TESTING 109


Carbon-14 analysis: natural versus synthetic essential oil


n Haley Gershon - Beta Analytic, US


As consumers favour natural essential oils over synthetic alternatives, the price of essential oil escalates, mainly due to expensive production costs. The rising monetary value of plant oil tempts unscrupulous companies in the industry to produce and sell adulterated essential oils tainted with cheaper synthetic ingredients. The onus is on distributors and manufacturers downstream to identify these adulterated products before they reach the consumer market.


In many cases, it is difficult to distinguish between naturally derived ingredients and synthetic alternatives. Natural product testing through carbon-14 analysis authenticates plant-sourced ingredients while also acting as a screening tool to detect synthetic adulterants manufactured from petrochemicals.


Rising demand for essential oils poses challenges for manufacturers and distributors Consumer preference for natural plant extracts in formulations and growing applications of essential oils in personal care, food and beverage, and


November 2019


aromatherapy have boosted the demand for essential oils. The global essential oil market size is increasing over time, valued at USD 6.6 billion in 20161


and expected to


reach USD 13.94 billion by 2024, prompting distributors of essential oils to experience booming sales.2


Despite rising consumer demand and


increasing market size for essential oils, manufacturers are facing several challenges. Since essential oils are highly concentrated plant constituents, huge quantities of raw material are needed. For example, in order to produce just one pound of oil: 1,500 lemons, 250 pounds of lavender, or 10,000 pounds of rose petals are required.3


Limited supplies of raw material resulting


from poor weather conditions or the spread of crop disease throughout farms and plantations mean manufacturers are experiencing high and variable production costs. In response, there is also an upsurge in the market price that consumers pay for essential oil products. In Argentina, lemon crop production has yielded 20 percent fewer lemons in 2018 compared to 2017. Natural lemon oil is a


popular fragrance in many perfumes and personal care products, but high demand triggered a striking price increase of approximately 12 percent from 2017 to 2018, which may cause consumers to rethink their purchases.4


Likewise, in


Bulgaria, the largest growing area for lavender oil worldwide, 2018 production of lavender flowers fell short, elevating prices and failing to meet consumer demand for lavender oil.5


The combination of limited raw material,


high production costs and escalating selling prices of essential oil presents a financial hurdle for manufacturers and distributors, pressuring them to produce, buy and sell cheaper essential oils that allow them to stay competitive.


Synthetic adulterants As essential oils are increasingly difficult to source at a competitive price, manufacturers and distributors are struggling to find solutions to fulfill consumer demand. Increased production expenses and market prices for essential oils create a financial incentive to produce adulterated essential oils using more readily


PERSONAL CARE ASIA PACIFIC


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