Choosing an Essential Oils Company (No MLM Required)

Wondering how to go about choosing an essential oils company? I almost titled this post “‘Why My Essential Oils Company is the Best’ and Other Conversations that Make Me Twitch.” If you have been digging around online to learn about essential oils, you completely understand why I would be tempted to do that. I am amazed at the level of unwavering devotion that some people have to their essential oils company and how vicious things can get in a conversation.

No need for that here, though! We can enjoy the health benefits of essential oils and happily continue learning together. Let’s dig into the best ways to begin choosing an essential oil company that works for you!

Such a helpful list! Great tips on choosing an essential oils company.

Disclosure: *This post may include affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the disclosures and terms for more information.

Of course, choosing an essential oils company to purchase from is a relatively important step in the process. You want to make sure that you are purchasing high quality oils that aren’t adulterated. Nobody wants to be ripped off or put themselves or their family in danger from oils that aren’t pure! You also want to buy from a reputable company that has the customer’s education and best interest at heart. 

So, how do you go about choosing an essential oils company? Every person and blog post claims theirs is THE BEST. Terms like “therapeutic grade,” “organic,” “pure,” and “wild-crafted” are thrown around to back up those claims even though most of them are more marketing than anything. The price points vary quite a bit and some of them require signing up to be a part of the club. It can be quite frustrating for the average consumer who just wants to make a wise purchase and try out essential oils for their family.

The Big Dogs in Essential Oils (MLMs)

The two main companies that usually come to mind when people talk about essential oils are doTerra and Young Living. I’m going to just cut to the chase: Multi-level marketing companies are just not my thing and I would prefer to purchase elsewhere. I am not convinced that they are a higher quality than some other top non-MLM companies out there, nor am I convinced they are the most cost effective, unless you have a distributor living next door (even then, I’m not so sure).

I am not anti-MLM, though. I have friends who sell Lila Rose, Pampered Chef, Usborne, etc., and I make purchases from them on occasion. I have friends who join doTerra or Young Living to enjoy the discount, too, whether or not they choose to sell them. That’s great! If it works for you and you enjoy these companies, by all means continue with them!

There are many folks who have talked with me about why their MLM company is fantastic and just misunderstood, and there are those who have blasted MLMs with all sorts of accusations. My reasons for steering clear of them are much more basic. I have dabbled in MLMs a few times, and again, they’re just not for me.

Specifically with essential oils MLMs, the requirements that seem reasonable to others are always burdensome to me, and I feel like their marketing structure can negatively impact important things like price point and objective customer education. So, I don’t sign up with them and I personally wouldn’t promote them here. 

That’s all fine and good, but where does that leave the average consumer who isn’t interested in an essential oils MLM? Well I have good news! You DO have many choices when it comes to where to buy your oils and can try them out without spending an arm and a leg. 

My Recommended Essential Oil Companies

First, let’s take a look at some good points to keep in mind as you decide where to buy essential oils from. 

  • Quality: Unadulterated oils that are the highest quality and purity
  • Service: Great customer service, education, and willingness to share source and testing information
  • Price: Reasonable product and shipping costs – good value for the cost

I don’t mind paying a little more for high quality lavender, for example, but I do want something within my budget and cost effective. You will find that there are fantastic companies available that fit the bill. Here are a few of my favorites. 

  • Rocky Mountain Oils  – This is my top choice. I have been using these oils all along (I started with Native American Nutritionals before NAN merged with RMO).  They are high quality, reasonably priced, and have some huge wins in my book such as frequent deals and the ability to check third party testing results online for every bottle. Pretty cool.  I also LOVE their Kid’s Line
  • Plant Therapy – I have plans to try this one but it’s my runner up because it has a good price point and reputation like Rocky Mountain Oils, a helpful “Kid Safe” line of products, and can be purchased on Amazon. 
  • NOW brand oils – These I can buy at the local health food store (or Amazon) and I sometimes use them for scenting the home or making cleaning products. I’m not saying they don’t work for therapeutic value, but I KNOW Rocky Mountain Oils does so I tend to stick with them for that. However, at the request of a friend I did get a bottle of lavender to test and see if it works as well as my own! 

I’m sure there are other good companies out there, but these are my top choices at this point for non-MLM companies. 

Such a helpful list! Great tips on choosing an essential oils company.

A Final Thought on Choosing an Essential Oils Company

There is a lot about your essential oils company choice that will come from preference and convenience (store down the road, free shipping, etc.) but some research is in order before you land on one as your main source of oils. 

Here are more posts about essential oils you’ll want to consider: 

*FDA disclaimer: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.”

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You might also like these… 

 This is so cool! Explains the science behind how essential oils work.    If you only buy three essential oils, buy these!  This mom shares her journey from skeptic to customer and tackles the question: are essential oils worth the money?

 

This Post Has 57 Comments

  1. Tammy

    Great post! I enjoy RMO too. I still get a few things from YL but prefer RMO for the rest.

    1. Tauna

      Thanks for the comment Tammy! Glad you liked the post and have oils that you love. 🙂

    2. jenny massaro

      Hello , Im working with a holistic healer for my dog that has cancer.She only reccomends young living oils for ingestion… I have rocky mountain oils. she claims since they have their own facility there is better control on purity. Comments please!!!

      1. Tauna Meyer

        Hi! I have no training with aromatherapy for animals. However, I have found that while you do have to do research into a company before buying their oils to ensure purity and quality, there are definitely more than one that are on par with Young Living. Rocky Mountain Oils has some information you can look into to start your own research here >> (referral) https://essentiailoils.go2cloud.org/SH1Xq

  2. Holly

    Love Rocky Mountain Oils, also known as Native American Nutrituonals, the 2 companies merged not long ago. I haven’t used all their oils. I find their singles to be very good and most of the blends to be excellent but I did find one that I use regularly, a blend from YL (Digize) and the same blend from DoTerra (digest zen) to be the better choices. RMO’s Tummy Rub just didn’t provide the same results as the other 2. so I totally agree, I’m not a big fan of MLMs but you have to go with what works! Thanks for your blog, I’ve enjoyed it!!

    1. Tauna

      Right! I’ll go back and add that it was formerly Native American Nutritionals. Some folks were upset about the merge but I am very happy with it. I’ve seen some great moves in transparency and the introduction of free shipping for all domestic orders, among other things. It’s interesting you say that about Tummy Rub because we use it all the time and prefer it over the doTerra blend! lol! Goes to show how different experiences can be, and that’s totally fine. 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!

  3. Angela

    Thank you! Most posts about essential oils either turn into promoting or bashing certain companies. Persinally I’m just trying to get good oils at a decent price, so thank you for this post.

    1. Tauna

      Yes! What’s the point in bashing, right? I’m glad you found the post helpful!

  4. Lauren

    Hello from Louisiana!

    Thank you for sharing this information! I’ve been dabbling with essential oils (Mostly NOW brand) here and there and I have been pondering about using them holistically. This article has given me some new points to think about and I’ll be doing some more research! Thanks again for the simple guideline! 🙂

    1. Tauna

      You’re welcome! Glad you found it helpful 🙂

  5. Barb Fuller

    Thanks for this! Very helpful! Have you tried Eden’s Garden? Very happy with them, good pricing etc. I order with friends to save shipping fee.

    1. Tauna

      I did early on and remember thinking they didn’t work as well. However, with a little more time under my belt I have a better idea of what results to look for so I might try them again. Thanks for reminding me about them!

  6. Tiffany

    I’ve tried Mountain Rose! They have some oils the others don’t seem to have (I recently purchased AllSpice for diffusing). Good shipping, good value. Since it’s not topical, just diffusing, I’ll say the quality is great. I’m generally a Rocky Mountain (NAN) girl – and I’d say they are definitely two companies on the same wavelength!

    1. Tauna

      Thanks Tiffany! Good to hear some experience with Mountain Rose. 🙂

  7. Lori in NY

    Hello Tauna!

    I know what you are talking about when you discuss the essential oil “wars” that go on about whose company is better! It’s totally overboard! I understand that direct sales or MLM companies may not have worked for you, but please consider that there are MANY stay-home moms who love essential oils and need to make some extra money from home, so that’s the route they choose. There are direct sales companies where you can get a great assortment of fantastic oils for your home and *also* have the ability to share that love of essential oils with others (and get paid a little too) with no monthly fees or required purchases! As a SAHM too, I love supporting friends and family who are doing something to bring additional money to their families. I encourage everyone reading this post to consider direct sales as a route to providing for your family, or if not that, then at least buy a product or two from those who ARE! 😉 God bless!

    1. Tauna

      Good point Lori. 🙂 As I said I often buy through friends who join MLMs, but not for essential oils. But I do know that many love working with them and are able to bless their families through them. Thanks for chiming in!

  8. Cathie

    Have you tried Eden’s Garden oils? I am considering them as well.

    1. Tauna

      Someone else asked about them. Here’s my reply: “I did early on and remember thinking they didn’t work as well. However, with a little more time under my belt I have a better idea of what results to look for so I might try them again. Thanks for reminding me about them!”

  9. Shannon

    What do you think of Eden’s Garden? Please let me know. Thank you!

    1. Tauna

      Hi Shannon! Someone asked about them. Here is my reply: “I did early on and remember thinking they didn’t work as well. However, with a little more time under my belt I have a better idea of what results to look for so I might try them again. Thanks for reminding me about them!”

      1. Shannon

        thank you!

  10. Clarissa

    This — “Specifically with essential oils MLMs, the requirements that seem reasonable to others are always burdensome to me, and I feel like their marketing structure can negatively impact important things like price point and objective customer education. So I don’t sign up with them and I personally wouldn’t promote them here. ”

    This is why I haven’t signed up with an essential oils company. My sis-in-law sells one of the big brands, but the requirements and cost are not my cup of tea, especially when I don’t feel confident that the quality is there!

    I’m still learning and educating myself on the use of essential oils, so although I am an affiliate with the brand I use, I do not feel like I can say they are the “best”… And I still use other brands sometimes. We have used them successfully for a couple of years, though, so I do feel they are safe.

    Loving this series! Great info!

    1. Tauna

      Exactly Clarissa! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. 🙂

  11. Ashley

    Thank you for this! I am not totally anti-MLM but I try to generally avoid them. I love using essential oils and look forward to trying Rocky Mountain Oils next time I need to order based on your recommendation. I have tried Plant Therapy but wasn’t really impressed

    1. Tauna

      That’s interesting that Plant Therapy didn’t work for you. Thanks for the input! I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about Rocky Mountain Oils!

  12. Ruth C

    I love RMO and PT. I tend to get singles from Plant Therapy because, ounce for ounce, they tend to be marginally less expensive, and are still great quality. I also have used some of the hydrosols from PT, and they’re very nice. I still get blends like Immunity Strength, Feminine Aid, and True Blue from RMO. They’re both great companies with high quality oils. I like not having to deal with a “middle man” when buying oils. MLMs aren’t for me, either.

    1. Tauna

      Those are great blends! I’ve heard good things about Feminine Aid but have not tried it. Thanks for stopping by!

  13. Sheila

    I understand network marketing is not for everyone. But for those who have an open mind and aspire to change their lives and help others change theirs, network marketing may be just right for them. I have a good friend, a strong Christian mom who used to clean houses and emotionally tells her story of becoming a network marketer, “We used to be the family who needed the funding to send our kids to Bible camp. Now we help provide the scholarships for others.” Powerful! Again, it is not for everyone. But the impact on lives is amazing and I am so grateful. As for the cost. Well, I get all my oils for free just for telling others about them…not a benefit you will get with the companies that are mentioned in this blog post. In fact, those companies keep all the proceeds while you tell others about how great they are. Network marketing companies such as Young Living and others are so grateful for people who share about their products that they give them free oils and “thank you” checks. So, just presenting another side so as to encourage anyone who would like to explore the possibilities of living a more empowered life.

    1. Tauna

      Thanks Sheila! Again, I’m not knocking those who want to participate in MLMs. But I do think it would be a stretch to say that MLM companies are sharing part of their profit margin out of the goodness of their hearts. That said, they are definitely built on the backs of their representatives so it’s good to hear they treat them well! 🙂

      1. Sheila

        I hear what you are saying. I can tell that you are not knocking MLM’s. But, the word I used is “grateful”. And I stand by that. Traditional businesses can be grateful for their employees, yes? They can also be grateful for their customers, yes? No company would be in business if not for their customers and employees, so it makes sense to be grateful! “Built on the backs of their representatives” is somewhat misleading. Every company and every business is built “off the backs” of their employees and customers! I find it interesting to hear people say that, and then have to go to a job 40 hrs a week, all while their company decides when they can take a vacation, spend time with their families, how much money they will make and whether or not they can move up in the company. Now THAT sounds like a company being built off the backs of their representatives. I also find it interesting that MLM’s are somehow held to a different standard than other businesses, all while employing the same business standards of traditional companies. MLM’s are simply businesses that choose to use a different model of distribution. A system that rewards people for their “word of mouth” advertising. It’s simple really. Thanks so much for allowing me to present a fresh perspective to MLM’s. I hope these words bless someone.

        1. Tauna

          Of course! I can see that what I said sounded harsh, but I didn’t mean it that way at all. I simply meant that I’m always happy to see companies treating their affiliates, customers, representatives, etc. well since those are the people that helps them succeed!

          I also don’t think that anything I said is holding MLMs to a different standard than other companies. I hold them to the same standard and accountability as any other company I would purchase from or participate in. I don’t completely understand what you mean by that. I do think that the benefits and kick backs of an MLM are a great way to secure the buy-in of representatives and is fantastic marketing (and I’m not implying that this is shady in any way). But that sort of system just isn’t for everyone.

          Truly, this article isn’t aimed at MLMs or those who love and use them. It’s aimed at folks like me who would rather find another option. 🙂

          1. Sheila

            Thanks. I can see you are fair and honest in your comments. I hope I didn’t come off defensive. And, I do agree with you. This industry is for everyone, but everyone is not for this industry. And, that’s perfectly fine. I appreciate this series and also, enjoy your homeschooling helps. Thanks for the free downloads as well. My prayers are with you!

  14. Gretchen

    I just received my first order from plant therapy today. The organic tea tree seems comparable to the mlm brand I have been using- so far so good. I did put a drop on a piece of paper and it left no ring, so that to me is a good sign. I also tried their deodorizing synergy blend, and right now my house honestly smells like an aveda spa. I love it. If something ends up being off w the tea tree, I’ll update this, but so far I like what I got and I love the price.

    1. Tauna

      That’s great! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  15. Emily

    Yay! I have used dt, and was a member at one point, just for the discount. I found though, that NAN oils have been every bit as good, if not better, so I mostly use their oils now.

    1. Tauna

      It’s always great to find a good fit like that! Thanks Emily. 🙂

  16. Judy

    Thanks for this blog…I don’t do MLM’s either, and am weary of the drama. I have started ordering from Hopewell (used to be Heritage) and have been very happy with them. They have a very informative website.

    1. Tauna

      Thanks for the recommendation! I’m glad it was a helpful post for you . 🙂

  17. Glenda B.

    Hi Tauna: I’m with Judy, I don’t do MLM’s either & I’m also tired of all the drama. I live on a fixed income & I just can’t justify paying the price YL charges. Like almost $100.00 for Frankensense! That is totally outrageous! I’m new to using Essential Oils and all I want is a true, real EO with no additives or fillers. My question is, how can you tell which oils are a true therapudic grade? I read something earlier where you said something like they are more like water & shouldn’t feel oily. I ordered an oil once that had an oily feel when I rubbed it between my fingers. Is this not a real EO? I hope you can answer my questions. I just want an EO that is a true blend & works like it is supposed to. I will be trying RMO next though. Thank you for your informative blogs. God bless.

    1. Tauna

      Hi Glenda!

      Many companies say they sell 100% pure and natural, therapeutic-grade essential oils. They may even say “certified.” However, there is no such standard that is defined and universally applied to essential oils. EO companies can define that for themselves because it’s not regulated. On the other hand, it’s commonly understood that “pure” essential oils are those that contain only the concentrated aromatic compounds from the plant without any adulteration. Additives and adulteration can be harmful to the body and greatly reduce the effectiveness of the oil. They are typically added to essential oils as a way to lower production costs, and can include: chemical dilutants, synthetic oils, mixing cheaper oils with more expensive ones, and alcohols.

      Truly, the best thing you can do is find a company or two that you’ve researched and believe to be reliable. They are not going to be selling you junk.

      As far as the texture, there are some blends that feel that way because they are combined with a carrier oil. They’re not adulterated – they just come that way as a product because it’s part of the blend. Of course, the ingredients list will state that (usually fractionated coconut oil) and you wouldn’t find that with a single oil. I have noticed some oils feel viscous but that’s not the same as being “oily” like olive oil.

      I hope that helps!

  18. Amy

    I love Plant Therapy! We got their A+ Attention oil blend for our 11 year old ADHD daughter. It works really great. She is off her meds now.

  19. Erin Marie Sills

    So thankful for essential oil education that is not affiliated with a MLM company. In general, I tend to stay away from direct sales, it’s just not for me. I am excited about your essential oil ecourse. Your blog (and facebook posts) are so encouraging to me. Thanks! I am over at http://www.healthhappensathome.com if you want to check out what I do.

  20. Jennie

    I would love to read how plant therapy and RMO compared . I have only just started using oils and only plant therapy they are closer to were I live. But I have even interested in RMO. Thanks

    1. Tauna

      Hi Jennie! That’s a great idea. I have one friend who loves both oil brands but generally leans toward RMO for it’s customer focus. I have another friend who can’t stand the smell of Plant Therapy oils but loves RMO oils so she buys those. 😀 I think both are high quality oils so it’s about preference. I prefer RMO because of their 90-day money back policy, free shipping, amazing customer service, and I can look up the third party testing results online for every bottle of oil. But again, both oils are high quality. Hope you find what suits you best!

      1. Jennie

        Thank you I look forward trying Rmo

  21. Organic Palace Queen

    Hi Tauna, these are my sentiments as well. I love Plant Therapy and Aura Cacia oils and I’ve been happy with Now oils as well. These are the ones I’ve used the most. I will have to try Mountain Rose. Thanks for pointing out that it’s okay to venture outside of the MLM networks. I do like the YL frankincense.

  22. Claudia

    I am a newbie at using essential oils.
    I am looking for all info I can find.
    Looking forward to these emails everyday

  23. Kristi

    Hi, there! I was wondering if you could help me find the rest of this series? I read through the whole thing about a year and a half ago or so but I was wanting to look back through it just now and I can only find this post when I search for it. There’s no dates on this page so I can’t look for posts dated close to this one. I recall there being a list of links to the rest of the series on each post. Help???? 🙂 Thanks in advance!

  24. Meg

    I too have more RMO than YL oils, but have found that some of the YL oils seem to work better. I HATE MLM’s from bad past experiences too. I found that the reason some of the oils may work better is because of the growing conditions. most companies dont pay attention to the seeds or the harvesting techniques. From my personal research, NOT WHAT I GOT FROM YOUNG LIVING as I really don’t trust that the information is totally accurate coming from all the MLM reps, I discovered that the seeds can be really important. The oils is nothing more than the plant, and if the plant is not at hits highest potention then the oil will not be either. The tests that RMO does, don’t show how potent the actual oils will be. If the oils are working for me then great, if not, I go to YL and theirs seem to work every time. I am not impressed with YL shipping, but LOVE RMO’s shipping.

    1. Tauna

      Interesting! Thanks Meg. 🙂 I have found RMO oils to be the same or better than YL in all the instances I’ve tried (although I haven’t tried many) and some other folks have mentioned that they found RMO more potent than YL and Plant Therapy, for example. But many MANY people I know have different things they like from different companies and can enjoy the options! I love that. 🙂 It’s always good to hear what other people’s experience has been so thanks for the comment!

  25. Izzi

    Hey I just read this article. Very informative and helpful especially for a new comer as well. I haven’t even bought my first essential oil yet. This article seems to have some great leads, and seems like I’ll make my first purchase from RMO or NAN. From what I just finished reading seems like these would be the best of choices. However, I have a question. One company that sounds too good to be true is jade bloom
    University. Have you tried any of their oils? Are you familiar with them? And is that a list or companies you suggest I try? And from
    The looks of it. I’m not too fond of MLM companies either. Never knew such thing exist.

    1. Tauna Meyer

      I’m not familiar with that company. 🙂

  26. Janice Thieme

    I just looked in Garden of Eden, like that they are non-MLM. Came from another company and ready to give them a try. Thanks for your informative post. Good read. Jan

  27. Kelly

    I started out with doterra, then signed up with Young Living. It was too much to spend a certain amount every single month. It wasn’t worth it for me and it got expensive. My sister-in-law told me about NAN and it was about this time that they merged with Rocky Mountain Oils. I have been ordering from them ever since and haven’t looked back! Their quality is good and we’ve had such great results. I’m thankful for a cheaper option in price, but not cheaper in value and quality!

  28. Jan

    Do you have information on Revive? Trying to wade through what’s true and trustworthy.
    I use Doterra, YL and NOW products. Will look into Rocky Mountain.
    Thankyou for your research and sharing what you learn.

    1. Tauna Meyer

      I have not looked into that one. Sorry!

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