Is 'therapeutic grade' a regulated term?

Is "Therapeutic Grade" a Regulated Term?

Hey, I've been using essential oils for years and have been involved in aromatherapy circles. I often see this term used in product marketing. Simply put, "Therapeutic Grade" is not a regulated term. Unlike "organic" or "all-natural," there's no strict definition or oversight by government or official bodies. Let me break down why this is the case and what it means for us regular consumers when buying essential oils.

Why is it unregulated?

• No Official Standard: You won't find a formal definition for "Therapeutic Grade" from the U.S. FDA or similar agencies in other countries. It doesn't require clinical trials or certifications like pharmaceuticals. Essentially, this term is invented or borrowed by marketers to make products sound more premium and effective.
• More of a Marketing Tactic: Many essential oil brands, especially direct sales companies, slap on the "Therapeutic Grade" label, claiming their oils are pure and can "treat" various issues. But there's no unified standard. Different companies interpret "Therapeutic Grade" differently—some say it means 99% purity, others claim it means no additives—yet none of this can be verified due to the lack of third-party oversight.
• Regulatory Perspective: Under regulations for essential oils and aromatherapy, products are typically classified as cosmetics or supplements, not drugs. Therefore, they legally cannot claim to "treat" diseases (e.g., curing colds or anxiety). The term "Therapeutic Grade" blurs this line, implying medical benefits when it's really just a marketing buzzword.

What does this mean in practice?

Imagine seeing "Super Fresh Grade" on milk at the supermarket—it sounds good but has no official backing, right? Essential oils are similar. Some companies use this term to sell oils at higher prices, but the quality isn't necessarily better than regular pure oils. When I buy oils, I ignore this label and instead check ingredients, origin, and third-party test reports (like GC-MS tests that verify purity and absence of contaminants).

My tips:

• Don't Be Fooled: If you see "Therapeutic Grade" on oils, ask: What standard does this follow? Is there independent lab proof?
• Choose Reliable Brands: Look for reputable brands that state "100% pure essential oil" or carry organic certifications. Aromatherapy is great, but remember—it’s mainly for relaxation support, not a cure-all.
• If Unsure: Check local regulations. For example, in China, essential oils fall under cosmetics and are regulated by the NMPA, but "Therapeutic Grade" has no special status there.

In short, based on my experience, this term sounds professional but shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Choosing oils still comes down to actual quality and personal experience. Feel free to ask if you have questions about specific brands!