Welcome to my in-depth review of Young Living, a prominent player in the essential oils market and a company that has sparked a lot of debates. With a business model rooted in multi-level marketing (MLM), many people wonder if Young Living is a legitimate opportunity or just another pyramid scheme in disguise.
In this review, I’ll dive deep into the workings of Young Living MLM, explore its pros and cons, and share my take on whether it’s worth your time and money. Whether you’re considering joining Young Living or simply curious about its reputation, this honest review aims to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let’s get started!
Disclaimer: This Young Living 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.
Young Living MLM Review Overview
Product Name: Young Living
Owner: Gary Young
Product Type: Essential Oils MLM Company
Price: $165 one-time, plus extra costs
Best For: Established Network Marketers
Pros
- Effective Company Track Record
- Products with Enthusiastic Fanbase
- Philanthropic Giving
- Practical Start-up Costs
Cons
- Controversial Background & Creator
- Lawsuits & FDA Warnings
- Pricey Products & Poor Customer Service
- Bad User Reviews
- Focus on Recruiting
- Really Low Income Potential
Quick Summary
Recommended? No, I Wouldn't Recommend Young Liviing To You
Table of Contents
Is Young Living MLM a Scam?
First things first – Young Living MLM is not a scam. It’s a multi-level marketing company that gets people to sell products directly to customers, earning commissions along the way. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: you can earn even more if you recruit others to join and they make sales too.
Young Living organizes its distributors into different ranks based on how much they sell. Starting at the bottom, you have “Distributors,” and at the top, you have the prestigious “Royal Crown Diamonds.”
But let’s talk numbers. According to a public revenue declaration I found while digging into Young Living, a whopping 94% of the company’s active distributors earned less than $1 in 2018. Yes, you read that right – less than a dollar.
On the flip side, there are the high achievers. Around 1,000 Royal Crown Ruby representatives raked in over a million dollars. It sounds pretty amazing until you realize these top earners are a tiny fraction of the total distributors.
Service Insider’s review of Young Living’s 2018 income disclosure sheds more light on this. It shows that 89% of participants are stuck at the bottom, earning an average of just $4 per year. The top three levels, which make up 98.7% of active members, earned between $4 and $1,551 annually. And that’s before factoring in the monthly expenses needed to stay active.
So, while most people end up losing money with these types of schemes, it’s clear that Young Living MLM isn’t a scam. It’s a real business, but one where the odds of making significant money are pretty slim for the average distributor.
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What Is Young Living?
Young Living is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company that specialises in essential oils and related products. They like to call themselves the world leader in producing and marketing high-quality essential oils for a variety of ailments.
Many satisfied customers rave about the quality of Young Living’s products in reviews, and with over 500 varieties of essential oils, they certainly offer a lot of options.
However, it’s not all rosy. In recent years, some negative reviews have raised questions about the company’s credibility. Although Young Living claims its products are 100% pure, Dr. Pappas from Indiana University has found evidence suggesting the presence of artificial substances in their oils.
We’ll get into whether Young Living is a pyramid scheme or a legitimate MLM company later, but first, let’s dive into a bit of the company’s history.
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Who Owns Young Living Oils?
Gary Young, the founder and owner of Young Living Oils, was born in Idaho in 1949. Before starting Young Living, Gary was already a controversial figure.
A significant incident in his past is the tragic death of his child during delivery in 1982. The baby was born in a whirlpool bath, and the umbilical cord was cut after being left in a sterile saline solution. The coroner concluded the baby would have survived with proper medical care, and the mother experienced severe hemorrhages needing medical attention.
In the same year, Gary opened a clinic that was shut down following a police investigation. He pleaded guilty to practicing medicine without a license. By 1986, several newspaper articles exposed his dubious claims, including a supposed 90% cure rate for lupus and cancer. Another clinic he opened in California faced major charges and was closed for substandard services.
All these incidents occurred before Young Living was established, but they are part of Gary Young’s controversial history. He falsely presented himself as a doctor, deceiving vulnerable individuals with these schemes.
Gary Young passed away in May 2018, 25 years after founding Young Living. His legacy is marred by dubious practices and legal issues, but the company he created continues to be a subject of controversy.
Is Young Living an illegal pyramid scheme? We’ll explore that in the next section of my Young Living MLM review!
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How Does Young Living MLM Work?
Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a business model where non-salaried individuals are recruited to sell products. It’s a bit controversial because many representatives end up losing money. Over the years, this method has been called various names, with the “pyramid scheme” being a common and not-so-flattering one.
So, how does Young Living MLM operate? Participants are lured in with promises of big earnings by selling Young Living products. They earn commissions not just from their own sales but also from the sales made by the people they recruit. This creates an incentive for constant recruitment and the potential for “exponential growth.” However, new members typically have to pay an upfront fee to get their “business” started.
The structure of this model forms a pyramid, with a large number of suppliers at the bottom and fewer people at the top earning substantial revenue. Each level in Young Living has appealing names, starting from the supplier level. But here’s the catch: MLMs like Young Living face the issue of low income rates among participants. Over 96% of Young Living representatives, categorized as distributors and star-ranked participants, earn an average yearly income below $248.
Young Living isn’t alone in using this strategy. Other well-known companies like Amway, Avon, and Herbalife also use similar online marketing tactics. While some MLMs can be legitimate businesses, many rely heavily on exploiting the sales model, which often proves unsustainable and ends up resembling a pyramid scheme.
But before jumping to any conclusions in this Young Living MLM review, let’s take a closer look at their products. This is a key aspect to consider.
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Are Young Living Oils Safe?
According to their representatives, Young Living oils are considered safe as long as they are used properly and according to aromatherapy standards.
But let’s break it down with some safety pointers directly from the company:
- Lemon 5ml
- Thieves 5ml
- PanAway 5ml
- Thieves Spray
- Essential Oils Magazine
- Lavender 5ml
- Citrus Fresh 5ml
- Raven 5ml
- Stress Away 5ml
- 2 AromaGlide Roller Fitments
- 2 NingXia Red 2-oz samples
- Essential Edge News
These starter kits come with real essential oil products that you can sell. You buy them at wholesale prices and earn commissions on each item you sell.
Alternatively, you can build a downline and earn commissions on sales made by your recruits. This multi-level approach is often recommended in MLM.
However, it’s important to remember that there is a high risk of failure in both cases. This is why some people argue that Young Living operates like a pyramid scheme under the guise of multi-level marketing.
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Can You Really Make Money with Young Living MLM?
The truth is, you can make money with any MLM, including Young Living. However, there are no guarantees of success or a full-time income.
Don’t get me wrong – you can definitely earn money with multi-level marketing. If you’re willing to put in a lot of hard work (and believe me, it’s not easy), you can generate substantial income while learning the ropes. But the reality is that most people fail.
Based on Young Living’s 2024 Income Disclosure Statement, 68.1% of their members earned an average of just $31. About 1% of members earned an average of $18,000 a year, and that’s before expenses. It also took them an average of 29 months to reach that level.
So, while it’s possible to make money with Young Living, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations and a willingness to work hard.
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Turn Your Passion into Profits
What I Like About Young Living MLM
When it comes to evaluating any MLM, it’s important to highlight the positive aspects alongside the challenges. Young Living has several strengths that set it apart in the crowded field of multi-level marketing. Here are a few key points that make Young Living stand out:
#1 Effective Company Track Record
Over twenty-five years ago, Gary Young embarked on a journey to become a pioneer in the essential oil industry. He founded Young Living, implementing unique growing methods and refining the essential oil purification process. Young Living has played a significant role in revitalising the use of essential oils in modern society.
Young Living, with over $2 billion in yearly revenues, continues to be a leading force in the essential oil industry.
#2 A Product with an Enthusiastic Fanbase
Essential oils have been extensively used by health-conscious individuals for as long as we can remember. Young Living, with millions of enthusiastic fans worldwide, has continued this trend. In 2019, the International Grand Convention of Young Living in Salt Lake City was attended by over 32,000 people from 43 countries.
#3 Philanthropic Giving
The Young Living Foundation, founded in 2009, serves as the charitable wing of the company.
They are dedicated to various causes, including the development of schools and homes in third-world countries, providing catastrophe relief, and offering assistance to those affected by storms.
#4 Practical Start-Up Cost
You can join Young Living with a Standard Starter Package for only $25. As an Independent Supplier, you’ll enjoy a 24% discount on all Young Living products and commission opportunities. It’s great to invest in a home business for less than $50.
What I Don’t Like About Young Living MLM
While there are certainly positives about Young Living, it’s equally important to consider the downsides. Every MLM has its challenges and criticisms, and Young Living is no exception. Here are some of the key concerns and drawbacks associated with Young Living:
#1 A Controversial Background and Creator
There is a lot of controversy surrounding Young Living, largely attributed to its passionate but perhaps irresponsible and eccentric founder, Gary Young.
Despite being a driven entrepreneur who firmly believed in his company’s essential oils and their potential to change the world, his vision sometimes clouded his judgment. This led to an “all-in” approach to both his personal life and business, ultimately causing issues.
#2 Lawsuits and FDA Warnings
Any company that’s been around for more than 25 years is bound to encounter legal issues, and Young Living is no exception. Over the years, the company has faced investigations for some of their products containing lead and has been found guilty of illegally trafficking rare oils.
A class-action lawsuit has also been filed against Young Living, alleging it operates as a “cult-like” pyramid scheme. Additionally, similar to their main competitor doTERRA, Young Living has received FDA warnings for distributors making misleading claims about their products on social media.
#3 Pricey Products and Poor Customer Service
Many complaints about Young Living focus on the high cost of their oils and unreliable customer support. For example, a 15 ml bottle of Young Living’s Lavender oil can be quite expensive at almost $32. These high prices, coupled with poor customer service, have led to numerous negative reviews.
#4 Bad User Reviews
You can check out user reviews on SiteJabber.com, where the majority are negative.
Most users express dissatisfaction with the service quality and high prices of Young Living products.
#5 Focus on Recruiting
One of the main issues with MLMs like Young Living is their emphasis on recruitment. To become a successful Young Living distributor and earn significant income, you need to build a team of salespeople to distribute the products. While this approach might sound promising in theory, it often leads to frustration and rejection.
#6 Really Low Income Potential
As shown in the income disclosure, the vast majority of Young Living members aren’t making any significant money from selling the products. This highlights the challenges and low-income potential inherent in the MLM model.
Do I Recommend Young Living MLM?
The company offers excellent high-quality products. If you have a passion for essential oils and Young Living, you have the opportunity to join and earn a decent income. However, I’m not a fan of multi-level marketing. I’ve found a much better way to make money (more on that below!).
That said, I won’t be recommending this business. It’s important to note that Young Living is not a pyramid scheme or a scam. It is a legitimate company. Despite that, there are differing opinions on the matter.
Are There Any Lawsuits Against Young Living?
Yes, there have been legal issues. In 2014, two Young Living participants, Julie O’Shaughnessy of Texas and Lindsay Penhall of California, filed a class-action lawsuit. They claimed that Young Living is an illegal pyramid scheme, alleging that the company deceives both its customers and the public.
Recent news reports indicate that the dispute is growing beyond the lawsuit itself. The company is accused of making false health claims about its products, misleading people in the process.
Given the current situation, there are too many controversies surrounding this company for me to recommend it. While Young Living is legitimate, the issues and legal battles make it a risky venture in my opinion.
Young Living MLM Review: Conclusion
In this review, we’ve established that Young Living MLM is not a pyramid scheme. However, it does have a questionable history and multiple ongoing lawsuits that attempt to label it as an unlawful scheme.
Personally, I’m not in favour of MLM, no matter the product or service being offered. In my experience, making a living from multi-level marketing companies requires significant time and money, often involving unethical selling practices.
Thank you for taking the time to read my Young Living review! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you believe Young Living is a pyramid scheme? Feel free to share your opinions and reviews in the comments section below!
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Thanks for reading my Young Living MLM Review! If you have any questions, or any experiences to share then please write them in the comments below. ;).
- Lemon 5ml
- Thieves 5ml
- PanAway 5ml
- Thieves Spray
- Essential Oils Magazine
- Lavender 5ml
- Citrus Fresh 5ml
- Raven 5ml
- Stress Away 5ml
- 2 AromaGlide Roller Fitments
- 2 NingXia Red 2-oz samples
- Essential Edge News
