A Closer Look at Essential Oil Brands: Why Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Better

In my recent studies on the use of essential oils for animals, I’ve developed a much deeper understanding of what truly defines quality, safety, and integrity in essential oil production. While this research began with a focus on animal well-being, it quickly expanded into a broader concern: the same oils we use on ourselves are often used—without adequate scrutiny—on the most sensitive and vulnerable beings. This raised important questions about sourcing, testing, and the trustworthiness of popular essential oil brands. In particular, I’ve found it necessary to take a critical look at three of the industry's biggest names: doTERRA, Young Living, and Revive.

Despite their strong brand recognition, these companies are not always aligned with best practices in transparency, safety, or ethical marketing. Here are several key reasons why I now approach them with caution:

Lack of Independent Oversight

Many consumers assume that terms like “therapeutic grade” or “pure” are regulated indicators of quality. However, these terms are not recognized by any official regulatory body and can be used freely without verification. All three companies—doTERRA, Young Living, and Revive—rely heavily on such marketing language. While Revive does offer some third-party GC/MS test results, they are not always provided for every batch, and concerns persist about the transparency and completeness of their testing. In contrast, smaller companies with a focus on clinical or artisan aromatherapy frequently offer full disclosure through batch-specific, third-party testing.

History of FDA Warnings

Both doTERRA and Young Living have received official warning letters from the FDA for making illegal health claims, such as suggesting their oils could treat or cure cancer, viral infections, or neurological conditions like autism. These claims are not only misleading, but they also put consumers at risk by implying that essential oils are appropriate substitutes for evidence-based medical treatment. While Revive has not received FDA warnings to date, it has been criticized for making questionable wellness claims and using aggressive promotional tactics.

Reports of Adulteration

Although all three companies market their oils as pure and unadulterated, independent testing has, at times, revealed the presence of synthetic compounds or markers of adulteration—particularly in widely used oils like Lavender, Bergamot, and Frankincense. For anyone using essential oils therapeutically—especially with animals or in sensitive clinical applications—these inconsistencies represent a serious safety concern. Without strict quality control and full transparency, it is difficult to trust that what’s in the bottle matches the label.

Promotion of Unsafe Usage Practices

All three brands commonly promote internal use of essential oils, a practice that is controversial and often discouraged by trained aromatherapists unless done under professional supervision. Ingesting essential oils without proper guidance can cause irritation, toxicity, or long-term damage. This risk is even more pronounced in animals, who are often far more sensitive to chemical compounds than humans. When internal use is encouraged by individuals with no formal training—often as part of a sales pitch—it creates a dangerous gap between marketing and safety.

Business Models and Marketing Ethics

doTERRA and Young Living operate under multi-level marketing (MLM) structures, which incentivize widespread sales and recruitment over deep education. This model often leads to the distribution of misinformation, as representatives may lack the training to understand the proper use, sourcing, or safety of essential oils. Revive, while not an MLM, has faced criticism for curated product reviews, limited transparency, and a marketing approach that closely mirrors larger network marketing brands. In each case, sales volume is often prioritized over product integrity.

Companies That Uphold Transparency and Integrity

Fortunately, there are small, highly respected companies that set the standard for transparency, purity, and ethical sourcing. Brands like Mountain Rose Herbs, Amrita Essential Oils, Aromaceuticals, Anatolian Treasures / Appalachian Valley Natural Products, and Original Swiss Aromatics are just a few examples of suppliers who make their GC/MS testing publicly available, work with small-scale or organic distillers, and offer education grounded in science and tradition.

As noted in Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals:

"Oils that are produced specifically for the aromatherapy industry are typically made with the same care and attention that goes into a fine bottle of wine."

This attention to detail and quality simply isn’t feasible in mass-produced, mass-marketed essential oils.

Final Thoughts

As I continue my work with essential oils—especially for animals—I’ve grown more selective and informed about the oils I choose to use. The stakes are high, and purity cannot be assumed based on brand recognition or clever labeling. For those seeking truly therapeutic-grade essential oils, the best products are almost never found in supermarkets, health food stores, or big-box retailers. High-quality oils are typically mail-ordered directly from artisan or clinically focused suppliers, who distill in small batches and prioritize ethical sourcing, rigorous testing, and genuine education.

Though I’ve not fully been convinced of the medical value of essential oils when compared to other holistic approaches, I am at least willing to study the topic with an educated and open mind. Understanding the “why” behind this modality—why someone would venture into this avenue of healing—requires more than anecdotal evidence. It requires transparency, scientific rigor, and a willingness to question the marketing behind the bottle. My exploration of essential oils has not only deepened my understanding of their potential role in animal care, but also sharpened my awareness of how quality and intention matter just as much—if not more—for human use.

Brands like doTERRA, Young Living, and Revive may offer convenience and visibility, but they fall short in the areas that matter most when safety, purity, and integrity are the priority. In the world of essential oils, bigger is not better—and true value lies in transparency, not trend.