Testing Standards
Transparency about testing is fundamental to trust. We believe you should know exactly how we verify the quality and consistency of every bottle of First Light.
Why Testing Matters
Essential oils vary widely in quality. Factors including growing conditions, harvest timing, extraction methods, and storage can all affect the final composition. Without rigorous testing, there's no way to verify that what's in the bottle matches what's on the label.
We test because consistency matters. If natural mould defence relies on the presence and balance of selected botanical compounds, then every batch must meet those specifications.
GC-MS Analysis
Every batch of First Light undergoes Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. This technique separates and identifies the individual compounds present in the oil, verifying both purity and composition.
GC-MS analysis confirms that our essential oils contain the expected compounds at the expected concentrations, and that no adulterants, synthetic additives, or contaminants are present.
IFRA Compliance
All First Light formulations comply with guidelines set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). These guidelines establish safe usage levels for fragrance ingredients based on extensive safety research.
IFRA compliance means our essential oil blend is formulated at concentrations considered safe for typical home fragrance use within established guidelines.
Hard Surface Mould Testing
First Light is undergoing independent laboratory testing to assess how it performs on hard, non-porous surfaces using established European (EN) test methods.
Testing is conducted in line with EN 13697, a recognised laboratory standard used to measure how a formulation affects microorganisms on inert surfaces under controlled conditions. This produces repeatable, comparable results that help us verify how the formulation behaves when applied to surfaces.
What This Testing Shows
EN 13697 testing is designed to show, in a controlled lab setting:
- Whether First Light can reduce mould on hard surfaces under lab conditions
- Whether that reduction is consistent when tested again
- How it performs compared to an untreated surface in the same test
This gives us objective data that goes beyond anecdotes, scent, or marketing language.
What This Testing Does Not Mean
EN testing does not mean First Light is a registered disinfectant or biocidal product.
Batch Consistency
Natural products inherently vary. Growing conditions change year to year; extraction yields differ between harvests. Our testing protocols account for this natural variation while ensuring every batch meets our specifications.
Each production run is tested and compared against our reference standards. Batches that fall outside acceptable parameters are rejected. This ensures consistent quality regardless of when you purchase.
What Testing Does Not Claim
Our testing verifies purity, composition, and safety compliance. It does not constitute medical testing, therapeutic validation, or biocidal certification.
We do not claim that our testing proves health benefits, treatment efficacy, or performance against specific organisms. Our testing confirms product quality and consistency, nothing more, nothing less.
