What Makes a Good Essential Oils Company
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This path of figuring out which is the best essential oils company has been hard work.
When I started out trying Young Living's Thieves blend, I had NO idea that I would be digging this heavily into a bunch of oils companies to find out which brand gave my family the biggest bang for the buck.
There's been a lot of info to sort through, and life has been little [a lot] crazy over the past 6 months.)
Read on to see what I've been learning.
First of all, if you missed my earlier posting on essential oils, you might want to revisit:
– A Skeptic Looks at Essential Oils
– Are Essential Oils a Scam? – Peppermint, Wintergreen, and More
– Which Essential Oils Company is Best – Part One
A lot has happened since those posts.
I had questions and more questions to ask and I think I probably almost drove a few oil company folks crazy in the process. But I feel pretty good about what I am going to share with you now.
But before I tell you which company I am going to be recommending, let me fill you in on how I got there and give you more information on essential oils in general.
Finding the Best Essential Oils Company
In trying to sort out which company I wanted to recommend to you (and where I wanted to buy my oils from), I did the following:
– contacted a bunch of companies
– looked at tons of websites
– talked on the phone with employees and owners of essential oils companies
– thought agonized a lot
– thought some more
– spent a bunch of money on oils (and I do mean a bunch)
I really took this very seriously. I wanted to provide my family and my readers with the best essential oils company for the money.
Now of course, I can be wrong–and I do think that there is more than one good oil company out there.
But I am as sure as I can be right now that I have found a good one to recommend to you all.
What Makes a Quality Essential Oils Company
1. The Essential Oils Company Should Sell Quality Oils
The oils need to be as high quality as possible without being astronomical in price. They should be:
– extracted properly (under low temperature and low pressure)
– produced from plants grown in their indigenous locations (where they grow naturally)
– made from wild-crafted (indigenously grown and/or not removed entirely when harvested) and/or organic plants if at all possible
I have concerns along these lines about some of the companies that I looked into. For example, Young Living is a very popular essential oils company. In fact, if you recall from my post on A Skeptic Looks at Thieves Oil, and my post on Peppermint, Wintergreen, and More, you will see that I was at first very pleased with their oils.
However, I am concerned that many of Young Living's oils are sourced in the U.S. That is great from the standpoint of keeping shipping costs to the U.S. low, but many of the plants from which their oils are derived are not indigenous to the U.S. and so I think that is one thing to consider.
But let's see what else our “search for the best essential oils company turns up.” One company might not have everything we want…….
2. The Essential Oils Should Be Pure
The oils must not have anything added to them, nor have anything taken out that should be “left in”
Apparently, it is commonplace for oils “experts” or oil companies to add things to essential oils in order to make them “go farther” and thus be cheaper to produce. The companies can either make more profit by selling an inferior product at a high price, or they can offer an inferior product and an apparently “great price.”
I heard and read a lot about oil companies “monkeying around” with their oils in order to make them:
– smell better (By distilling oils longer or heating them, the “herby” smell of some oils is changed to make them more palatable.)
– pass quality and purity tests (Some “oil experts” are apparently smart enough to know what the tests are looking for, so they add things to the oils or alter them in other ways to make them “pass” the tests. This is the case with oregano oil. Some companies will adulterate their oregano oil to have carvacrol levels come to where they want them to be.)
– more profitable by adding fillers like propylene glycol and others
Additionally, oils should, when possible, be extracted with steam only–not with chemical solvents. Who wants more chemical “nasties” on or in their bodies? Not me.
Basically, the essential oils I want to use should be only pure essential oils.
Nothing added. Nothing taken away.
You can read more about the adulteration of essential oils here.
3. The Essential Oils Should Be Sold at an Affordable Price
The oils should be within the reach of most consumers' budgets.
Of course, as with everything, there are varying degrees of quality. The company that I have chosen has very high quality. However, even that company's owner admits that there are comparable, even higher quality oils available, but the prices of these oils are so exorbitant as to make them unaffordable to most people.
4. The Oils Should Be Effective
The oils must work.
Of course, we want oils to do something, and not just smell nice. I can use plain vanilla extract behind my ears for that :-).
Now, this is something that perhaps needs qualification. Of course, when talking about essential oils being effective, there are a lot of things that can go into that–the individual's condition, how the oil is applied, etc., whereas the other means of evaluating an oil (outside of the organoleptic [smell] testing) are more objective.
It's important to note that if an essential oils works, that doesn't mean it's pure. Also, if an essential oil doesn't work, that doesn't mean that it's impure or inferior.
5. The Company Should Provide Education
Ideally, the oils company will offer opportunities to learn how to properly use oils to provide healthy options for the treatment of medical and emotional issues.
Of course, there is a huge amount of such information on the internet and in books like the following.
How's that for a lot of information to chew on? See why this has been tough?
Well, hang in there with me. I'll be back real soon with more information.
The Essential Oil Company I Recommend
If you'd like to find out which essential oil company I went with at the end of this long search, read Announcing “the Best” Essential Oils Company – Part 7 .
You can also read the other parts of the series here:
For more in the series:
– Which Essential Oils Company is Best?
– 14 Ways to Spot Fake Essential Oils
– Young Living vs. doTERRA
– Are MLM Oils Worth It?
– Distillation, Bias, Vomit and Personal Attacks
A Great Essential Oils Book
If you're looking to learn more about essential oils, the following book is a great one to add to your library.
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art
This book is a complete resource for everyone from students to practitioners. It has more than 90 formulas and covers cosmetics, perfumes, and therapeutic uses.
The authors have a combined 75 years of experience that will help you bring the power of plants to your everyday life in the areas of beauty, healthy, and overall wellness.
Get My Free Essential Oils Report and VIP Newsletter Access
Also, if you go and grab my Free Report on 10 Things to Know About Essential Oils Before You Buy, you will not only get more myth-busting essential oils information, but you'll get access to my VIP newsletter as well–complete with updates, great healthy living offers, of course new posts on essential oils, and more.
What do you think?
Anything you would add to this list?
Greetings, Thanks for all the important information regarding essential oils but there is one i was wondering if you have any information on this company called Plant Guru because it seems their essential oils i have use works very good! Could you please enlighten me on this company?
Thanks for commenting. I would just look at the final post in this series and at this report and this post to see what you think about how they measure up. I am very confident in the purity of the company that I went with. It is important not to get oils that might be adulterated. https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/toxic-overload-health-concerns/essential-oils-testing-is-it-reliable/
Hi Adrienne,
I really appreciated your comparison blog and the numerous useful tips you give there!
I live in Germany and am just getting started in Oils. Unfortunately, I can’t find your favorite Rocky Mountain Oils. Do you have any suggestions?
Secondly, are you familiar with the firms Primavera and Naissance ? They are available here and are significantly cheaper than DoTerra and Young Living….
Thanks so much for your input,
Kay
Hello Kay – just responded to your comment in my inbox – you can buy Rocky Mountain on the internet and they have $8 shipping overseas and free shipping over $199. Here’s a link to the post where I recommended them: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/announcing-the-best-essential-oils-company-and-a-great-sale/
Thank you for such extensive research in a very overwhelming area! It is so hard to know which oils to use and for what! I am just getting started with essential oils and feel like they will be very beneficial. I purchased mine from Native American Nutritionals after doing some research and with all of this information that you provide, I feel like I made the best choice for me. Thanks again and thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome- I love them too! I hope you noticed that they have been purchased by Rocky Mountain Oils – same oils and now better. And their site is easier to peruse as well. Take care!
You have done lots of research. Thank you for all of this information. My wife and I are Ameo Essential oils users. They are the only clinical grade essential oils. I did not see where you did any research on them. Go to (site removed by blow owner) to learn more. From my research all of our oils meet you criteria. Ameo even allows you as the user to see the test done on your specific batch # along with your batch # being cell active and permeable on a cellular level. Thanks for sharing your research with us.
Have you tried Camp Wander?
No – sorry. Please look at this and this to see:
https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/toxic-overload-health-concerns/essential-oils-testing-is-it-reliable/
https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
More to come – stay tuned!
Any reviews on a Canadian product called New directions aromatics?
I think if you look at their site you will see some concerns.
This post and report should help. : https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/toxic-overload-health-concerns/essential-oils-testing-is-it-reliable/
About new directions, what concerns so you have with them? I just bought a bunch of their oils, about half organic, and saw that they are pretty transparent with their oils and have reports. I did read both of your links but don’t see the warning signs….maybe I’m being blind?
Hi there. Sorry for the delay. I have a lot written in this report and will be writing more about what to look for in a company. https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
I’m very concerned about adulteration going on in the industry and I have very high standards. Thanks.
I have done some research myself and have found that their oils are substandard when compared to other companies such as Plant Therapy, Eden Botanical and Nature’s Gift. I’ve replaced some of the oils I have of theirs and even their aroma smells off and not very pleasant in comparison to the oils from the companies I mentioned. Thankfully I am a part of a number of facebook groups that do third party testing on many companies and have had wonderful discussions with some of the top chemists and aromatherapists who have expanded my knowledge of oils.
Thanks. I will be sharing a lot more – what FB groups are you in? I’m in a few but would be interested in knowing. Thanks again.
Have you researched any on Plant Therapy EO. I was in the process of either ordering from them or DoTerra and then decided to look on the web and found some of your articles. I had a friend mention to be they were pure and cheaper route to go, but figured I see if you messed with them at all.
Hello there. I did look into them but didn’t choose them for several reasons. I prefer the company that I went with. Hope that helps.
I’m curious what your reasons were for not choosing Plant Therapy. I hope you can relay.
I’ll be talking more about other companies in the future but in the meantime, you might wish to review this information. Thanks!
https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/toxic-overload-health-concerns/essential-oils-testing-is-it-reliable/
https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
GC/MS batch testing is a must and every test should have a chemist’s signature on it as well.
Thanks so much for putting in all the effort so I don’t have to. I was wondering if you had a review on the diffusers. I currently only have the yl premiums starter kit and would like to buy at least 2 more diffusers. Any thoughts or recommendations?
Hi there. I haven’t done an official review, but I tried doTERRA’s and didn’t care for it. I have tried hmmmm….maybe 3 others? I really like the AromaCloud Spa from the company that I chose. They have a new one now but I still think this is my favorite as it has a continuous on option. I will likely be trying more in the near future. Hope that helps! (Oh – make sure you clean your diffuser! One of mine broke early I think b/c I didn’t clean it enough.) https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/announcing-the-best-essential-oils-company-and-a-great-sale/
Hello! Amazing work. I’m attempting to pick the best Christmas present for my wife including essential oils! Which company did you actually recommend? Thank you, Ed.
Just read to the end :). https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/announcing-the-best-essential-oils-company-and-a-great-sale/
Outstanding. Thank you.
Today’s post might interest you:https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/announcing-the-best-essential-oils-company-and-a-great-sale/
Hi Adrienne! Wow, amazing work you’ve done researching all of these essential oil companies! I was wondering if you could give any details, if you remember, about the oils Living Libations. It seems that they are extremely pure from all of the research I’ve done but i know you mentioned you didn’t use them for several reasons. Just wondering if you were willing to share your reasons. I know there are probably things I may have overlooked or forgot to ask and want to make the best decision. Thanks so much!
Hi there. Thanks for commenting. If I remember correctly when I talked to them they didn’t have sourcing information. Now it appears that they do. I would have to go back and talk to them again. Once I found the companies that I liked I decided I needed to give this a rest – plus it would literally be a full time job in and of itself to keep evaluating companies. They change what they do regularly. One thing I will say is that I don’t see that they have helichrysum and that’s an important oil. This post might help: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/toxic-overload-health-concerns/essential-oils-testing-is-it-reliable/
Wow! I am truly blown away by the amount of work you have done and knowledge you have! Kudos! We are all very lucky! Thanks for the feedback and the link. I am going to look into this further. I have been using YL oils and recently started trying Native American Nutritionals/Rocky Mountain Oils and really like them. I was checking into Living Libations because my culinary nutrition teacher recommended them and she is also very thorough and does her due diligence before using a product or food. I may try them just to see what I think and also question them on a few issues you have noted in your blog post. Thanks again for all of your amazing work! I think just what you’ve done sounds like a full time job!
Hi there. Thanks for the vote of confidence. It was really rough while the series was going on. But glad I did it. More to come about RMO / NAN. I hope you like their new site and new quality measures.
I am interested if you have checked into Jade Bloom. Also, have you printed a list of the best and most affordable oils? Is there a comparison between YL and more affordable oils such as Jade Bloom? I have read 3 of your articles. But haven’t completed the series yet, so I apologize if I have missed a final list.
I believe I looked briefly. The company that I went w/ has more affordable oils than YL by far – do you mean cheaper than that?
Hello,
I like Living Libations a lot and “yes” they do have a helichrysum…for some reason they call it Immortelle. That was one of my first questions with them, as I like helichrysun a lot for nerve damage.
They are super pricey though.