From purely aromatic use to therapeutic use, including cosmetic use, the same essential oil can find diverse and varied uses. The versatility of these oils explains that at present, there is no single regulation applicable to all essential oils in France, but a multitude of regulations according to the use for which they are intended.¹. Essential oils intended to perfume the ambient air must, for example, be labeled in accordance with the provisions relating to dangerous substances, and essential oils used in gastronomy must comply with the rules laid down for food products. As for essential oils presented with therapeutic claims, they are considered drugs and are therefore only available in pharmacies after marketing authorization. Certain oils known to be potentially toxic are also reserved for sale in pharmacies.², such as the essential oils of large and small wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L. et Artemisia pontica L.), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) or even officinal sage (Salvia officinalis L.) because of their thujone content, a neurotoxic and abortive substance. When an essential oil is intended for several uses, the product labeling must mention each of these uses.

In general, so that the consumer is well informed, the packaging of essential oils must mention any allergens they contain, a danger pictogram if they have been classified as dangerous, the batch number, the expiry date. use, the period of use after opening and the precise mode of use. However, considered too complex and restrictive, these requirements are far from being all met insofar as in 2014 an infringement rate was recorded at 81%.³.

S Consequences of the use of essential oils, Response of the Ministry responsible for the social and solidarity economy and consumption, www.senat.fr, 2013 Decree n ° 2007-1121 of August 3, 2007 of article 4211-13 of the Public Health Code, www.legifrance.gouv.fr DGCCRF, Essential oils, www.economie.gouv.fr, 2014