Essential oils are made by extracting the natural essence of plants through processes like distillation or cold pressing to capture their aroma and benefits. Each oil is named after the plant from which it is derived, such as rose oil or peppermint oil.
Essential oils are used in various ways, including aromatherapy, skincare, and as supportive tools in wellness routines. Some people report that essential oils can improve mood, relieve stress, enhance concentration, and even promote relaxation. While these benefits are often based on personal experiences, it’s important to note that they are not FDA-approved treatments for medical conditions.
Two leading companies in the essential oil market are dōTERRA and Young Living Essential Oils. Let’s take a look at each company and compare their offerings.
What Is dōTERRA?
dōTERRA was founded by a group of professionals from both the marketing and medical fields. The name dōTERRA is derived from Latin, meaning “gift of the earth.”
The founders believe that essential oils offer remarkable benefits that can positively impact people’s lives, which led them to form a company dedicated to providing pure, high-quality essential oils. Over the last decade, dōTERRA has grown significantly, but its mission remains the same: to provide essential oils that can be safely and effectively used by everyone.
For those new to essential oils, it’s essential to remember that they are highly concentrated and should be used carefully, often diluted with a carrier oil to prevent irritation.
What Is Young Living Essential Oils?
Young Living Essential Oils was founded by Gary Young, who passed away recently. The company has a longer history compared to dōTERRA. Gary Young was passionate about the potential of essential oils long before they became mainstream. However, he was often dissatisfied with the quality of oils on the market, so he set out to improve the standards.
Young Living uses a direct marketing model, similar to dōTERRA, and has expanded rapidly since its founding. The company now owns multiple farms in the U.S. and is known for growing and distilling plants such as peppermint, lavender, and clary sage. Today, Young Living operates the largest essential oil distillery in the United States and is recognized for its advancements in production technology.
Are Young Living Essential Oils And dōTERRA the Same?
No, they are two separate companies that sell similar products. While both specialize in essential oils, their approaches and product lines differ. Young Living has been in the market longer and is known for its wide range of essential oils, while dōTERRA has earned a strong following for its high-quality sourcing methods.
Choosing between the two brands is a matter of personal preference. For instance, dōTERRA is known for oils with a fruity, sweet aroma, while Young Living’s oils are often praised for their more delicate, earthy scents. Both companies, however, maintain strict quality standards for their oils.
Similarities Between dōTERRA and Young Living Essential Oils
Sales Model
Both dōTERRA and Young Living use a direct selling model, which allows individuals to become distributors and sell products directly to consumers. This business approach has been used by other companies in the past and continues to be a popular method for growing brand awareness and customer engagement.
Prices
Both companies’ prices tend to be on the higher end compared to other essential oil brands. While dōTERRA oils can sometimes be more expensive than Young Living’s, the price difference between the two is usually minimal, with both offering premium products.
Starter Packs
Both dōTERRA and Young Living offer starter kits to help customers begin their essential oil journey. dōTERRA’s kits typically include larger oil bottles, which makes their packages slightly more expensive than Young Living’s.
Nonprofit Organizations
Both companies are actively involved in charitable work. The Young Living Foundation, established in 2009, and dōTERRA’s Healing Hands Foundation, created in 2012, support various global initiatives, further showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact beyond selling products.
Research Initiatives
Both dōTERRA and Young Living work with researchers and medical professionals to explore the potential benefits of essential oils. They are also collaborating with hospitals and wellness centers to incorporate essential oils into complementary health practices, although it’s important to note that essential oils are not substitutes for medical treatments.
Keeping a Wholesale Account
dōTERRA requires a $25 yearly membership fee for wholesale accounts, while Young Living asks that wholesale customers make a minimum annual purchase of 50 PV (points that correlate to product value) to maintain their accounts.
Differences Between dōTERRA and Young Living Essential Oils
Essential Oil Varieties
dōTERRA initially offered 25 single oils and 10 blends, and today their product line includes a range of items from essential oils to wellness supplements and skincare products. Young Living, on the other hand, started with a more extensive selection and now offers over 132 blends and 90 single oils, giving customers a broader variety to choose from.
Sourcing
Young Living prides itself on its Seed to Seal® certification, which ensures quality control from the moment plants are sourced until the final product is bottled. They grow many of their plants on their own farms or work closely with partner farms.
dōTERRA also emphasizes its commitment to sourcing oils from where the plants naturally thrive. By working directly with farmers around the world, they ensure their oils are produced in optimal conditions. This method allows them to offer a wide variety of oils, each with its own unique benefits.
Conclusion
The primary difference between dōTERRA and Young Living is that one was founded 15 years before the other. However, both companies are recognized for their commitment to producing high-quality essential oils and maintaining strict purity standards.
While dōTERRA uses a sourcing model to ensure the quality of its products, Young Living follows its Seed to Seal® process to guarantee the purity of its oils. Ultimately, your choice between the two may come down to personal preferences, such as price or scent.
It’s important to remember that while essential oils offer therapeutic benefits, they should not be considered cures or treatments for medical conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils for health purposes. Both dōTERRA and Young Living provide excellent products, so you can feel confident in choosing whichever one best fits your needs.