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dōTERRA.com: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Should Know Before Buying or Selling
dōTERRA is one of the biggest names in essential oils. People either love it or avoid it. The company built a global business around oils that promise purity, ethical sourcing, and natural wellness. But beneath the glossy branding, there’s a lot to unpack — from how their oils are made to how their business model works. Here’s a practical look at dōTERRA, with the good, the questionable, and the things you should actually know before spending money or joining.
What dōTERRA Actually Does
dōTERRA sells essential oils and related wellness products. The name comes from Latin, meaning “gift of the earth.” The company started in 2008 in Utah, founded by former Young Living employees. Their focus was simple: create a brand that sells what they call Certified Pure Tested Grade (CPTG) oils.
They make and sell single oils, blends, supplements, diffusers, cleaning products, and skincare. But their reputation mostly centers around the oils. dōTERRA says their CPTG process ensures oils are pure, potent, and safe. The company claims every batch goes through multiple rounds of testing — gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and microbial screening — to verify chemical composition and purity.
This matters because not all essential oils on the market are equal. Many are diluted with synthetic fragrances or carrier oils without disclosure. dōTERRA built its marketing around solving that problem. Whether that standard is objectively better is still debated, but the brand has become synonymous with “premium oils.”
How the Sourcing Works
dōTERRA promotes something they call Co-Impact Sourcing. It’s their ethical sourcing initiative. Instead of buying ingredients through brokers, the company says it partners directly with farmers and distillers in over 40 countries.
The goal is to make sure workers are paid fairly and that the land isn’t overharvested. For example, they source frankincense resin from Somaliland and lavender from Bulgaria. The company has partnered with nonprofits to build schools and water systems in some of these regions.
For customers, this is supposed to mean two things: a cleaner supply chain and oils with consistent chemistry. For farmers, it’s supposed to mean better income stability. Whether the system is as transparent as it sounds is hard to verify since most of the documentation comes from dōTERRA itself, but the idea is at least structured to prevent exploitation — something that’s common in global agriculture.
How People Use the Oils
There are three main ways to use essential oils: aromatically, topically, and internally. dōTERRA supports all three — and that’s where things get controversial.
Aromatic use is simple. You put a few drops in a diffuser, or inhale from your palms, and enjoy the scent. It’s generally safe if you don’t have respiratory sensitivities.
Topical use involves applying oils to the skin. dōTERRA sells carrier oils for dilution, since undiluted oils can irritate skin. Common blends like Deep Blue or Serenity are designed for this. Mistakes happen when people apply oils directly without dilution or mix multiple potent oils together. Skin burns, rashes, and phototoxic reactions (especially from citrus oils exposed to sunlight) are not uncommon.
Internal use is the most debated. dōTERRA sells some oils labeled as safe for ingestion, like lemon or peppermint. But regulators like the FDA haven’t approved essential oils as dietary supplements or medicine. Misuse — like drinking oils daily without dilution — can harm your liver or stomach lining. Even dōTERRA-trained educators stress “a drop goes a long way.”
The Business Model — MLM, Explained
dōTERRA operates through a multi-level marketing model, also called direct selling. People sign up as Wellness Advocates, buy oils at wholesale prices, and earn commissions from their sales and from anyone they recruit.
It’s the same system used by companies like Amway, Herbalife, and Young Living.
If you join, you pay a membership fee and buy a starter kit. To keep discounts or qualify for bonuses, you usually have to buy a minimum amount of product every month. That’s where some problems start.
Most people who join won’t make much money. dōTERRA’s own income disclosure shows that a large majority of Wellness Advocates earn very little or nothing beyond what they spend on products. Those who do well typically build large teams. For many, the appeal ends up being access to cheaper oils rather than actual business profit.
Critics say this structure incentivizes recruitment more than retail sales. Supporters say it creates community and education around oils. Both are true, depending on who you ask.
What dōTERRA Got Right
The company deserves credit for raising industry standards for purity and sourcing. Before 2008, essential oils were a small, unregulated niche. dōTERRA made consumers care about testing and origin. Their oils are clean, potent, and often higher in active constituents compared to generic brands.
The company also reinvests in social projects through the dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation. These include funding schools, clean water projects, and disaster relief in countries where ingredients are sourced. That kind of reinvestment, even if partly marketing, still does tangible good.
They’ve also educated millions on safe essential-oil use. Their site includes safety guides, usage tips, and research summaries. That educational push helped mainstream essential oils into wellness and fitness circles.
What to Be Careful About
The issues mostly come down to health claims and business practices.
In 2014 and again in 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warnings to dōTERRA distributors for making unapproved health claims — like oils curing cancer, Ebola, or COVID-19. The company responded by tightening its compliance guidelines, but independent sellers still occasionally make unsupported claims.
The MLM structure creates pressure to sell. That sometimes leads distributors to oversell benefits or recommend unsafe uses. If you buy oils, rely on verified science and safety guidelines, not sales talk.
Another issue: price. dōTERRA oils cost two to four times more than some competitors. For example, a 15-ml bottle of lavender oil can cost around $30, while other reputable brands sell it for under $15. The extra cost covers branding, sourcing programs, testing, and commission structure. Whether that’s worth it depends on your priorities.
How to Use dōTERRA Products Safely
Start slow. One drop of pure essential oil is strong. Always dilute before applying to skin — typically one drop of oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Never apply citrus oils before going into sunlight.
Don’t take oils internally unless you’ve verified safety from a credible source, not just marketing material. Pregnant women, children, and pets are particularly sensitive.
If diffusing oils, make sure ventilation is good. Continuous diffusing for hours can cause headaches or nausea. 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off is a reasonable rhythm.
Store oils tightly sealed, away from sunlight, to prevent oxidation. Old or oxidized oils can cause irritation.
Should You Buy or Sell
If you just want high-quality oils and can afford the price, buying directly from dōTERRA or a trusted advocate is fine. Their products are consistent and well packaged.
If you’re thinking about joining as a seller, read the income disclosure and understand your local laws on direct sales. Success in MLMs requires constant recruitment and community engagement. It’s more about people than product.
For most users, dōTERRA makes sense as a product company, not a business opportunity.
FAQ
Is dōTERRA FDA approved?
No. Essential oils are not approved drugs. dōTERRA can sell them as wellness products, but they can’t legally claim to cure or treat diseases.
Why is dōTERRA so expensive?
Their pricing reflects internal testing, global sourcing programs, and MLM commissions. Whether that equals better value depends on your comparison point.
Are dōTERRA oils organic?
Not officially certified organic. The company says certification isn’t always possible due to sourcing regions, but they maintain purity testing standards instead.
Can you use dōTERRA oils on pets?
Some oils can be toxic to animals. Always check veterinary guidelines before diffusing or applying oils near pets.
What’s the difference between dōTERRA and other brands?
Main differences are the CPTG testing standard, sourcing model, and distribution system. Chemically, high-quality oils from other reputable companies can be similar.
Can essential oils replace medicine?
No. They can complement wellness routines but are not substitutes for medical treatment or professional diagnosis.
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