Are you wanting to start using essential oils, but you don't know where to start? You're ready to buy, but don't know what company has the best essential oils?
You've come to the right place.
Essential oils are all the rage these days. People say that they can do everything from being a natural ear infection remedy, to helping with weight loss, to healing eczema, and more.
Most of you tuned in for my recent posts on essential oils in which I talked about:
- Are Essential Oils a Scam and
- Using Essential Oils for Tummy Aches, Head Tension and More (with more of my skeptical thoughts)
From all the comments and enthusiasm about these and other posts, I can tell you are just as interested in learning about essential oils as I am.
You can tell by those posts that I am a skeptic at heart and pretty detailed when it comes to sorting through all the information out there to find out what really works. One of my readers (a friend of mine) once called me an “investigative reporter” of sorts.
My husband says that I “second guess everything.”
I'm not sure which one is right :).
In one sense, second guessing is a good thing. I've saved our family a lot of money by avoiding problematic purchases.
But sometimes I can go overboard and spend waaaaay too much time analyzing a product or purchase. (Kind of like driving all over town to save a few pennies. Not smart, especially as I saw gas at $4.11/gallon coming home from church last night. Deep sigh.)
With the essential oils issue, I tried not to be too analytical at first, and simply used what had worked. But then, things changed.
The Search for the Best Essential Oil
In the Are Essential Oils a Scam? – A Skeptic Looks at Thieves Oil, I shared how I held off trying really any essential oils at all for years before trying Thieves® from Young Living.
(Well, truth be told, I did have a few old bottles of essential oils in my linen closet. One bottle each of orange, eucalyptus, melaleuca (tea tree) oil, and rose oil, which I bought for topical use to brighten up my laundry [ended up never using it] and for my Homemade Chest Rub and Homemade Rose Water Spray [which I love, by the way].)
This time around, before buying the Thieves oil and signing up as a Young Living Distributor, I dug around a little, but not too much. I asked about all the rumors surrounding Gary Young, the founder of Young Living and I also asked some questions about purity of essential oils.
I got some satisfactory answers and I figured that well, this stuff worked really well. And I was thrilled to have great resources in my natural health care arsenal. I mean, who wants to put more toxins in your body if you don't have to, right?
However, after my post on Young Living's Thieves and the other oils (Wintergreen and Peppermint, etc.), a number of readers started asking me about other oil companies–if they were good enough, or not that great. And so I too started wondering.
At first, I thought, “This stuff (Young Living) works great, and I'm pretty worn out right now, so I am just going to leave this alone and not start digging for more information”
But the “investigative reporter” in me just couldn't leave. it. alone.
So I started poking around.
Today I'm sharing with you the beginning of my investigation.
Other Essential Oils Companies
There were some essential oils companies that I knew of, and some that a few readers recommended to me.
One of my readers was a doTERRA rep who said I really should check out their company to see how it measured up to Young Living.
Little did I know what lay ahead of me.
The world of essentials oils is big. Very big.
It did start out quite small for me, however. Just a small list of companies. I started out looking into these companies, but the list quickly grew as the series went on and as more and more readers commented and as I went down more and more rabbit trails. I think you will find the whole thing interesting and I hope you will learn a thing or two about essential oils and the companies that sell them.
The Competitors:
(UPDATE: A lot changed after I started this series. Please follow the links at the bottom of this post to see how interesting everything got – you can hop on over to read Part 2 of “The Best Essential Oils” here.
To start off, following are the essential oils companies that were “on my radar” and so I started with these, wondering if I should stick with Young Living or switch to another company to be my family's “best essential oils company” of choice
- Mountain Rose Herbs
- Aura Cacia
- DoTerra
- Young Living (the one being challenged)
- Heritage Oils
- Native American Nutritionals (now Rocky Mountain Oils)
- North American Herb and Spice
and more. Truth is, I called a TON of companies and read up on others. These all included: - NOW oils
- Butterfly Express
- Spark Naturals
- Edens Garden
- North American Herb and Spice, and on and on.My head really started to spin with all of the phone calls and notes I was taking, but I started with just those listed above and went from there.
There are a TON of essential oils companies out there. After writing this series I felt like I really opened a can of worms, but these are the companies that I started with. Hang with me – it gets pretty interesting from here on out.
IMPORTANT
I'm updating this post years later to add important information. I do not have all of the information in this series on why I didn't choose certain companies so I would appreciate you not accusing me of coming to silly conclusions. I have gotten threatening emails (some of they cryptic threats), and have been warned about being sued if I published certain things.
My family is important to me and while I don't like to succumb to this kind of bullying, I have to weigh the cost of all of this. I am trying to be as up front as I can about my decisions. Just know that what you are reading here is not the whole story.
The Challenge:
1. Young Living Oils
I first tried Young Living when I thought that essential oils were a scam. I used them for awhile and since I wanted to get as much savings as possible on the oils, I purchased monthly, took advantage of discounts, and stocked up quite a bit.
2. doTERRA Oils
Just before starting this series, several of my readers told me that I should really look into doTERRA as well, before making a hard and fast decision about which company to go with long term. So, I signed up with doTERRA as well.
3. Mountain Rose Herbs
I like Mountain Rose Herbs' mission and have a few bottles of their oils. When I contacted them they told me that they did not recommend internal use of their oils as they were not produced in a food grade facility.
Much later (after this whole series was done) I contacted them again and they said that this was not the case. I need to do more looking in to their sourcing, etc.
4. Butterfly Express
This seemed like a good company to check out, but I ran into quite a bit of trouble getting information from them. When I called to ask them a number of questions, I was able to get some information, but then I was told that they didn't have time to talk with me.
5. NATIVE AMERICAN NUTRITIONALS (now Rocky Mountain Oils)
When I first contacted this company, I thought that their prices seemed a little high for a non MLM (multi-level marketing) company, but the more I talked to them the more interesting it all got.
You'll have to read more in the series to see what happened.
THE VERDICT: Probable high quality with no apparent earnings opportunity. Need to check into this company more.
6. NORTH AMERICAN HERB AND SPICE
From all I could figure out, this is a great company.
Trouble is, all they make is oregano oil.
So if you just want oregano oil, then this is a good place to turn.
THE VERDICT: Oregano is a pretty amazing oil, but I want more than just that in my natural healing arsenal.
7. Aura Cacia
Aura Cacia is adamant about not using their oils internally.
I personally have a number of Aura Cacia's oils that I bought prior to really digging into oils. I can't say anything except for my personal experience which is that they don't smell as potent as some of the other oils that I have. I do like the company and I purchase from Frontier Co op regularly, but I'm not choosing to get my oils from them. That being said, I think that they have a lot of great information about oils and their use.
Well, this is a long enough post already – thanks for sticking with me!
Onto the other competitors in the next post and see what happens!
Looking for more information on Essential Oils?
There are sooo many books out there. I have a bunch, but this one, Advanced Aromatherapy, is in my shopping cart at Amazon now. It comes very highly recommended from many aromatherapists.
The Rest of the Best Essential Oils Series:
– Best Essential Oils – What a Good Oils Company Should Have – Part 2
– Which Essential Oils Company is Best – Troubles with the Oils Industry – Part 3
– Young Living vs. doTERRA – Part 4
– Are Multi-Level Marketing Oils Worth It? – Part 5
– Distillation, Bias, Vomit and More Concerns – Part 6
– Announcing “the Best” Essential Oils Company – Part 7***
or read this post on Essential Oils Testing which gives you the company I went with. Some readers are having issues reading the last post so you can try here if need be.
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 are your thoughts?
Dee says
You should look into Jade Bloom oils. Every oil is GC/MS tested. Their oils are good, customer service is good, and prices are Awesome. I have been using them for some time and love them.
Adrienne says
I have looked into them. Do you have thoughts on their pricing? Everything has a high retail price and then is crossed out – kind of like JCPenneys (if you know what I mean–everything is always “on sale”).
Dee says
Possibly to let you know what it might normally sell for, and then what they sell for. Also there is often free oil with purchase of another oil. Shipping is free for purchase of $15 or more. Honestly, I don’t care “why” the price is low as long as the oil quality is good.
Adrienne says
Well, comparing their prices to other companies those crossed out prices seem to be way out of line.
April Ashburn says
Hi!This series of articles was really awesome. Do you still believe that Rocky Mountain Oils is the best option for your family? I’ve been trying some of their products based on your recommendation but I just wanted to check in and confirm that you still agree. I love the Young Living oils but find the pricing to be super prohibitive.
Adrienne says
Hi and thanks for the kind words! I still purchase exclusively from RMO. There are other great brands on the market and others not so. But I am confident in their quality and purity. Feel free to subscribe to my newsletter and / or join our Healthy Living FB group for updates / more info on EOs in the future! I try to keep on top of things but there’s a lot to research!
Newsletter: https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/171490083677560/
Galit says
Can you please refer me to your first option article?
Adrienne says
Hi there – what first option are you referring to?
Galit says
Hi
You are mentioning that you have edited the article after some pressure and threats. Is there any way to see the unedited version?
Adrienne says
Hi there. Sorry but it’s too risky for me. I hope you can understand.
Galit Kadashev says
I mean the article version that was released before the threads…
Adrienne says
Sorry I’m still not clear on what you mean. This is the whole series.
Naomi P says
Thank you so much for doing all this work! I had been wondering about Now oils as this is the brand my chiropractor has in her health and wellness shop? But I had looked into Rocky Mountain oils myself! As a result of your search I believe I am gong to purchase them! If you have any advice on what oils to use for sinus infection I would love to hear it. I have been on endless antibiotics and had surgery and nothing seems to be working! Anyway…God bless you and your family!
Adrienne says
You are so welcome. I can’t medically advise but you could look on the internet to see if there are some general recommendations. I do like using things like immune blends whenever people are sick–like this one: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/homemade-anti-bacterial-thieves-essential-oil-blend/
Hope that helps and sorry you are dealing with this!! Blessings to you as well.
Lisa says
Have you ever looked at Ananda? I think they are relatively new, but I have seen some positive things.
Adrienne says
Hi there. Yes, I have. They look like a solid company but I believe they only do their own testing – no third party. So that would be a concern. Here are my standards that you can run any company by – thanks for reading! https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/pure-essential-oils-testing/
Melissa says
I’m sorry you have to suffer through all the ridiculous comments. I’m increasingly annoyed by the fact that our culture has lost all respect for open debate and acceptance that each individual has their own opinions, especially those, such as yours, that are well researched, well thought out, and based on personal experience. I found your article very helpful. Thank you for sharing your experiences and opinions. I wish you and your family all the best, and will pray for your peace of mind and heart, and that the negative comments not cause you stress and anxiety. You seem like an awesome mom and you are doing a good thing! Keep it up!
Adrienne says
Wow – thank you, Melissa! I had a more today and yesterday. I really appreciate this and your prayers most of all. I’m learning it comes w/ the territory and it’s a shame. Hopefully people can realize that there is a real person on the other end of the blog. I’ll have some new photos soon that should help w/ that perhaps :).
laurie says
this hasn’t helped me one bit as far as picking the company that has the best 100% natural oils
Adrienne says
Hi Laurie, I’m sorry you are having trouble navigating. Did you not see the links at the bottom of the post directing you to the other posts in the series? Here is the final one that should help. Feel free to reach out if you have questions: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/announcing-the-best-essential-oils-company-and-a-great-sale/ Thanks for reading!
Dianne says
I looked into young living.
Young living is a pyramid company. You are paying high prices to line others pockets. Also, because they say you can ingest their oils they pay high premiums for insurance in case they get sued. Essential oils should only be taken under a doctors supervision. It can cause serious tissue damage and is dangerous when taking with certain medications and could be fatal. Young living has great oils but you can buy great oils from other companies without the high cost.
I prefer Edens Garden.
But please research them yourself! Happy hunting!
Adrienne says
Hello there. Just to step in and clarify, YL is not a pyramid–they are an MLM. A pyramid is an illegal structure. There are a lot of reps in there but I don’t think calling them a pyramid is accurate. It’s a scheme where you enroll people with promises instead of with products. Some would argue that MLMs that are almost all reps is really a pyramid scheme but I don’t think that is the case w/ YL. As for the high premiums in case they get sued–do you have some information about that? I do recommend working w/ a physician or aromatherapist when taking oils internally. You are right. And I do think that there are quality oils elsewhere. I didn’t go with Eden’s Garden, however. This is the company that I went with. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/natural-remedies/announcing-the-best-essential-oils-company-and-a-great-sale/
Thanks for reading and feel free to respond of course!
Marji says
There is one company you have not checked out yet. Essante Organics is not only certified organic it’s also toxin free & they also use wild crafted when it has superior quality – they always pick the highest grade – I haven’t checked all of the ones you mentioned, however I choose to use 100 % certified organic, toxin free and wild crafted oils as whatever over 70% of what you put on your skin goes into your blood stream in seconds
Adrienne says
Hi there. I have looked at them. I do have a question–I see their advertisements saying that their ingredients are 100% organic, wild crafted and non toxic, but they have things like folic acid in their products. How can that be? Interested in your thoughts. Thanks!
Denise Y. says
Do you have any knowledge on Beachwood Essential oils? Quality? Can I take them in a capsule like YL?
Adrienne says
Hi there. I haven’t looked at them but this post should be of help: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/pure-essential-oils-testing/
I don’t recommend ingesting of essential oils unless under the care of a practitioner or aromatherapist and just a note–just b/c a company says that you can doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea. It’s important to make sure that the oil is pure for sure. Hope that helps!
evelyn crawford says
I love this. I am hyper-analytical as well and so reading your site really makes me want to reach out to you. I joined Young Living but feel marginalized by my ‘upline’ as I do not push the business to others. The quality of the oils are good and I really like a lot of their products but not all. Love to share thoughts, experiences with others who are critically honest without claiming that everything they produce is the best (as the more purchased, they more in their pocket.)
Adrienne says
Thanks so much for reading and reaching out. Happy to answer any questions!
Susan says
What about melaleuca company? Are their products also safe for using for your body not just the environment? How about the oils??
Ate no oils good for consuming?
Adrienne says
Hi there. I steer away from them as they have artificial color and fragrance in a good number of their main products and some of their other lines don’t look like the safety caliber that I would recommend. Hope that helps.
Carol says
Have you ever tried Floracopiea essential oils?
Adrienne says
Hello there. I haven’t personally tried them but I didn’t go with them for several reasons when I did this series. I hope to revisit it in the near future -thanks for reading!
Lori says
Wondering what happened to #4, Eden’s Gardens review…I’m sure I missed something somewhere. Thanks!
Adrienne says
Hi there. I didn’t go w/ them for several reasons. Thanks for reading! I hope to revisit this topic in the near future but I do have some other newer posts like this one on purity: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/pure-essential-oils-testing/
Robert Baird says
Any thoughts on Eden Botanicals?
Adrienne says
Hi there. I didn’t go w/ them for a number of reasons but since then I assume some things have changed. This post has updates on my purity guidelines that you can use to evaluate them and any other company: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/pure-essential-oils-testing/ . I hope to revisit this whole topic in the future.