A) The answer to your question is not an easy one but, it is straightforward. Our standard is organic and made in the United States. Of those essential oils that are certified organic and made in the United States we seem to go back-and-forth between a few companies. We can say with experience that freshness cannot be divorced from the formula. From our experience traveling through Tuscany we have witnessed a table filled with bottles of olive oil from local farmers which were pressed that day. We was surprised to see how bright green and herbaceous these oils were. Also, these oils tasted and smelled amazing. By the time these oils are bottled up and packaged and shipped over the United States that zest is diminished quite a bit. With that being said, many ingredients are the same. We have had countless moments where we were setting up to make a batch, start opening the ingredients and then immediately stop the process. It’s common for even the best that the market can provide fall short of what’s expected. To set up on making a product award winning we get a hold of three examples of each ingredient and from those three only choosing the best (easier for us because we use essential oils for everything including our beehives). Then, making sure conditions are perfect in the manufacturing process to blend those ingredients with the ideal texture. I hope this answers your question. I know this is a long winded way to say it that it would be unfair to tell you what we use. But one things for sure, there is so much fun to be had in tracking down for the best. Overcoming all of the frustrations can lead to some adventurous successes.