Organic has become a buzzword implying something is both healthier, and better for the environment, than non-organic.
But when it comes to choosing essential oils, does it really matter? Is it worth paying a premium for organic oils? Public perception is that organic anything is best.
Food is perhaps the biggest area for organic products, because of the notion that synthetic pesticides and other farming additives are harmful to the soil, and then to the health of the people and animals who eat the food.
There are plenty of farmers and scientists who support this view.
Then, there are farmers and scientists who do not agree.
They make a case that not using pesticides actually increases the natural pesticides and chemical that plants produce, many of which have negative effects on consumers.
Also, because organic farming is costlier they argue that people in third world countries can't support themselves with organic methods.
As far as essential oils go, the issue is tricky.
Most of the plant matter that the oils are made from is grown in countries that do not have any sort of organic standards, or do not have organic certification available to them (even if they do practice organic farming).
Also, being certified organic is expensive, so many farmers don't apply for certification even though they use organic methods.
What that means for you is that oils not marked organic might actually be organic! Manufacturers can't put the organic label on a product unless it is certified.
The companies who can afford it do...
but that leaves farmers and companies who can't afford it at a disadvantage.
So far, there have not been any studies that demonstrate any difference in quality or benefit between organic essential oil and non-organic.
Organic oils have not been shown to be better for the skin, or for the health of the user, than non-organic oils.
So for now, your best bet is to select your oils from a supplier you know to be reputable, and carrying good quality stock.
Organic or non-organic, as far as essential oils go, should not be a deciding factor.
It may make you feel better emotionally, but that is about as far as the benefit of organic essential oils goes.