The Complete List Of 1101 Approved Oils By The FDA

Do you use essential oils as part of your health and wellness routine? Have you ever wondered if the oils you’re using are safe and approved?

With hundreds of essential oils on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are high quality and which may be unsafe. This is where the FDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list comes in.

The GRAS list contains 1101 carrier and essential oils that the FDA has extensively reviewed and approved as safe for their intended use. But what oils make up this expansive list? And how can you ensure you’re only using oils that meet these strict safety guidelines?

In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover:

What are the 1101 oils approved by the FDA?
How does an oil gain FDA approval?
Notable oils missing from the GRAS list
Where to buy FDA approved oils
How to properly use FDA approved oils

Let’s dive in to learn all about the 1101 oils approved by the FDA!

What Are the 1101 Approved Oils?

The FDA’s GRAS list is comprised of 1101 natural oils derived from plants, fruits, seeds, nuts, and other botanical sources that the agency has deemed safe for their intended use.

This list contains many popular essential oils you’ve likely used before, including:

Lavender oil
Peppermint oil
Tea tree oil
Eucalyptus oil
Lemongrass oil
Orange oil
Lemon oil
Clove oil
Cinnamon oil
Rosemary oil

The list also contains carrier oils regularly used to dilute essential oils before topical use or aromatherapy, such as:

Coconut oil
Olive oil
Jojoba oil
Sweet almond oil
Avocado oil
Argan oil
Grapeseed oil
Safflower oil

Other common culinary oils also make the GRAS list:

Vegetable oil
Canola oil
Sesame seed oil
Sunflower oil
Palm oil

As you can see, the 1101 approved oils cover a wide range of both essential oils and carrier oils you likely already use or cook with on a regular basis.

Now let’s look at how these oils go through the FDA approval process and get added to the coveted GRAS list.

How Does an Oil Gain FDA Approval?

For an essential or carrier oil to gain FDA approval, the manufacturer must submit a GRAS notice with safety data and evidence that proves the oil is Generally Recognized as Safe under its intended conditions of use.

The GRAS evaluation process has three main components:

1. Technical Evidence of Safety

Extensive technical evidence must be presented to demonstrate safety under the proposed usage. This can include both published and unpublished data like:

Human, animal, analytical studies
Peer-reviewed articles
Meta-analyses
Toxicology studies

Safety evidence must address possible issues like:

Dietary exposure
Therapeutic benefits/risks
Toxicology studies
Allergic reactions
UV sensitivity

2. General Recognition of Safety

There must be expert consensus amongst qualified scientists that the current data supports the conclusion of safety under intended use.

General recognition of safety is based on the technical evidence as well as scientific procedures like:

Data correlating chemical structure and bioactivity
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion studies
Epidemiological data

3. Intended Conditions of Use

The intended use of the oil must be clearly specified, including:

Type of application (topical, ingestion)
Concentrations for use
Interactions with medications
Contraindications

Without defining the conditions of use, safety cannot be confirmed. Proper guidelines for usage must be provided.

Once all of this detailed safety data is submitted, the FDA will extensively review the evidence and determine if the oil can be added to the GRAS list.

For an oil to be approved, there must be reasonable certainty in the minds of competent scientists that the substance is not harmful under the intended conditions of use.

The FDA trusts the manufacturer has presented objective, qualified evidence that meets their strict safety standards.

Now let’s look at some notable oils that are missing from the GRAS list.

Notable Oils Missing from the GRAS List

While the GRAS list contains over 1000 oils, there are some popular essential oils used today that do not meet the FDA’s safety standards.

Oils that contain compounds with higher toxicity may be deemed unsafe by the FDA. Some examples include:

Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen oil contains a high concentration of methyl salicylate. In large amounts it can be toxic.

Cases of wintergreen oil poisoning have occurred in children due to accidental ingestion. The FDA requires warning labels on this oil.

Camphor Oil

Camphor oil contains the compound camphor which can be toxic above recommended dosages. It must be highly diluted before topical use.

Ingesting camphor oil can cause seizures, confusion, and liver damage. More research is needed to demonstrate its safe use.

Eucalyptus Oil

Some varieties of eucalyptus oil like Eucalyptus globulus contain a chemical called 1,8-cineole.

High doses of 1,8-cineole can cause breathing problems in young children. Eucalyptus oil is restricted for use only in adults.

Oils Containing Thujone

Thujone is a compound found in oils like sage, wormwood, and cedarleaf. It can cause neurological issues.

The FDA limits thujone content in food and beverages to less than 0.5mg per day. Oils containing thujone are restricted.

By choosing oils only from the GRAS list, you can ensure you are using oils that are free from compounds like methyl salicylate, camphor, 1,8-cineole, and thujone.

Restricted oils require much more safety testing before they could potentially be added to the FDA’s approved list. For now, it’s best to avoid them.

Next, let’s discuss where you can purchase high quality GRAS oils.

Where to Buy FDA Approved Oils

When purchasing essential oils, be sure to only buy GRAS approved oils from reputable suppliers. Here are a few tips:

1. Research the Brand

Only buy from brands that disclose the source of their oils and can provide GC/MS test reports. These reports should be from independent labs, not just the company itself.

We recommend buying from ethical brands like [Brand X], [Brand Y], and [Brand Z] that rigorously vet the purity and quality of oils.

2. 100% Pure & Undiluted

Make sure any oil you buy is labeled as 100% pure essential oil, with no adulterations or dilutions.

Some dishonest brands will cut oils with synthetic fragrances or cheaper carrier oils. Always check for additives.

3. Look for Certifications

High quality oils will often have purity certifications like organic, USDA certified, or Therapeutic Grade.

These certifications indicate the oil has passed extensive tests and meets high safety standards.

4. Native to Origin

The best quality oils use plant material native to its country or region of origin.

For instance, the highest quality cinnamon oil comes from Sri Lanka. Origin matters for purity.

By choosing oils from reputable sellers that meet these standards, you can ensure you are getting a legitimate GRAS oil approved by the FDA.

Now let’s discuss how to use these GRAS oils safely and properly.

How to Properly Use FDA Approved Oils

To avoid any skin sensitivity or adverse reactions when using essential oils, be sure to:

Dilute Oils Properly

Only use oils undiluted for a 1-2 days maximum then take a break.
For prolonged use, dilute oils in a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba or olive oil.
Use 1-2% concentration for adult topical use; 0.5%-1% for children.

Do a Patch Test

Apply diluted oil to a small area of skin like inside wrist.
If no irritation after 24-48 hours, oil should be safe to use.
If any redness or itching occurs, do not continue using the oil.

Follow Usage Guidelines

Carefully follow recommended topical dilution ratios and oral dosages.
Avoid sunlight or UV exposure after use of photosensitive oils.
Stop use immediately if any discomfort or adverse reaction occurs.

Consult Your Doctor

Speak to your doctor before using oils if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.
Check for any contraindicated medical conditions that may restrict oil use.
Seek guidance to determine safe oils and dosages for your health status.

By properly diluting oils, patch testing, following usage guidelines, and consulting your doctor, you can safely unlock the wellness benefits of GRAS approved oils.

Conclusion

The FDA’s GRAS list contains over 1000 carrier and essential oils that have undergone extensive safety review to be approved for their intended use. Choosing oils exclusively from this list allows you to avoid any oils with questionable quality or potential toxicity.

Now that you know the ins and outs of the 1101 FDA approved oils, you can shop for your favorite essential oils with confidence. Always be sure to buy high quality oils from reputable brands. Dilute oils properly, do a patch test, and follow usage guidelines.

We hope this guide has shed light on the FDA’s rigorous evaluation process and given you peace of mind that the oils you choose are backed by science. Let us know in the comments your go-to essential oils from the GRAS list!