How can you tell 'pure essential oils' from 'absolutes oils', and whats the difference?

Answer 1

Absolutes are almost always very very expensive; they are extracted using different methods to essential oils which are distilled only. Absolutes are usually of flowers like jasmine and rose. They tend to be heavier in texture, very rich in fragrance. The first indicator is usually price, often ten or twenty times as much as other oils.

Answer 2

Well, absolutes are a type of essential oil but because solvents are used in their extraction they are considered by some not to be as pure as distilled or expressed essential oils. There are only trace amounts of solvent left in the end product.
Absolutes are extracted mainly from flowers which do not distill well, such as jasmine, frangipani, immortelle. The flowers tend to be too delicate to stand up to the steam distillation used for most essential oils and are often some of the most expensive oils to produce. Rose can be produced by either method - if distilled it is referred to as rose otto, otherwise it is rose absolute. That is a major clue - look for the word "absolute" in the name. But for oils like those mentioned above, they are only available as absolutes.
Any reputable seller of essential oils will know the difference AND be willing to tell you. If they avoid the question, or don't know - don't buy!

Answer 3

I would go for the price, absolutes are extremely expensive