Anyone who reads this site knows that I love using essential oils.
They also know that I don’t believe you need to buy multilevel marketing oils in order to get good quality. That’s why I decided to get my oils from a company called Plant Therapy, instead of do Terra or Young Living.
This is something I realized years ago. At first, I was afraid to venture outside of the MLM circles. It took time for me to learn to trust some of the brands that aren’t sold by independent distributors.
Maybe that’s because I was spending time on Pinterest and other social media outlets. These channels are flooded with posts extolling the benefits of either do Terra or Young Living.
However, you need to know something about essential oils that are sold this way. Multilevel marketing distributors have what’s known as an “up line.” This means the people who recruited them also earn commissions on a product. The up line can be several layers deep.
Even though I know do Terra is an excellent brand, I decided not to buy it. (There’s one exception, and I’ll tell you about it later. For me, shopping outside of the MLM networks was much more realistic. So I took the plunge.)
Plant Therapy Oils
(This post contains affiliate links, and if you purchase a product I receive a referral fee, at no extra cost to you.)
At first, I was a little leery of brands sold directly to the consumer. I think I was conditioned by all the social media posts. I didn’t know what to expect. But I knew I couldn’t keep buying MLM oils.
For full disclosure, I do have an affiliate relationship with Plant Therapy and some of the other essential oil companies. (But I don’t sell MLM oils.) I also earn commissions when someone buys an oil, if they go through a link on my site.
However, here’s the difference. Customers pay no extra out of pocket. There’s only one layer of commission. It goes only to me, as an affiliate. Customers pay the same price regardless of whether or not I earn a commission. I have no up line to answer to.
Critics may say the cost of this is included in the purchase. That may be true. However, I ask you to compare the price of a bottle of Plant Therapy to the same kind of oil sold by do Terra. You’ll see a big difference.
Plant Therapy Essential Oils vs doTerra
Running the numbers, I knew it made much more sense to buy Plant Therapy essential oils. Essential oils are meant to be used. They’ll go bad in about a year or two, if they stay in the bottle. This means you need to buy your favorite oils again and again. Plant Therapy makes this possible.
My first purchase was Plant Therapy peppermint oil. It far exceeded my expectations. I’ve become a repeat customer. Since then, with very few exceptions, I’ve bought all of my oils from non-MLM companies.
But, if you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering whether to buy Plant Therapy or doTerra. So I tell people to compare these two brands. Then go with the one that makes the most sense to you.
Plant Therapy vs doTerra
Both Plant Therapy and doTerra sell good quality oils. So it’s not a question of giving that up, if you go with one or the other.
I’ve personally bought many more Plant Therapy products than I have doTerra. From what I can see, doTerra oils are excellent. I buy them for my mother, because this is the brand she prefers. She was introduced to them by a friend, who sells them. I know my mother. And I know she probably won’t be totally happy with any other brand because she’s used to doTerra.
Plant Therapy Germ Fighter vs doTerra OnGuard
I can tell you the doTerra OnGuard essential oil blend smells exquisite. This is a mix of five aromatics – clove, cinnamon, orange, rosemary and eucalyptus. It’s designed to kill germs. Also, it has some science to back up this claim. One study found this particular blend is effective against influenza in the lab.
Plant Therapy also has its own germ-fighting blend. It’s made with the same kinds of aromatics, except the Plant Therapy formula includes lemon oil instead of orange. Most of the germ-fighting blends on the market contain a similar mix of oils.
The bottle of Germ Fighter Synergy Blend you see below is what I have in my house right now. I don’t have an MLM backup. That’s because I trust this brand enough to use it on myself and my family when we’re sick.
Plant Therapy Germ Fighter Essential Oil
By the way, most of the different germ-fighting blends seem to be modeled on the story of four medieval thieves. According to this widely publicized legend, these men robbed the sick and the dying during a deadly plague. But these men stayed well. That’s because they used a herbal/aromatic recipe. This is apparently why competitor Young Living named its germ-busting blend Thieves oil.
Is doTerra Really Better Than Plant Therapy?
I do have personal experience with using doTerra OnGuard when I was sick. That’s because I was visiting my mother, who lives across the country. (Remember, she’s a doTerra user.) I think OnGuard helped. (It has some science to back it up.)
But I actually felt more physical relief from Germ Fighter. I used this when I returned home. Even though I’m not aware of a study involving Germ Fighter, some of the single oils used in this formula have known germ-killing abilities.
Of the two brands, though, doTerra OnGuard smells better than Plant Therapy Germ Fighter. It also smells better than many of the other germ-busting blends on the market, which typically contain lemon essential oil. Germ Fighter is made with sweet orange oil instead.
Plant Therapy Essential Oils vs doTerra
For me, though, I like to shop outside of the MLM networks. It’s just a personal preference. Also, I strongly believe that the products I can find from companies like Plant Therapy are excellent, so I have no need to obtain my oils from an MLM distributor.
Essential oils are a big part of my life. So it’s important that I have sources I can trust. Essential oil fraud is reportedly a huge problem.
But I don’t worry about fraud when I buy from Plant Therapy. This company tests its oils twice for purity. This company also works with world famous essential oil expert Robert Tisserand. He has also worked with Plant Therapy to develop a special KidSafe line of oils that can be used on children between the ages of 2 and 10.
Are Non MLM Oils Good?
Once I tried Plant Therapy the first time, I was blown away by the quality. So I decided to buy more. Plant Therapy lavender oil smells incredible. It’s so sweet. I know its not the cheaper imitation called lavendin, which doesn’t smell nearly as good. It’s the real stuff.
When I’m buying lavender, I want the real thing. Even though lavendin oil has its own benefits, it’s not the same thing as lavender. This leads to concerns it could be doctored with chemicals, to make it smell more like lavender. I don’t worry about this happening with Plant Therapy oils. The company clearly labels its lavender and lavendin, so you know the difference.
Lavender is one of those oils that probably should be in every house. It has so many uses. I’ll admit that I haven’t personally tried doTerra lavender oil. However, I do know this company has a good reputation. I just personally prefer non-MLM oils. So, right now, Plant Therapy lavender essential oil is what you’ll find in my house.
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
Non MLM Essential Oil Companies
Anyway, the point I’m trying to make is that you don’t necessarily need to buy MLM oils. You can if you want. Both doTerra and MLM competitor Young Living sell excellent products. I prefer Young Living Frankincense to any other brand, because I know it’s back by research.
From my understanding, frankincense is difficult to distill properly. Young Living seems to be a really good job of finding the very best quality frankincense and processing it well.
However, for nearly all of my essential oil needs, I buy from either Plant Therapy or a handful of other companies I trust, including Aura Cacia and Edens Garden essential oils. I can also recommend these brands to my readers.
Essential Oil Companies You Can Trust
When buying essential oils, it all boils down to trust. You want to know that your aromatic oil is pure, and that it doesn’t contain chemicals or artificial fragrances. Personally, I also like to buy my oils from companies dedicated to aromatherapy, and don’t consider it a side business.
So, anyway, if you’re wondering whether to buy Plant Therapy or doTerra, I can assure you that both brands are good. So it all comes down to personal preference.
DoTerra Oils Are They Really Good?
My personal preference is Plant Therapy, mostly because I like how its sold. But, as you know, my mother likes doTerra.
I’m starting to think that all reputable essential oil companies sell similar products anyway. You won’t go wrong with either Plant Therapy or doTerra. You may also want to check out Aura Cacia and Eden’s Garden. Those companies sell good oils as well.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
I’ve also become a Plant Therapy fan after being introduced to their essential oils last year through the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundles. No MLMs for me! .
Hi Susan I’m a big Plant Therapy fan too, as you can probably tell. There are also some other non-MLM companies that are very good too. I will still buy YL frankincense and doTerra for my Mom, because is what she likes. But I don’t buy MLM oils regularly. Thanks so much for reading.
I live in Canada. . Health Canada has recently given the label NHP to many many of doTerra essential oils. The NHP means that health Canada recognizes these doTerra oils as being Natural Health Priducts and meet their guidelines. This designation has not been given to any other brand of essential oils as far as we know. Although they seem expensive they are so potent you don’t need nearly as much oil as you do
With other oils so they are in fact cost saving. There are approx 250 drops in a 15 ml bottle of doterra EO. And 1 drop equals 1 serving. I just know after trying homemade , and NOW brand and quite a few others that there is no comparison. They actually are superior in grade and quality.
Hi Alannah, I realize that doTerra is a very good brand, and I think I made that clear in my article. My mother prefers this brand over any other, so this is what I buy her. The OnGuard smells amazing. However, I prefer to use Plant Therapy in my own home. This brand is also highly regarded. I use it myself, and I like to recommend it to my readers. Thanks for reading.
Cool – what Canada did 🙂
I am a doTERRA rep and love their oils. From research and my friends, I know that Plant Therapy has great oils as well. I have Young Living essential oils from years ago that are still helping me! I love that doTERRA essential oils are third party tested and that you can look that up by typing the number on your bottle into a website.
I was intuitively led to doTERRA when I was very sick and the products saved my life, literally. Then my intuition told me to do the business and that is saving me as well! I love that when I buy these products, I’m supporting mothers like me who are enhancing their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and **financial** wellness.
I recently made a presentation at a local library with two other mothers from different network marketing businesses about what network marketing is and what it is not and why folks have legitimate upsets about MLMs.
The money from MLM sales does indeed go partly to the folks doing the selling and training of others who are all promoting the products and opportunities. This is thrilling to some and repulsive to others.
Regarding pricing, doTERRA has many sales and promotions, so it is easy to be paying 30% less than wholesale on essential oils, as well as taking advantage of two for one sales and free products each month, so, I feel I’m spending less on my healthcare now! Ands, I’m getting support from not only customer service at the home office, but also customer service from the hundreds of people I’m working with – it is a supportive community of people learning more about healing and right livelihood – people who are helping each other. It is lovely and empowering.
I support us all to follow our inner wisdom and get the products and essential oils we need however we are led by our intuitions: from our gardens, from the wild, from this or that company, etc. I wish you all the very best 🙂
Hi Luz, thank you so much for reading. I totally appreciate your feedback. I think doTerra has great products. I’ve bought them for my Mom because that’s her preferred brand. I think it’s so important to find a company you like and trust. It sounds like you have. I wish you the very best of luck with your doTerra business.
Do you know where can you find specific-sized labels for Plant Therapy bottles.? The ones for DoTerra or others don’t fit?
I love Plant Therapy and was wondering if you preferred (or if there was a difference) the Kashmire Grade Plant Therapy Essential Oil or the Plant Therapy Undiluted Lavender Essential Oil? I have no idea what the difference is.
Thank you so much for posting this review.
Victoria, this is something I’m going to ask about and get back to you on. I don’t know, but I’m going to try to find out. Check back later today.
Hi Victoria, I think you mean the round stickers that go on top of the bottles. You can find them here https://bit.ly/2h0Ar2u Also, I checked about whether Plant Therapy sells what’s sometimes called “Kashmir” lavender, and that seems to be just a marketing term. Plant Therapy sells three types of lavender and they are regular, organic and fine. I’ve personally only tried the regular and it’s absolutely exquisite.
Hi I would like what about art naturals ?
Mayra, I see their ads and I see that they’re getting more name recognition, but I haven’t tried these oils. I like to try different brands, and I think choice is good for the consumer, so if I do try Art Naturals and learn more about them I’ll definitely let you know.
I have purchased them and they have a written warning label. They are not to be ingested. Rule of thumb for most of the essential oils is that if you cannot ingest any of them you shouldn’t purchase them. I’m more knowledgeable now.
Jennifer, that’s not true. You can purchase 100 percent pure essential oils and still not be able to safely ingest them. If there is ever a case for doing this, it must be done with good medical supervision.
My research on Art Naturals is that they are very diluted – if you place a drop of oil on a piece of paper it will leave a nasty ring if it is diluted and mixed with chemicals.
Hi Shannon, thank you so much for visiting. I have never tried Art Naturals, so I can’t comment on the strength of its products. This company does have a good reputation and, from what I’m reading, people seem to like its products. But I don’t know because I haven’t tried them. I like to sample different brands so I can tell my readers about them. I did try one brand that I won’t name. The oils did seem weak, and not robust like the brands I use. So I decided not to recommend this particular brand, even though some other bloggers love it. I might sample one more of its offerings, just to confirm. Essential oils should be very strong.
I’m curious about the safety with using Onguard with small Children… a 1 and almost 3 yr old. would it be ok?
Hi Alita, I need to stress that I’m not a professional aromatherapist, so I can’t give medical advice. But I can pass along other published information. I get my safety information from Plant Therapy, since this company has been at the forefront of essential oil safety. It works with world famous essential oil expert Robert Tisserand. It does not recommend using essential oils at all on a child under the age of 2. Certain essential oils are apparently safe for use in children between the ages of 2 and 1, according to Plant Therapy. This is why I like to tell people about Plant Therapy’s KidSafe line, which includes a special germ fighter blend formulated just for children. Personally, if my children were still little, I would only use a product that I knew was made for children and I’d also use it sparingly, since essential oils are so strong.
I am a little curious if you don’t prefer to use doTerra for yourself, why and how are you an affiliate for selling “doTerra” via Amazon? I put that in quotes because often bottles are found to be doctered when bought on Amazon so you never know if you are getting the real product. Why not become an affiliate for the product you prefer?
Jenny, because I prefer to give my readers choices. I’ve bought do Terra for my mother in the past. This is the brand she prefers. For myself, I prefer buying non-MLM oils. The fact that I’m showing do Terra products in my post shouldn’t be a big deal. I’m guessing you sell do Terra. Am I right?
I also enjoy Plant Therapy for their quality and mission statement. I’ve tried doTerra (DT) and Young Living (YL) and simply have no understanding as to why you’d want to spend 2 or 3 times as much for the same oil you can get at Plant Therapy that’s the same quality. You can put lab tests side by side and they’re the same results.
I think a lot of the dedication to YL and DT have to do with their marketing and claims made on their website.
Anyone can make anything sound better than the competition with effective wording, graphics, and “reviews.”
Plant Therapy doesn’t invest in heavy marketing material like hardcover books, etc. They let their products speak for themselves.
I made my decision based on quality (Plant Therapy works for me), and pricing. It’s nice to know I receive the benefits of essential oils while not padding others bank accounts.
Hi Steven, I feel the same way. Plant Therapy oils can meet nearly all of my needs. So why pay so much more for a multilevel marketing product. Thanks so much for reading my blog.
Please could you tell me if the Plant Therapy essential oils are edible.
Hi Tahira, that’s a really good question. No essential oils should be indiscriminately consumed, regardless of the brand. This is true for Plant Therapy, as well as other brands. Despite the fact you may see other people recommending this practice, it’s not safe unless you’re working with a medical professional well-trained in oral use of essential oils. Plant Therapy oils are 100 percent pure. That’s not the issue. The problem is that essential oils are extremely strong and some are toxic if you take them internally. Also, everyone is different. Some people are extremely sensitive to essential oils. That’s why anyone considering this would need to work with a professional. If you dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil and put it on your skin keep in mind it will still enter your bloodstream, only in a much safer way.
Ok thank you for that. Can u recommend a carrier oil that does not smell. I’ve used: coconut oil, almond oil and olive oil but I don’t like the smell after a while.
Hi! I’ve primarily used doTerra oils and love them, but am looking to transition into a cheaper option for the reasons you’ve listed. I am concerned that what I use is 100% pure and organic (which you say PT is) and therapeutic-grade (which doTerra is). I often use my oils internally and like that doTerra labels which of their oils can be used this way or aromatically or topically. I’m wondering if PT labels their oils like this? I wouldn’t consult a medical practitioner each time I want to use an EO because much of the reason I use EOs so much is that I want to take care of many issues for my family at home. Can you comment on these concerns? I appreciate any feedback 🙂
Hi Juliana, I can only comment on the purity and potency of Plant Therapy oils. I use them myself and I’m very happy with them. They are third-party tested and you can always contact the company whenever you want for more information. The issue with ingestion isn’t Plant Therapy vs do Terra. It’s that I don’t think it’s a good practice (meaning unsafe) if you aren’t working with a medical professional who has experience in this. Even though essential oils are natural, they are highly concentrated. Ingesting them can potentially lead to problems. Certain essential oils will have no safe level where they can be ingested. This is the same regardless of the brand. One good resource is the Plant Therapy blog. It has a wealth of articles on safe use of essential oils. The company also works with noted aromatherapy safety expert Robert Tisserand. I hope this helps.
Juliana, also be very careful using essential oils with young children. You can read more about this on Plant Therapy’s blog.
Funny, I just received my first bottle of Plant Therapy Peppermint and compared it to YL Peppermint and there is no comparison. YL wins as far as potency. However, I am a huge fan of Rocky Mountain Oils. I have not found any non-MLM company as good as RMO. I will have to skip Plant Therapy and stick to what I know works best. I love YL but the prices are way too much for me. Although I will spend any amount of money on YL Thieves. Can’t live without it.
I haven’t tried Rocky Mountain Oils but I am really happy with Plant Therapy, Aura Cacia, Edens Garden and Natures Fusions. Plant Therapy peppermint works just fine for me, and is potent too. I did try one company that I won’t name and its oils were not potent. I don’t recommend that company on this site.
I think I am confused. At first when comparing smells of Ongaurd and Germ Fight you state that Doterra does smell better and uses orange instead of lemon. Then later state that Plant therapy uses sweet orange istead of lemon. Am I just reading wrong or confused by wording? I’m just honestly trying to understand.
Rachel, Plant Therapy Germ Fighter Synergy Blend contains lemon essential oil. Do Terra Onguard doesn’t have lemon but instead has sweet orange essential oil. I thought I had made this clear. Just in case I didn’t I updated the article, so there shouldn’t be any confusion. I like both blends. I think On Guard smells really good. But I prefer Plant Therapy Germ Fighter because of the price.
Does anyone know of a good app to use for inventory that has Plant Therapy brand? I can only seem to find apps that are Young Living or doTerra specific.
Alicia, I’m not sure what you mean. I don’t use any apps for essential oils. When I want them I just order them online.