Essential oils are an important ingredient in many beauty products such as cleansers, moisturizers, and toners. As part of the manufacturing process, essential oils must be extracted or distilled from plant material, and then collected in stainless steel containers for further refinement.

Stainless steel drums are the collection vessel of choice because they protect the integrity of essential oils and prevent contamination. Large-scale manufacturers can use 55 gallon drums or 30 gallon drums for this task, while home hobbyists would likely opt for a stainless steel pail. In either case, tightly fitted lids are a must to guarantee that the oils maintain purity throughout the process.