I’ve been very reluctant to post why I had the proverbial break up with Young Living Essential Oils (YLEO) and honestly the reluctance has been for multiple reasons.
1. I have dear friends that still use YLEO.
2. Having to admit publicly that I was wrong/misguided/uneducated about these oils.
I warn this blog post is very long so if you’re an essential oil enthusiast you might want to go sniff some vetiver or your favorite focal blend.
Why I started using Essential Oils
I was introduced to Young Living Essential Oils through a friend and I immediately loved the idea of using something natural to support the family physically and emotionally through some health related issues. I decided to try some samples and was surprised that essential oils really did help. Because I saw some benefits–I was hooked. Young Living oils are expensive though and I found it hard to be able to afford them so I signed up for Essential Rewards so I could earn free products for my family. Honestly, looking back that makes me upset because there’s a good number of people like myself that start distributing just so we could afford the oils. It’s just one of my many complaints I now have about this company.
It is painful to admit but I was very ignorant about essential oils. I loved the idea of a company that did multiple rounds of testing all the way from the seed to the label on the bottle and in my head I felt like this was a company that genuinely cared for their customers.
I was using the oils from the line for children as well as referring one of the reference guides put out by the company for usage. I truly believed the guidelines given to me were safe for me and for my family–I was wrong.
My daughter has asthma and one of the oils in the children’s line has peppermint in it. Upon using it on my daughter I noticed that her breathing seemed a little off and her oxygen levels were pretty low. I started googling and immediately I understood that I really needed to learn all I could about essential oil safety…dilution as well as usage advice. Peppermint is not suggested to be used on or around small children and no one had ever told me. In fact, I had people telling me how great this oil was for kids with asthma.
I was surprised–no, shocked. It seemed the more I read the more I started to see all that was wrong with the usage advice from this company and that certain oils in the line meant for children are not even advised by experts in the field of aromatherapy.
One can argue that you just have to know your kids and that some children won’t be bothered by peppermint/rosemary/eucalyptus but the truth is, aromatherapy experts agree that these oils should be avoided or at the least minimized for small children. It’s a total cop-out too. That’s like saying you just have to know your kids to know whether they’re safe in a carseat or not. See how ridiculous that statement is? Knowing your kids has absolutely nothing to do the safety of a product or the usage guidelines.
I was really mislead by this company and as angry as I am, I have no one to blame but myself for not doing the research and that is why I’m sharing my story and thoughts with all of you. I’d rather admit I was wrong and clear up any confusion on as to why I left this company and why I no longer stand behind their products.
A representative doesn’t have to be an aromatherapist to distribute.
I’m very embarrassed to admit that I was very ignorant about oils. I felt really stupid as more time went on and I realized how unsafe I’d been or how much I relied on a company trying to sell me something rather than doing some research for myself. I research out vaccines and medications before giving or declining for my children. I research out heirloom seeds before purchasing them for my garden. I research the ingredients used in my soaps before using them. I research carseats before purchasing them. How in the world could I have been so negligent in researching and learning about these oils?
I was duped. I was duped by the label, by the marketing materials that gave me the impression that these oils were pure (which can be debated since recent tests by third-party labs show adulteration in one of their oils) and that the usage advice was safe. I was under the impression that Gary Young was an expert and would know which oils are safe for children and that safe usage would be given. I followed blindly. Lesson learned. Gary Young is not an aromatherapist so why people think he is qualified to give advice on ingestion is beyond me but I’ll just leave that whole topic for another day.
The company is a MLM (multi-level marketing) company and anyone can sell the oils. One doesn’t have to be an aromatherapist or have any training whatsoever to become a distributor. Anyone that has purchased the starter kit can start distributing from that point on. That means a person without any knowledge of oils other than what they have read on the labels can then advise you on which oils they think you should be using on you and your children.
Why did I decide to distribute?
I distributed these oils so that I could earn oils back for my family. It was never about making money for me. In fact…I didn’t make money. I would pay the taxes and shipping for people who ordered with me and soak up some of the cost simply so I could afford the oils we wanted or needed. Did I mention already how mad this makes me when I look back? I was preyed upon–charged entirely too much for an oil that I could get elsewhere for a better price and not have to go through the hassle of distributing.
I’m also now in the position of asking friend and followers to forgive me if I ever gave any advice on usage that was not correct. Which again, makes me angry. Yes, I’m angry at myself that I didn’t do more research but I was completely duped into thinking the company had basically done all the work and all I had to do was follow their advice.
Just because it is natural…
does not mean that it is completely and 100% safe. Essential oils are like medications. Caution needs to be taken if you’re pregnant, nursing, on medications, have certain health condition and/or other issues such as thinning of the blood.
Not all oils are safe for children and reps will often argue that the oils are “so pure” that they’re perfectly fine and safe for everyone. This is simply not the case. There are oils that should not be used on children for issues ranging from thinning the blood to Reyes syndrome or even the risk of seizures.
I won’t even get into the whole topic of ingestion and using oils neat. Dilution and safety is very important. Using oils “neat” or undiluted puts you at risk for serious risk of sensitization and it’s generally not a good idea. You can learn more about that by reading this article written by Robert Tisserand, New Study Reveals Dangers of Not Diluting Essential Oils. This was just a huge complaint that I had with this company when I realized they’d guided me into using oils in an unsafe manner. The oil is pure? Great…even more reason to properly dilute it. Ingestion? Not 100% against it but it should be done under the care of a certified aromatherapist that has specialized training in aromatic medicine.
Why I said goodbye?
At the end of the day I cared more about using oils safely than making money for this company. I also realized that there are more affordable companies out there that provide the testing to prove the purity of their oils instead of offering a, “take our word for it guarantee.” Yes, there are many companies out there that are supplying their testing information and do not fall for that “Only Gary Young knows how to read a Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry report.” That’s just codswallop. If Gary Young is the only person with this knowledge…pray tell me, how did he supposedly learn?
I wanted out because of how die-hard representatives around me were. Young Living Essential Oils drum up cult like fervor that I just didn’t vibe well with during my short amount of time with them. I have heard so many representatives tell me that the testing information isn’t even important to know because the chemists and the experts don’t even know how to read them…(I already said that didn’t I? Oh yeah, I did…I repeated it because it’s still nonsense!)
I just wanted out. I wasn’t going to embarrass myself anymore by standing along and blindly advertising, supporting and suggesting a company that charges double the cost of other companies that actually PROVE their oils are pure and have much safer usage information.
So there you have it, I completely jumped ship.
So, where do I start? How do I know what is safe?
What I can encourage you to do is to read sources that aren’t produced solely by and for the company you’re looking into. Make sure the material you read is reputable by checking into the credentials of the author. Even great books may have information that is outdated so be sure to join safety groups and keep up with the current suggestions. Make notes in your books if you find conflicting information. I would suggest cross referencing all information to the Essential Oil Safety book by Robert Tisserand. It costs a lot but this book is invaluable!
I’d advise you to look for a certified aromatherapist to work with. They can help guide you and provide resources to help with choosing which oils to use as well as provide dilution ratios for you. Plant Therapy has certified aromatherapists on hand that can help give some guidance. I really like them because I’ve literally seen them discourage someone from particular oils even though this costs their company money. It isn’t just an open free for all. On that note, their Plant Therapy’s child safe blends were formulated by Robert Tisserand, one of the world’s leading experts on essential oil safety so I’m partial to them for blends for my kids.
A few companies I suggest (These companies provide their testing information)
Plant Therapy
Aromatics International
Nature’s Gift
Stillpoint Aromatics
These are just a few of the many options you have to choose from. Once you step back from the world of MLMs you’ll realize there’s a whole new world out there providing safe, effective essential oils (and can prove it) with a wider variety than one can even find in one company. Anyone that is purchasing from only one company is really doing themselves a discredit…shop around, have fun! Sniff some lavender, take a deep breath and just enjoy the aroma!
I hope this is enlightening to others thinking of leaving/joining up with an MLM. If not, maybe you just want to hate my guts because you’re still committed to an MLM. No matter how this article finds you–just keep calm and apply all the essential oils! (safely)
Edited to add the safety guidelines for eucalyptus and peppermint:
Good for you. I don’t agree entirely about eucalyptus, since based on my aromatherapy classes that one is safe for small children when diluted. However, I was trying to tell another lady who used YL about all of the GCMS reports lately that have been coming back showing that the YL oils are diluted or contaminated. Her reasoning was that only YL knows how to properly grow plants and distill oils and only YL knows how to test the oils and read a GCMS. I feel sad for these people who won’t open their eyes to a company that is spinning such a web, but I’m very glad you have.
Jamie, there are guidelines for eucalyptus that clarify on the “or minimized exposure” I will look for the info and post it in a few :)
Here is the info regarding peppermint and eucalyptus. http://naturesnurtureblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/tisserand_eucalyptus.jpg
Hmmm…interesting
I diffuse Eucalyptus every night in my sons room. He has a reactive airway & this is the first year he has only gone into respiratory distress once. I no longer use yl or doterra either because I got tired of my friends (who I still love) telling me their company is the only good one. I’ve started using Eden’s garden oils & I love them. More affordable! Free shipping & no minimum orders.
Not every child will be harmed by eucalyptus but it’s the overall recommendation to limit or avoid. Tisserand does have some guidelines on use.
You can fin more on tht here. https://www.planttherapy.com/blog/2014/01/29/can-peppermint-and-eucalyptus-be-used-on-young-children/
Good for you not falling for the “this is the only good company!” falsehoods! <3
Hello
I signed up with YL one month ago and have discovered some things I don’t like at all…..im very uncomfortable with the company now. How exactly did you quit? I want out too!!! Did you just stop ordering oils?
THANK YOU!!!!!!
T
You will need to contact Young Living via their chat. Tell them you wish to cancel Essential Rewards if you signed up for it. Additionally you’ll want to remove all of your payment information. The last step will be to scan a handwritten request to remove your account. Be sure to include your account number and your name and then email it to accountupdates@youngliving.com
I absolutely agree and love your article about this. My sister has been selling for this company for a few years now. I have a pharmaceutical background and when she told me about selling YL cough drops, I immediately questioned whether she claimed that the product cured coughing. She said yes. It was then that I realized that no Medical training or Pharmaceutical training was needed to give out these “Amazing” products.
We are not on speaking terms because of this, but I refuse to accept the fact that the company is based on preying on Christian woman, obviously a Muli-Marketing Level/ Pyramid scheme business, and “D” Young is not for Doctor!!! He is a drop out and actually killed his firstborn child! All of this is readily available on the Internet!
Know the company! It’s makes me so mad that my beautiful niece is putting non-diluted Valor on her skin, so she can “Concentrate in school”!!
I would love to take down this entire company.
So sorry to hear it but understand completely. I’ve lost friends over this as well. The cult like fervor of Young Living is astounding. I knew of people in the group putting oils in their children’s ears or rubbing undiluted oils on their eyes. Not to mention women using oils on delicate body part!
I commend you in your honesty! You did a hard thing!! The more you know, the better you can do. Self education from credible sources is so very important!! I wish people weren’t sheep, but as a mass we are, and blindly following is hurting people! I am a Director Seller for an MLM, and even I shop around and share my experiences, successes, failures. NOTHING is a one size fits all, and I promote that. I educate myself to educate my clients to help them make product choices best for them and their families! No blind leading the blind here!!
Thanks for sharing your experience!
You mentioned wondering to yourself why you didn’t research more before joining YLEO…There is SO much information about essential oils/aromatherapy that it’s overwhelming to get started (I’m interested in herbal medicine/remedies, which is equally daunting to dive into) and YL has very charismatic, beautiful marketing tools that seem to have all the info you could need. I know a couple people who are “distributors”, I guess, and the fervor with which they share (i.e. push) oils onto others often makes me very comfortable even though, as people, they’re lovely humans.
I was recently invited to and participated in a FB class from one such person, and the infographics were very compelling and all the blends sounded like they would smell amazing. However, prior to attending, I did a little digging to see if YL was up my alley as someone who uses EOs in homemade cleaning products, on dryer balls and for diffusing…There was a lot of good and bad on the web, but the fact that they suggest ingesting oils really put me off. Now knowing that they also fail to share safe usage information, that’s another big hit in my book.
All herbs/oils will affect each person differently. And often certain herbs, blends, or preparations are not recommended for children or women who are pregnant/nursing. Without knowing that, people could be putting others at risk, yuck! Plus, they’re definitely overpriced when compared to other, reputable companies.
You are so right. It can be daunting and google has so much poor information that as someone with little oil knowledge, it is hard to know what is right and what is wrong.
You know what else is maddening, the seed to seal bullshit. Have a third party test out your product. We would never believe a farmer who’s like I’m organic without the certification, unless maybe your friends with them and go to their farm. Why do we believe this huge monster company and their purity ?
Bingo!!!
Thank you for taking the courage to share your views. I was about to be an MLM, got the starter kit. Essential oils literally saved me. I truly love what they’ve done. For me, I had questionable signs during the party sessions but I put it back because I liked the group so much! We are still friends too. But, I always do research and I’ve never sold a product before. I was planning on selling to family and I’ll tell ya, we have a big family of all ages. Ha! I researched hoping to explain why this product is a great safe product, but I wound up seeing the opposite! I kept questioning why is this company so one sided? Their word that it is organic. Their word that their product is pure because of their testing is only done in their lab. And health and safety from aromatherapists clashed with the company’s products. Reading that certain oils no matter how pure can still be toxic to certain ages…Honestly, I gave a warning to my family. Did the opposite, because I don’t want my family, the children in my family, to get hurt! But we are all still interested in aromatherapy. I’m planning on giving oils away, sharing what I can, but not through an MLM.
Thank you again. ❤️
I’m so glad to hear that you have continually asked questions. Aromatherapy is beautiful but it does need to be used safely. Too many people don’t do their research because they think that natural=safe.
Started using EOs about three years ago. It was getting expensive, and I was being careful only to order what was planned to be used. I watched some videos from members on usage, health, etc. Then I watched a video that seemed more like a panicked rant. It basically said you should order atleast the maximum you can get rewarded for each month and earn all the rewards each month. If you don’t need them, give them away, but continue to earn all the rewards each month. That’s how I heard it, and that was my cue to finally leave. I don’t have an extra $300+ to just give away each month. There are blends we may still order from the MLM I was using, but through research, I found a non-MLM company with great products that are less expensive and far less pushy about sales. It’s been only 2 months, but I feel more at ease that I don’t have the burden of making my monthly order and paying more than necessary.
So glad to hear that you found a company that you love! <3 I love to hear about others making empowered choices!
People need to understand that just because a product is “natural” doesn’t make it safe. As a person in the medical field we always need to take into account people on natural remedies because of the adverse effects they can cause.
Kristin, Thank you for the info. With all of your research were you able to find a reputable essential oil line that you like?
Hi Kim, I recommend taking a look at this post as well as the recommended blog post. Choosing the right company (or even companies) for you is a very personal choice :-) https://www.facebook.com/RobertTisserandEssentialTraining/posts/1993643670666824?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCwHzZsQdT6sq0pUeRuTaDKD_JDEFu9xvGOV5t6elQZ1bdrHrRZ0XKQZN9VHvn7OPTlLIAuGnVwyR088LL3xfGDtIFBPBOiL1dpAKGDKRGFb-lUvALksGpfHyGAH73fjm_RvZeGPI7P6fZp-gTQx49Z7__DMtUs5HjziDFjwjKNLkjW9e8h0g&__tn__=-R
Hi there!
Very interesting read. I respect all opinions here. I actively use YL oils. I like the quality of their product and do recommend them. However, I’ve done a lot of research and only use oils for my children that are appropriate (which do not include peppermint and others) and apply them diluted to vita flex points. We do not ingest them either. These oils are very potent, and it’s important to find out how to use them correctly. I believe most companies tout the purity of their oils. And yes, it’s up to the consumer to do the research and find the right company for them. I don’t necessarily think a company should be slammed because of it’s business structure, nor should you believe everything you read on the internet about people. Just my two cents….
Young Living is the right company for you. That’s great. I’m glad you found the company that you love. It wasn’t the company for me. Which is why I shared this blog post. This wasn’t something I just read. It was my personal experience. This is my personal blog. Everything on it is my own personal opinion. Not the internet, at least beyond my little part of it :-)
Thanks for posting this article! I saw many red flags with this company too. A big one for me was the impact essential oils can have on your pets. Some oils can be VERY dangerous to pets and should not be used around them. Animals also have a much keener sense of smell than humans and can be impacting by essential oils. There are many oils I don’t use as a result. So important to do research before using these products!
I too was sucked into YL and reprimand myself for not researching. I research everything…but YL has such wonderful marketing skills, I was naive and believed it all. When I became suspicious and did my research, my eyes were opened! Yes, YL has a quality product, yes, they are expensive…being a MLM company, we must pay the salary of those above us. But I was most detressed over the fact this company was founded by a real scoundrel. I read terrible things about him on reddit (with links to back up the facts). From killing his newborn baby, to being jailed several times for practicing medicine without a license, charging thousands to cure cancer…the deeper I researched this man, the worse it got. Even YL was fined $760,000 for polluting oils just a few years ago. So now I am exploring other company’s and have found Plant Therapy to be a favorite…I can now afford my oils and I am not bombarded by YL’s marketing (which was over the top, down your throat!)
I enjoyed your article…and your honesty.
Thanks for posting. I am always suspicious of MLM companies. I just wanted pure oils at the best price. So, I started buying them. The folks above me keep pushing their rewards program but I have resisted. At their cost, I can’t get.anymkre anyway, so thanks for referencing other non-MLM companies!
Kristen—you may have well saved my life tonight! It’s amazing how one can cast fate to the wind when possible pain relief is in sight. I’ve been doing everything wrong and have started feeling so bad.
Yes, this is so on point!!! I just received my starter kit from YL and immediately started doing tons of research online about EO safety. I love Robert Tisserand’s site and love the fact that Plant Therapy partners with him! I’m beyond disturbed at how much misinformation is being spread by YL distributors. Because they clearly don’t give a rat’s a** about safety, I don’t think I can bring myself to purchase any more of their oils. I don’t regret my PSK purchase but I’m glad I’m doing my research. I have a 15 month old at home and I would never in a million years want to put her at risk!
Hello, thank you for your honesty and transparency. I am currently still using YL oils but have always had nagging thoughts and questions in the back of my mind. However, I believed they were pure until recently since pure seems to be a relative term where oils are concerned. I’ve learned through experience and research that even Walmart level EOs can be pure oils just heavily diluted. This has helped me learn that I am looking for pure and concentrated oils that have not been diluted through multiple distillations and are free of chemical additives. Easier said than done. I mentioned a few sentences back that I believed YL to be pure until recently. I’ve noticed a coconut smell with recent oils. It shows up in the under tones as the oil wears off/after a few hours. Now, if they have started diluting them with a carrier oil and it is for safety – great. But, I doubt that to be the case. More than likely it was to increase the profit margin. Anyway, it brought my concerns back to the surface. I posted on FB about it and friends I didn’t even know used oils came to YL’s defense. A few years ago, I had started using carrier oils to dilute because some of Tisserad’s information had crossed my path about oil safety. But when I followed up it was pushing courses that cost hundreds and thousands of dollars. (something I can’t afford and made me question his intent) So, when I read your article, it was encouraging but I still question, How to know that I wouldn’t be jumping from the proverbial frying pan into the fire? At the end of the day, they are all companies trying to make a profit. MLMs are just more pricey to cover the $$ that goes to uplines, etc. Again, thank you for sharing and to everyone who has posted. I’ve always felt like the odd man out for questioning. And just want to make the best choice.
Have you looked into the free courses at Aromahead? It is a great place to start learning more in depth about essential oils: https://www.aromahead.com/courses/free-trainings
Some tips that I have for you when looking for an oil company.
– A company should be giving you the botanical name, country of origin, distillation method, and the chemotype (when applicable).
-GC/MS Testing. Look for a company that does third-party GC/MS testing and either publishes the results on the listing or you can contact the company for this information.
-NAHA Approved
Check the NAHA Online Marketplace. This shows that the company likely cares about current safey standards.
-Aromatherapists on staff
This shows that the company takes safety seriously.
-Sustainability
Does the company carry endangered species? What is their stance on sustainability?
Please do not apologize for questioning. That is what I love to see people do! <3
I’m also interested in leaving YL but have used only them for 10 years so I’m just now starting the research into other companies. Can you help me understand if there’s a company that I can ingest the usual oils I’ve been using with YL to cook with, etc…Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Lemon, Peppermint, Thieves, Lemongrass… I’m not seeing that very clearly expressed on the company’s websites you listed, etc.. I’m also fine with a direct recommendation if you have one for best company for aromatherapy and ingestible for cooking like I mentioned:) since you’ve already done the research and moved on… thx for your help
Ingestion should only be done under the individual care and instruction of a professional that is trained to administer essential oils in this manner. That is why you will not find the instructions for internal use on reputable sites. You can earn more here: https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/naha-safety-statements/
If they are putting oils in ears and eyes, they are going against protocol for the oils.
Have any of you found a replacement that you like for thieves cleaner or thieves toothpaste?
I just want to say thank you for being so honest as it is helping me see I’m making the right decision too. I’ve been feeling guilty about just thinking of trying other brands of oils. I’ve been struggling with this for awhile. I’ll say one of my number reasons that even got me thinking about leaving YL is the MLM thing. I’m in a secret group and we are all linked in the pyramid or “team” as they call it. The group is huge and when one member talks about struggling to afford new oils she is jumped on by many women telling her she is pushing or promoting as she should. It’s almost like they are shaming these new members and I feel bad for them. Many like me join just to afford the kit and get a discount. I felt pressured to join the rewards program too. I’ve seen friends who are also YL users push and pressure their own family members into signing up. That just seems all these people care about is adding another to the team and getting that $50 credit when a new member signs up. I see many encourage new members to make sure their family & friends join the ER program so you make more money off them. It seems all about the money and growing your team and not about the benefits of the oils. It’s like a no no to even post that something didn’t work for you. I got jumped on when I was looking for help for my chronically ill daughter as nothing helped her symptoms. I felt I was told it was my fault, not the oils. It’s these women who first turned me away. Recently I’ve been trying to sale some homemade products I make and as I visit sites online looking for recipes I see others praising other oil companies, talking about health benefits and other positive things. There are not big ads to buy a YL kit and “join my team”. These bloggers are simply sharing their health tips as a way to be helpful, not earn a commission. Let me tell you that is a breath of fresh air. On my own I’ve come across Plant Therapy and excited to try their oils. Thanks again for your honesty.
You’re most welcome! <3
Great article! I have avoided MLMs’ since I was pitched Amway 30 years ago. That pitch made the hair on my neck stand up! I’ll check out the companies you recommend, but I do see that Aromatics International doesn’t have 3rd party tests, as in a letterhead with the lab name, method of testing etc. Their site is the best I have seen, though.
Cheers!
Check out Eden Botanicals. They’re a newer to me company that I really love. You used to be able to email aromatics for a copy of the full GCMS report but I haven’t purchased from them in awhile—I am not sure if that is still the case or not.
I had a horrible reaction to peppermint oil. I thought maybe it was a fluke so tried it again. Well apparently I’m allergic. I break out inland itch all over. I was told by a YL rep that’s it’s impossible to be allergic to essential oils because they are all natural. Well arsenic is too and that can kill you.
I’m so sorry to hear this! Was your reaction immediate? How did you apply? Was the oil diluted or applied without a carrier? You can definitely be allergic to anything. I would love to hear about your experience.