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Oregano oil

Oregano oil suppliers and sourcing guide

Oregano oil is steam-distilled from the dried or fresh flowering herb of oregano species, mainly Origanum vulgare and related Origanum species from Turkey, Greece and the Mediterranean; Spanish origanum oil comes from Thymus capitatus. The oil is rich in the phenols carvacrol and thymol. Food uses are as a flavor in sauces, meat and seasonings, and in dietary supplements it is usually sold diluted in a carrier oil such as olive oil and filled in softgels or dropper bottles.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Origanum vulgare oil · Origanum oil · Thymus capitatus oil (Spanish origanum) · CAS 8007-11-2
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of oregano oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Pure oil

    Undiluted steam-distilled oil, graded by carvacrol content.

  • Diluted in carrier oil

    Oil cut into olive or another vegetable oil at a stated ratio, common for supplement softgels and liquids.

  • Spanish origanum oil

    Oil from Thymus capitatus, a related but botanically distinct source.

  • Organic or wild-crafted

    Certified organic or wild-harvested Mediterranean oregano oil.

  • Oleoresin

    Solvent-extracted oleoresin for meat and seasoning applications.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

GC profile
Gas chromatography of carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene and gamma-terpinene against the specification for the stated species.
Physical constants
Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at a stated temperature, compared with the supplier's specification or the Food Chemicals Codex monograph where one exists.
Carvacrol and thymol
Carvacrol and thymol percentages by GC, the main grading values and the first place adulteration with thyme oil or synthetic carvacrol shows.
Appearance and odor
Color, clarity and odor against a retained standard; off-notes often show up before the GC profile shifts.
Heavy metals
Lead and arsenic, typically by ICP-MS, against the supplier's specification.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep the oil in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers, cool and out of light; headspace air oxidizes terpenes and dulls the odor. Blanket partly used drums with nitrogen where possible. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is usually retested for odor, peroxide value and GC profile before use. Diluted oils also depend on the carrier, so check the carrier's peroxide value on aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Carvacrol content varies widely by species, wild versus cultivated plants and harvest. Record botanical source, carvacrol result and, for diluted products, the dilution ratio per lot.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 182.20 lists origanum (Origanum spp.) among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 172.510 lists Thymus capitatus (Spanish origanum) among natural flavoring substances and natural adjuvants that may be safely used in food.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists origanum oil from Thymus capitatus (CAS 8007-11-2) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 172.510 and 182.20.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Oregano oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking oregano oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell oregano oil? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of oregano oil can brands buy?

Common forms include pure oil, diluted in carrier oil, spanish origanum oil, organic or wild-crafted and oleoresin. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for oregano oil include?

Expect gC profile, physical constants, carvacrol and thymol, appearance and odor and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should oregano oil be stored?

Keep the oil in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers, cool and out of light; headspace air oxidizes terpenes and dulls the odor. Blanket partly used drums with nitrogen where possible. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is usually retested for odor, peroxide value and GC profile before use. Diluted oils also depend on the carrier, so check the carrier's peroxide value on aged stock.

What is the regulatory status of oregano oil?

21 CFR 182.20 lists origanum (Origanum spp.) among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. 21 CFR 172.510 lists Thymus capitatus (Spanish origanum) among natural flavoring substances and natural adjuvants that may be safely used in food. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists origanum oil from Thymus capitatus (CAS 8007-11-2) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 172.510 and 182.20.

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