After identifying adulterated foods and health products like paneer, garlic, and ORS, it's time to focus on fake hair and skincare products. As such, will you be able to detect adulterated rosemary oil, a favourite among beauty enthusiasts? Neither can we. So we reached out to Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist, Dr Shareefa’s skin and Care Clinic who said that detecting fake rosemary oil can feel daunting especially when the market is flooded with synthetic, chemical-based rosemary oil. "One of the easiest ways to detect is to add a few drops of the oil to water. If it floats while forming a droplet then the rosemary oil is authentic. But if the oil quickly dissolves, then it has been made with several chemicals or other substances," said Dr Chause. You can also "closely examine the colour and consistency of rosemary oil". "An authentic one should be thin and fluid; if it is too thick, there are high chances of it being mixed with other ingredients. Avoid purchasing rosemary oil with a darker appearance and opt for a pale yellow coloured oil. Look for brands that claim 100 per cent pure rosemary oil made with pure ingredients while ensuring a higher level of quality," suggested Dr Chause. Watch out for labels that list additional ingredients, chemicals, or vague terms like 'fragrance oil'," added Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad. Pure rosemary oil has a strong, woody, and herbaceous aroma. "If the scent is overly sweet, weak, or has chemical undertones, it may be adulterated. However, be cautious, as some fake oils can mimic the smell closely," asserted Dr Haricharan. Pure essential oils are not greasy. "If the oil feels greasy or takes a long time to absorb into the skin, it may have been mixed with carrier oils or synthetic substances," said Dr Haricharan. Experts urge that authentic essential oils are typically stored in dark glass bottles to protect them from light. Notably, light can degrade the oil. "Avoid oils in plastic or clear bottles," said Dr Haricharan. Generally, rosemary oils have a longer shelf life but their quality can deteriorate over time. "This is why it is crucial to always look for expiry date on the packaging before using it as expired rosemary oil can pose several allergic reactions like inflammation, itching, and redness," said Dr Chause. A simple blot test can also be done by placing a drop of the oil on a piece of paper. "Pure rosemary oil should evaporate without leaving an oily residue. If a stain remains, it may be adulterated with carrier oils," said Dr Haricharan. Be cautious, and attentive and prioritise your safety while purchasing rosemary oil. "Always buy from reliable, genuine, and certified brands to ensure their purity and authenticity," said Dr Chause.
