#6 GET GOOD SOURCES

I can't stress enough how important it is to get good, reputable sources that you can build a trustworthy relationship with, because you’ll then know that the products they offer are of the highest quality.

This logic applies to whether you are buying consumable equipment, but especially for your raw materials, which are going to be the foundation of your fragrances. It's imperative that you use the best quality possible and ones that are genuine.

I get emails from students all the time asking me whether a new supplier they found is a good source or if the oils are fake.

perfumery ingredients by Melanie Jane, at The Scent Academy, an online perfume training platform.

There are safeguards you can take when looking for essential oils. For instance, look for the word pure essential oil and look for the Latin name. Don't be fooled by terms like therapeutic grade. This is a marketing ploy. All essential oils are therapeutic.

TOP TIP

When contacting new suppliers, ask for country of origin, specifications, and the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for the oils you’re interested in. They should have these on file, and they can send them to you in an email. You don’t need to buy the oils first to get these documents.