Anyone who reads this blog probably knows I use essential oils every day. I love how these aromatics have improved my life, in so many ways.
Occasionally, I do buy oils sold by multilevel marketing distributors. But most of the time I don’t. That’s because I don’t think it’s necessary. By their very nature, MLM companies are set up to pay commissions, typically over several layers. I usually prefer not to shop this way.
But I don’t have to. That’s because excellent choices also exist outside of the MLM networks. There are two popular non MLM brands you’ve probably heard of. Plant Therapy is one. Edens Garden is the other.
(This post contains affiliate links, and if you purchase a product I receive a commission, at no extra cost to you.)
I have much more experience with Plant Therapy essential oils. These were the first I tried after I did some research, and realized I didn’t have to stick with the MLM labels. I’ll admit, it took a small leap of faith. But I’m so glad I broadened my horizons. Since then, I’ve been buying nearly exclusively from a handful of non-MLM companies I trust.
When I bought my first bottle of Plant Therapy peppermint essential oil, I didn’t know too much about this company. It wasn’t a name I recognized. But there was something about it that attracted me.
Non MLM Essential Oil Companies
Ever since I opened my first bottle of Plant Therapy oil, which, by the way, I was totally impressed with, this company seems to have grown its reputation as a good MLM alternative. Its mission is to make it easy for everyone to own high-quality aromatic oils.
More recently, the company announced a partnership with a world famous aromatherapy expert named Robert Tisserand. He has helped the company develop its line of KidSafe oils, designed for children between the ages of 2 and 10. What I love about this partnership is that it always seems to err on the side of caution. This is so important, and so much different than blanket recommendations that may be unsafe for certain individuals.
Plant Therapy KidSafe Line
Essential oils are very safe when used properly. You just have to remember to properly dilute them and to also use them judiciously, especially in children and in the elderly. It’s helpful to view them as health aids, instead of just pretty scents. In my house, we use aromatics instead of OTC drugs, which can have serious side effects.
I feel very confident recommending Plant Therapy to my readers. That’s because I use these oils myself, and I know they are thoroughly tested for purity. Actually, Plant Therapy oils are tested twice. One of these tests is done by a third-party laboratory.
The lavender essential oil you see here has the KidSafe label. This means it can safely be used on little ones over the age of two, as long as the aromatic oils are properly diluted in a carrier oil. These oils can also be put in a cold-air diffuser.
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
Plant Therapy lavender essential oil is absolutely exquisite. When you’re shopping for lavender oil, it’s important to get the real deal. That’s because of concerns of chemical additives. Some suppliers reportedly use a related plant called lavendin, which is then sold as “lavender.” However, it doesn’t have the same sweet smell. So there’s the temptation to add something else.
With Plant Therapy lavender oil, you don’t have to worry about that. The lavender you see in the bottle above is real lavender. Plant Therapy also sells clearly labeled lavendin, which has its own distinct medicinal properties.
Plant Therapy vs Edens Garden
Edens Garden is another excellent alternative to the MLM network oils. I haven’t used this brand nearly as much as Plant Therapy, which I discovered first. But there’s no good reason why I couldn’t. Actually, this company reminds me a lot of family-run Plant Therapy. It was founded in 2009 by a woman named Grace Martin. The Edens Garden website also wants to make excellent aromatics available to all.
I love the story of how Martin started the company in her in-law’s garage. In a very short period of time, it has grown to become one of the dominant players in the aromatherapy world.
Both Edens Garden and Plant Therapy sell what’s considered “therapeutic grade” oils. Although this is really just a marketing term, it’s come to mean that the bottle contains 100 percent pure essential oil. Once mixed with a carrier, or put in a diffuser, it’s safe for personal use. Similar to Plant Therapy, each batch of Edens Garden also undergoes third-party testing.
Are Edens Garden Oils Good Quality?
Edens Garden and Plant Therapy sell an extensive line of single oils and blends. Edens Garden seems to carry some of the more unusual offerings, such as elemi and muhuhu essential oil. (Muhuhu is made from African sandlewood.)
There’s another similarity I’ve also found between these two companies. Both have a good selection of blends. One advantage to buying multiple oils in a single bottle is that it’s thought that mixing various components together creates a positive synergy.
The Stress Relief Synergy Blend shown here appears to be a popular blend. It smells exquisite and I’m able to use it for stress relief during the day, without feeling drowsy. It contains three uplifting citrus oils – bergamot, blood orange and grapefruit, as well as patchouli and ylang ylang oils.
Edens Garden Or Plant Therapy
If you’re trying to decide which brand is right for you, I think it’s pretty much a toss up. I have a lot more personal experience with Plant Therapy, but I’m really impressed with the quality of Edens Garden too. The biggest takeaway I get is that both companies derive their plants from farmers who use natural, instead of chemical, growing methods. Both brands also undergo third-party testing.
Plant Therapy was my first love. So it will always be my favorite. But Edens Garden is a very good option as well. It’s one of the labels I’ll be adding to my collection, which also consists of a few other brands, including Aura Cacia and Nature’s Fusions. I guess the best advice I can give is go with the label you’re most drawn toward. You won’t go wrong with either one.
Edens Garden Essential Oil Starter Kit
Here’s another similarity. Both Plant Therapy and Edens Garden offer essential oil starter sets, consisting of their most popular oils. You can see the Edens Garden kit below, which contains its Top 6 essential oils. These are among the most popular oils for beginners, because they have so many potential uses.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils
Thank you for this comparison! I’ve been on the quest for the Best (non MLM – I’m not a fan either) quality oils for the price and had it narrowed to PT and RMO, but then someone suggested Eden’s Garden and here I am. Very helpful info.
Hi Rebecca, thanks so much for reading and for your feedback. I looked at so many essential oil companies and I can very comfortably recommend Plant Therapy and Edens Garden, as well as Aura Cacia. I use Plant Therapy and Aura Cacia the most, but I do like Edens Garden too. I also like a certain blend from another company. I like to sample what’s out there, partly because I’m curious and also so I can tell my readers about what’s available. When it comes to a recommendation, I’m also factoring in value. I personally believe these three brands are just as good as any of the others out there. I have never tried RMO, but I might in the future.
Hi! Great info here, Thank you for that!
I’m wondering what you have to say about potency. I also tired of the MLM companies, so I’ve been trying other essential oils. I was ecstatic to buy oils from Mountain Rose Herbs as they’re so highly recommended by Wellness Mama. They’re also hardcore into herbs and medicinal plants, and care very much about sustainability. I was sure they’d deliver the same results I had with doTerra. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Mountain Rose Herbs certainly performs better than cheap oils like NOW, but the results and potency seemed to be half what I experienced with doTerra.
I’ve since bought a bottle of chamomile from Plant Therapy. It definitely delivers faster and more noticeable results than Mountain Rose Herbs, so I’m excited about their potential. I wonder what you’ve experienced in potency and results with Plant Therapy and Eden’s Garden. Would you say they’re the same? Because I know Mountain Rose Herbs lavender gave me results that were maybe half as good. And it EASILY took twice the time. Maybe even 3, 4, or 5 times more. I’d love to hear your experience in this realm of oils.
Hi Ash, thanks so much for reading my blog. I’ve never tried Mountain Rose essential oils, so I can’t comment on their potency. I’ve been very happy with my purchases from Plant Therapy and Edens Garden, and can very easily recommend them. I’ve also been happy with Aura Cacia too. Lately, I’ve discovered Nature’s Fusions oils and they are extremely potent. The company sent the first shipment to me for free, to review. But I’ll be ordering more and paying for them. These four brands I mentioned are what you’ll find in my house right now. I think it’s good to try different brands to compare, and see what works for you.
Hi! Do you mind to explain on why nursing mother is not recommended to use essential oil? Thanks!
Because essential oils are extremely strong. I do this out of an abundance of caution.
so, you don’t buy through MLMs because you don’t want to pay their commission but we should buy through your links so you make commission? what am i missing here?
Joil, What you’re missing is that I fully disclosed the affiliate relationship, and told my readers I will receive a commission, “at no extra cost to them.” This information is prominently displayed on my post, before any affiliate links. They pay the same price, regardless of whether I earn a commission or not. I’m also not selling multi-level marketing products. Compare prices. Do the math. Full disclosure.
I was curious which blends do you still
prefer from doTERRA or Young Living?
And how do you feel about Plant Therapy comparable blends.. for example YL Theives to Plant Therapy Germ Fighter or Stress Away to Worry Free.
Thanks!
Hi Ashley,
I have used a number of Plant Therapy blends and love them. My favorite might be the Meditation mix. It’s so calming. For pain I now use Natures Fusions Cooling Waters. I love it. I have used doTerra Germ blend as well.