2. Production safety procedures of the distiller on site

3. Comprehensive testing methods as described above

4. Proper storage and handling along the chain all the way to the customer

5. Transparency of test results, so that customers can have all the information that they desire

And when choosing their partners and farmers for the cultivating, harvesting and distilling of plants, dōTERRA considers factors like:

– Generating Jobs: Reduce poverty by creating and sustaining jobs

– Providing Fair, On-Time Payments: Offer consistent, fair payments to producers, including prepayments

– Building Supplier Capacity: Support farmers, producers and distillers through training and financial support

– Sustaining Long-Term Partnerships: Provide multi-year contracts with growers and distillers based on solidarity and respect

– Ensuring Fair Labour Conditions: Create healthy and safe working environments, free from harassment and discrimination

– Promoting Co-Operatives: Guarantee to respect the right of all employees and producers to join and form co-operatives

– Furthering Environmental Stewardship: Promote energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy and minimize waste

– Facilitating Community Development: Support community development projects in sourcing communities such as schools, health clinics, training facilities and clean water system.