Quality – Facts instead of myths about essential oils

November 20, 2025

We frequently receive questions about topics such as "therapeutic quality" or application methods promoted by American companies. We take these questions seriously – and would like to explain how quality is actually defined at farfalla.

What we at farfalla understand under quality – facts instead of myths about essential oils

Are farfalla oils truly pure?

farfalla essential oils are demonstrably pure – extensive laboratory analyses prove the quality of farfalla products.

Our essential oils are 100% pure and natural: not diluted, not synthetically produced, contain no hidden "fillers," and meet BBDÄÖ quality standards. The BBDÄÖ quality label stands for the highest quality.

✓ botanically and biochemically defined essential oil (botanisch und biochemisch definiertes ätherisches Öl“)

✓ cultivation method, origin, botany and extraction are clearly defined.

This also includes residue analyses and laboratory tests, e.g., pesticides, solvents, etc., as well as determination of ingredients using GC/MS analysis (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry).

As soon as an essential oil arrives at farfalla, it undergoes gas chromatographic analysis. This precisely determines its composition and any potential impurities – such as pesticide residues. Only if the analysis is flawless does the oil receive its individual certificate.

A study by the Dr. Hauck Research Institute shows how important this is: While organic orange oils were practically uncontaminated, conventional oils contained up to 23 different pesticides, including chlorpyrifos – a substance that can cause nerve and genetic damage.

Do "farfalla oils contain fillers?

No. Essential oils from farfalla contain no hidden fillers.

Otherwise, you'd find it in the product name, because dilutions are often sensible and sustainable: With precious essences, this is clearly indicated, e.g., 10% lemon balm in jojoba oil. Always consider the sustainability aspect and the enormous amount of plant material contained in every drop! And of course, products developed for skin application and certified as cosmetics have correspondingly skin-friendly formulas. An essential oil should never be applied undiluted to the skin. Here, too, all ingredients are fully listed (INCI).

Why is it important to use essential oils carefully?

In aromatherapy, less is often more. Even the smallest amounts can have a powerful effect.

Excessive dosage offers no additional benefit – on the contrary, it can irritate and even cause long-term damage to the skin and mucous membranes. At farfalla, we place great importance on the safe, sensible, and sustainable use of essential oils. Inhalation or external applications in low dilutions are generally sufficient – and often more effective than intensive or even internal use.

Can I also ingest your essential oils?

farfalla does not recommend internal use of essential oils for the following reasons.

1. German-speaking aromatherapy advocates the approach that oral applications should only be performed by experienced professionals.
   
2. The recommendation for internal use is not permitted under Swiss law: In Switzerland, essential oils are classified as chemicals and must be labelled with appropriate warnings and symbols. Products sold without this information are not correctly labelled – even if they bear the label "therapeutic quality".

There are very well-established and safe alternatives for the application of essential oils. When applied via the skin, such as during an abdominal massage or a warming compress, the beneficial properties of selected essential oils are further enhanced by touch, warmth, mindfulness, and the comforting, relaxing sensations transmitted through the sense of smell.

Is farfalla fair to its suppliers and cultivation partners?

At farfalla, quality always means fair trade. We pay honest prices to honor the valuable work of our farming partners worldwide. Many of them are supported through advance financing and purchase guarantees – even in difficult times, such as after natural disasters in Morocco or Madagascar. For us, quality is not just a buzzword, but a responsibility.