Welcome to my comprehensive review of doTerra, one of the leading names in the essential oils industry. If you’ve been approached by a doTerra representative or stumbled upon their products, you might be wondering whether this company is worth your time and money. In this review, I’ll dive deep into what doTerra is all about, examine their business model, and provide an honest assessment of whether joining their MLM program is a good idea.
We’ll explore the products doTerra offers, their compensation plan, and the potential earnings you can expect as a Wellness Advocate. I’ll also address common concerns, such as whether doTerra operates like a pyramid scheme, and share insights into both the pros and cons of getting involved with this company.
By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of what doTerra is, how it works, and whether it’s the right opportunity for you. So, let’s get started and uncover the truth about doTerra!
Disclaimer: This DoTerra MLM review has been thoroughly researched with information and testimonials that are available online to anyone in the public. Any conclusions drawn from that information are my own opinions.
DoTerra MLM Review Overview
Product Name: DoTerra
Owner: A Group of Individuals with Background in Health and Wellness
Product Type: Essential Oils MLM Company
Price: $35 for first year, plus extra costs
Best For: More Established Network Marketers
Pros
- Still Got Momentum
- Backed By Science
- Healing Hands Charity
Cons
- Products Are Expensive
- Hidden Monthly Expenses
- Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?
- Little Chance of Making Money
- Doesn’t Own Own Farms
Quick Summary
Recommended? If You're Already Established, It Might Be A Good Fit
Table of Contents
Is doTerra a Scam?
In my review, I want to clear the air—doTerra is not a scam. However, there have been some negative reports about their practices. They’ve been accused of making exaggerated claims and overhyping their products.
Recently, the FDA stepped in to investigate these claims. They found that some of doTerra’s claims about their products violated new drug regulations. In a letter, the FDA stated:
“Your products are ‘new drugs’ under section 201(p) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(p)] because they are not generally recognised as safe and effective for use under the conditions prescribed, recommended, or suggested in their labelling. Under sections 301(d) and 505(a) of the Act [21 U.S.C. §§ 331(d) and 355(a)], a new drug may not be introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce unless an FDA-approved application is in effect for it. Your sale of these products without approved applications violates these provisions of the Act.”
In 2014, the FDA sent warning letters to several businesses, including doTerra, for making claims that their products could treat serious conditions like Ebola, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. There’s no scientific evidence to support these claims, especially regarding essential oils treating Ebola or reducing tumour size.
There was also a legal battle with Young Living, a competitor, accusing doTerra of violating contracts and using trade secrets. However, the courts dismissed the case.
So, while there have been controversies and exaggerated claims, doTerra is not a scam. If you’re thinking about joining their MLM and becoming a representative, it’s a legitimate option.
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What is doTerra?
DoTerra is a well-known brand specialising in essential oils and offers a chance to resell its products through an MLM business model. Their main goal is to help people improve their health and well-being with a wide variety of essential oils for different uses.
Founded in 2008, doTerra has become famous for its effective marketing strategies. You might have been approached by one of their enthusiastic sales reps, which is why you’re looking for reviews to see if doTerra is legit or a scam.
The company offers an attractive compensation plan that rewards successful salespeople and recruiters. This opportunity is open to anyone interested. However, because their reps often focus on recruiting, many people wonder if doTerra is a pyramid scheme.
In the next sections of this doTerra MLM review, I’ll guide you through this business opportunity so you can better understand what you might be getting into.
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What Products Does doTerra Sell?
DoTerra markets a wide range of essential oils, extracted from various plants. These oils are therapeutic-grade and have legitimate applications. If you’re curious, check out their official video clip here.
Essential oils have been around for centuries, used in everything from aromatherapy to spiritual practices. Each of doTerra’s oils has unique therapeutic properties and is highly potent. But remember, they should be used with caution and never ingested without medical advice.
What are doTerra’s Most Popular Products?
DoTerra offers a broad selection of essential oils, including some special blends they’ve created. The top three essential oils from doTerra are lavender, peppermint, and frankincense.
They also offer various blended oils. Here are some of their most popular ones:
- Breathe: Helps open your bronchial pathways, making it easier to breathe.
- Deep Blue: Designed to soothe muscle and joint discomfort when applied topically.
- OnGuard: Intended to boost your immune system and promote overall wellness.
Are doTerra Essential Oils Any Good?
When reading doTerra reviews, today’s buyers are pretty discerning. People are increasingly wary of chemicals and artificial additives in their products. This is why there’s a growing interest in natural and holistic options. Essential oil enthusiasts love that these organic substances can be used in health, wellness, and skincare products.
DoTerra has capitalized on this trend, offering a wide range of essential oil-infused items, like shampoos, deodorants, skin cleansers, lotions, nutritious drinks, and supplements. They even have a doTerra Kid’s Oil Collection with gentle blends suitable for children.
Do doTerra Essential Oil Products Work?
There’s been a lot of research into essential oils and their benefits, but it’s still a relatively new field. To my knowledge, doTerra’s oils haven’t been part of any major studies. However, based on consumer testimonials, many people find them effective.
DoTerra’s strong reputation suggests their oils are high quality, though there are always skeptics. Before we get into whether doTerra is legitimate or a scam, let’s look at more doTerra reviews below.
Are doTerra Essential Oil Products Pure?
DoTerra developed the CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade procedure to ensure every bottle of oil meets strict quality standards. This means their oils are pure and free from toxins, synthetic fillers, or pesticide residues.
The CPTG process involves multiple steps. Each batch of oil undergoes a thorough inspection and third-party screening. After purification, the oils are analyzed for their chemical makeup. A second screening occurs at the production facility to confirm the oils are the same as those initially tested. Before packaging and shipping, a third analysis ensures no unexpected changes have occurred.
How Much doTerra Products Cost?
You can find doTerra’s essential oils and other products on their website, which includes an online shop. You can register as a Wholesale Member to get discounted prices or sign up as a distributor to enjoy the same discounts and earn income through doTerra MLM.
DoTerra doesn’t sell their products on Amazon.com or other online markets, but you can find introductory sets there. For the best prices, buying wholesale is the way to go. For example:
- Basil essential oil: normal price $67.00, wholesale price $20.00
- Cilantro essential oil: normal price $67.00, wholesale price $26.00
- Ylang ylang: normal price $47.00, wholesale price $35.25
DoTerra oils are much more affordable when purchased at wholesale prices.
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How Does doTerra MLM Work?
In my doTerra review, I mentioned that the company offers an MLM (multi-level marketing) business opportunity. Here’s how it works: you sign up, market the products, and even recruit others to do the same. By doing this, you earn rewards and discounts on products. Essentially, you get a percentage of the sales from the people in your downline—the folks you recruit, and those they recruit, and so on.
This setup often leads to the question: Is doTerra legit? Some people argue that doTerra’s multi-level business model looks a lot like a pyramid scheme.
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Is doTerra MLM Legit?
In my review, I already clarified that doTerra is a legitimate MLM. They offer real products that have been verified through scientific research studies. Essential oils are incredibly versatile, and with the increasing interest in natural and holistic health practices, they’re becoming even more popular among consumers.
One of the key reasons doTerra’s MLM is considered legit is the strong support system they provide to their distributors. Plus, their corporate seminars are top-notch, offering professional guidance and training. This level of support helps ensure that distributors are well-equipped to succeed.
So, while there are always sceptics, doTerra’s structure and support systems help reinforce their legitimacy as a business.
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Turn Your Passion into Profits
How Much Is doTerra Membership?
Unlike other MLMs that require an annual membership fee, doTerra offers pure essential oils at discounted prices, up to 25% off, for an entire year with their membership.
The initial fee for a doTerra membership is $35. After the first year, there’s a $25 renewal fee, and as a bonus, you’ll receive a complimentary Peppermint essential oil.
There are, of course, starter kits that you will be encouraged to purchase (to save money) but these are optional. But still something you should factor in as they could save you money in the long run.
doTerra Monthly Cost
To be eligible for commissions and bonuses from the sales you and your team make, you need to meet a monthly “sales quota.” This quota starts at 50 PV (personal volume), which is roughly equivalent to $50 worth of products. As you advance in rank, this quota increases to 100 PV.
If you can’t sell $50 worth of essential oils or other doTerra products each month, you’ll need to purchase the products yourself to maintain your eligibility. This means that in reality, most new members end up spending at least $50 a month on essential oils, especially when they’re starting out.
Minimum Expenses for Year 1
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the minimum expenses for your first year with doTerra:
- Initial membership fee: $35
- Monthly purchases: $50 x 12 = $600
Total cost for year 1 = $635
It’s definitely cheaper than starting a traditional business like a restaurant, but it’s more than just spending $35 to start a business. This calculation doesn’t include other potential costs, such as marketing or training, which you’ll likely need to actually start selling products effectively.
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How Much Can You Earn With doTerra?
When it comes to earning with doTerra, there are three main ways Health Advocates, distributors, or interested individuals can make money:
- Retail Profit: You earn a 25% commission on all retail purchases. This is straightforward—sell products at retail price and keep 25% of the sales.
- Fast Start Bonus: In your first 60 days, you can earn a higher percentage from your first three downline levels:
- 20% for Level 1 (people you directly recruit)
- 10% for Level 2 (people your recruits bring in)
- 5% for Level 3 (people recruited by your Level 2)
- Power of Three Bonus: This bonus offers $50, $250, or $1,500 monthly. To achieve this, you need to build a structured team and reach specific volume goals. Essentially, you need three distributors who each meet their purchase requirements. As you work towards qualifying for the Power of Three, you can also climb the ranks of doTerra leadership.
Worried that the doTerra compensation plan might be confusing? You’re not alone—many MLM companies have complex plans. The key takeaway is that doTerra pays commissions for each sale made by you or your team members.
To see a more detailed explanation, you can watch this video here.
So, is this a legitimate business? Yes, doTerra is a legitimate business with a structured compensation plan that rewards both sales and recruitment. While the plan might seem complicated at first, understanding the basics can help you see how you can earn with doTerra.
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Is doTerra a Pyramid Scheme?
To provide an informed review on whether doTerra is a pyramid scheme, it’s important to first understand what a pyramid scheme actually is.
What is a Pyramid Scheme?
According to Wikipedia, a pyramid scheme is a business model that recruits members by promising payments or services in exchange for enrolling new members into the scheme. This model does not focus on providing investments or product sales. Instead, the main way to earn money is through recruiting others.
Why doTerra Is Not Considered a Pyramid Scheme?
DoTerra is not considered a pyramid scheme because it doesn’t fit the definition. Here’s why:
- Tangible Products: DoTerra offers real, valuable products. Members earn income not just from recruiting others but from selling these products.
- Focus on Product Sales: The main focus of doTerra’s business model is on selling products rather than solely recruiting new members. This is a key difference from pyramid schemes, which typically lack a legitimate product or service.
- FTC Definition: DoTerra does not meet the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) definition of a pyramid scheme. Pyramid schemes often mislead participants into believing they can earn substantial profits primarily through recruitment, which is not the case with doTerra.
- No Mandatory Purchases: DoTerra does not require distributors to purchase additional items on a monthly basis or pay extra fees for necessary training or events. This is another characteristic that sets it apart from pyramid schemes.
- No Pressure to Recruit: Unlike many borderline pyramid schemes, doTerra does not pressure representatives to recruit more people to sell starter packages. The emphasis remains on selling the product.
Based on these factors, it’s clear that doTerra operates as a legitimate MLM (multi-level marketing) company, not a pyramid scheme. While there are aspects of the compensation plan that might seem complex, the business model is centered around the sale of tangible products, which makes it a viable and legitimate opportunity.
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doTerra Reviews & Complaints
Like any business, doTerra has received a wide range of consumer reviews. Some people express dissatisfaction with the business structure or have had disappointments. However, such experiences are common in this industry. If you want to read a few of these customer reviews, you can visit SiteJabber.com.
One recent reviewer mentioned that doTerra requires customers to purchase products on a monthly basis, and if they don’t, their accounts will be closed. This reviewer had to close their account during a move because they didn’t have an address to provide.
However, it’s important to note that many other customers have had incredibly positive experiences. For instance, another customer has been using doTerra products on her family for five years and has never been more satisfied with them.
As with any MLM or product-based company, experiences can vary widely. Some people thrive and love the products, while others may face challenges or not find it to their liking. Always consider reading a variety of reviews to get a balanced understanding of what to expect.
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Turn Your Passion into Profits
What I Like About doTERRA
There are some things that make doTERRA stand out compared to other MLMs:
#1 Still Got Momentum
You can see that people are still increasing their searches for doTERRA on Google every month. While it may be plateauing compared to some newer MLMs like Farmasi, it’s still a good sign.
The more people are finding out about doTERRA each month, the easier it is to sell their products or get people interested in joining the company. Older MLM companies might be more established, but that can make it harder to find new recruits.
#2 Essential Oils Backed by Science
There is growing scientific research supporting the benefits of essential oils. Studies have shown they can help with:
- Stress and anxiety
- Headaches and migraines
- Sleep and insomnia
- Reducing inflammation
- Antibiotic properties
People are increasingly turning to natural and organic practices. More and more individuals are discovering essential oils every year (I remember a friend showing them to me for the first time in 2018!). This trend spells opportunity for this type of industry. But will it last? That remains to be seen.
#3 Healing Hands Charity
doTERRA contributes to their charity, Healing Hands.
Donating to a charity is always a good thing, even if some people are sceptical about the motives behind it. Whether it’s for publicity or not, I think every company should give back.
What I Don't Like About doTERRA
Here are some of the hidden truths about joining doTERRA that many distributors find out too late, after losing hundreds of dollars:
#1 Expensive Products
This is always a big red flag for me.
- doTERRA average essential oil: $2.13 per ml
- Amazon highly rated essential oils: $0.29 to $0.58 per ml
DoTERRA’s essential oils are 300% to 800% more expensive than similar products with very good ratings. The question you really need to ask is, “Who would buy something that is 300%+ more expensive?” Here’s your answer…
#2 Hidden Monthly Expenses
The people who end up being doTERRA’s biggest customers are the doTERRA distributors themselves.
- You have to sell $50+ worth of essential oils each month.
- The majority of distributors just won’t be able to do that! Sure, their mom or best mate might buy an essential oil or two to support them, but after a while, they will start to become a bit miffed (English word for annoyed) at being pestered to buy more.
- That means if you want the chance of “being your own boss,” you will need to cover the costs for those months when people do not buy anything. In reality, the distributor often becomes the biggest consumer of doTERRA products!
#3 Is doTERRA a Pyramid Scheme in Disguise?
I really like the way that doTERRA tries to disguise this in their compensation plan video. By turning it upside down, it’s impossible to tell what shape it is, right?
The truth is, to make any decent money from doTERRA, you have to recruit people. Remember, any company that requires their members to recruit people makes it impossible for everyone to make good money inside the company.
#4 Can You Really Make Money Selling doTERRA? No!
If you earn 25% of a $30 essential oil, you’ve just pocketed $7.50! To earn $3,000 a month, you would have to sell 400 essential oils EVERY MONTH. How many friends and family do you have? The truth is, to make this kind of money, YOU HAVE TO RECRUIT!
Then I saw doTERRA’s income disclosure and was absolutely amazed at how many distributors were earning at least $27,557 a year. But after actually reading it, I realized the table only counts the top 1% of distributors!
- Entry-level Wellness Advocates: Represent 77% of all U.S. Wellness Advocates in 2023, with an average annual earning of $30.
- Wellness Advocate Builders: Comprise approximately 22% of all active U.S. Wellness Advocates, with earnings ranging from $112 to $6,964.
- Wellness Advocate Leaders: Constitute approximately 1% of all U.S. Wellness Advocates, with earnings ranging from $20,577 to nearly $1 million.
This breakdown illustrates that while there are opportunities for substantial earnings at higher ranks, the vast majority of participants earn very modest amounts, particularly at the entry levels.
Achieving “Silver” rank requires recruiting at least three other people who are part of a team that sells $3,000+ a month. In reality, that means you and your team will need to sell upwards of $20,000 worth of doTERRA products every month.
#5 doTERRA Doesn't Own Farms
I think it’s great that doTERRA helps other farms around the world by paying them to produce the ingredients they need. But it does mean that doTERRA loses control. They have no say in prices or quality of standards.
Here’s a 7-minute video explaining the difference between them and their main competitor Young Living (who some of the founders were originally part of):
These are some of the major cons of doTERRA that you should consider before deciding to join.
doTerra MLM Review: Conclusion
In my review, I want to clarify that doTerra is a legitimate MLM business. It is not a scam, pyramid scheme, or any other form of mistreatment. doTerra has established itself as a reputable online marketing company that prioritizes the well-being of its members and customers. They provide high-quality essential oils.
Now, the decision to join their MLM and sell their essential oils is ultimately yours to make. It’s important to note that while you can make money with any MLM, including doTerra, there are no guarantees of achieving full-time income or success.
Please don’t misunderstand me. You can certainly generate income with multi-level marketing by putting in dedicated effort and learning the ropes. However, it’s a fact that most people fail in this endeavor. Statistics show that only about 2% of individuals achieve substantial earnings, while the majority waste their time and money. Therefore, I do not recommend MLMs to my readers. There are better ways to make money online.
Thank you for reading my doTerra review. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
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Thanks for reading my DoTerra MLM Review! If you have any questions, or any experiences to share then please write them in the comments below. ;).
