Easily Determine The Quality Of Your Essential Oil

The refractive index of essential oils is a quickly measured, easily generated quality parameter. Moreover, it helps to differentiate between different essential oils.

Essential oils, such as lemon or orange oil, are also referred to as volatile oils. They are concentrated hydrophobic liquids which obtain essential aroma compounds from plants. These essential oils are often obtained by distillation.

Essential oils consist of many different compounds. Their varying composition allows for them to be characterized by refractive index measurement. These measurements can therefore also provide insight into the quality of essential oils, as any change in their optimal composition will affect the refractive index. 

International regulations such as the official AOAC method 920.141 "Re-fractive Index of Lemon and Orange Oils", the ISO 280 "Essential oils - De-termination of Refractive Index" as well as international pharmacopoeia require the measurement of essential oils with a refractometer.