Frequently Asked Questions

Yes we do! We have many happy customers in the USA who love paying the lower Canadian prices and the speedy shipping through FedEx. Contact us if you have any further questions on this.

NO

Essential oils are the highly-concentrated aromatic essences of plants. These plans come from geographic and climatic regions all over the world.

Carrier oils are also referred to as vegetable oils and base oils. They are used to dilute essential oils so that they can be used for application. Carrier oils are also used in cold process soaps and massage oils. The choice of carrier oil depends on what therapeutic benefit the customer is seeking.

All our products are of premium quality, but not all our oils are certified organic. Our extensive line of organic oils can be found by clicking this link, or by exploring our collection of organic oils within our product categories. These organic oils are certified by internationally-recognized certifying bodies.

There are several methods of essential oil extraction:

Steam distillation

Steam distillation is used for temperature-sensitive materials such as natural aromatic compounds. It's the method of purifying any substance by application of steam. It's used to extract essential oils from their combined natural sources. The principle of steam distillation is that insoluble objects can decrease the boiling point of each other when mixed together.

CO2 extraction

Carbon dioxide extraction is a process that's used to extract the essence of a plant and the essential oils from them. A CO2 gas turns into liquid form when a stipulated amount of pressure is applied on it. Essential oils extracted through this method have the advantage of avoiding the thermal degradation accorded with distillation at atmospheric pressure. This liquid solvent is inert and safe. CO2 extraction is the primary preference in producing superior herbal extracts, which are required by flavouring and herbal medicine industries.

Hydro distillation

Hydro distillation is a method of extraction that's sometimes used instead of steam extraction, and is one of the most widely-used methods of traditional extraction. In the steam process, steam passes in the hydro distillater through powdered wood; in hydro distillation the powder is soaked in water. The water container is then heated until the steam comes out, and then cooled before the oil is collected from the top of the hydrosol.

Solvent extraction

Solvent extraction is used to separate compounds that are based on their relative solubilities present in water and organic solvents. The extraction is basically from one liquid phase to another. Unwanted materials are removed from the organic phases during the rubbing stage.

Cold-pressed extraction

Cold-pressed extraction is a highly-sought after procedure for extracting oils. This extraction process is based on the denomination that describes the temperature at which the oil can be squeezed. At Botanic Universe, we take great care to ensure that the volatile aromas are preserved and not oxidized during this process.

The International Federation of Aroma therapists does not recommend the ingestion of essential oils unless supervised by a medical doctor who is also qualified in clinical aromatherapy.

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances that can cause serious damage if used internally without having the necessary expertise in administering them.

It's recommended that essential oils should be stored at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius) and out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration after opening is also recommended.

We do not ship free samples. Offering free samples and shipping those samples means the cost will be absorbed into the product line and raise prices. We offer affordable 5 ml. sizes, which are perfect for testing.

Currently we do not.

Yes you can. Make sure to select the pick up option on the checkout page. You can choose a pickup date/time and we will have your order ready for pickup at our Burlington, Ontario warehouse location.

We accept all major credit cards. Other methods of payment include wire transfers and certified cheques. E-transfers are also an option for Canadian customers. Call 1-877-509-6457 to confirm.

When you place an order with us through our online shopping cart your credit card will be charged instantly when you check out from the shopping cart.

You will be charged for the products you receive. It an item you order is out of stock, an adjustment will be made. Also, shipping can vary from the amount provided in the shopping cart calculation.

At Botanic Universe we make every effort to deliver exceptional products at competitive pricing. Explore our store and view our product selection to see our prices.

No taxes are applied for USA and international orders.

5% Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon

12% percent for British Columbia

13% for New Brunswick and Newfoundland, Ontario

15% for Nova Scotia

Orders will generally be processed and shipped within 1-3 days of receipt. Delivery time may vary depending on destination of the order. Because we use ground service for our deliveries, orders shipped to the west coast may take several days. Expedited shipping services chosen are to reduce transit times and do not impact fullfillment.

Yes we do. Unless otherwise noted

If your product arrives broken or spilled, we will ship a new one. Each shipment is subject to verification. Cancelled orders will be subject to a 20% restocking fee if the order has shipped.

All Wholesale orders are final sale unless product is incorrect or damaged. (Subject to verification)

Yes phone orders are welcome.

Yes. Please call us at 1-877-509-6457 and we'll be more than happy to assist you.