The Truth About Essential Oil Prices (And How to Pay Less Without Sacrificing Quality)

If you’ve ever shopped for essential oils, you’ve probably felt a little sticker shock. With brands like Doterra and Young Living charging hundreds of dollars for starter kits, many wellness seekers wonder: Are these oils really worth the price — or are you just paying for the label?

Let’s break down the truth about essential oil pricing, why big-name brands are so expensive, and how you can enjoy pure, therapeutic-grade oils without draining your wallet.

Why Essential Oils Cost So Much

When you see a $40 bottle of lavender oil, it’s natural to assume the high cost must mean better quality. But the reality is often different. Here’s what drives up the price:

1. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Overhead

   • Doterra and Young Living operate as MLM companies, meaning they build in commissions for distributors and sales reps.

   • This adds layers of cost before the product even reaches you.

2. Brand Recognition

   • These companies spend heavily on marketing, events, and branding — costs that get passed along to the consumer.

3. Packaging & Presentation

   • Premium packaging and “luxury” positioning contribute to the inflated price.

Yes, their oils are pure and high quality. But much of what you’re paying for has little to do with the oil inside the bottle.

The LiveGood Difference

Here’s where LiveGood Essential Oils flip the script. Instead of building in MLM markups, LiveGood sells directly to consumers at a fraction of the cost.

• Member Price: $29.95 for the complete set of essential oils with a LiveGood membership ($39.95 retail without a LiveGood membership). Check out the complete set here.

• Competitors: $209.00 (Doterra) and $252.00 (Young Living) for comparable sets

That means you can save over $180 — and still get therapeutic-grade, third-party tested oils you can trust.

Does Cheaper Mean Lower Quality?

Not at all. LiveGood backs their oils with:

• Therapeutic-grade standards for potency and purity

• Third-party lab testing to verify authenticity

• Clear dilution and safety guidelines so you can use them confidently

You’re paying for the oil itself — not distributor commissions or marketing hype.

Real Savings in Everyday Life

Let’s look at a practical example:

• A household using 5–6 oils regularly could easily spend $250+ per month with traditional brands.

• With LiveGood, the same oils cost under $30 for the whole set.

That adds up to hundreds of dollars saved every year — money you can put toward other wellness products, fitness gear, or simply back in your pocket.

How to Maximize Your Essential Oil Budget

Here are a few tips for saving money without compromising quality:

1. Buy sets instead of individual bottles – bundled pricing usually saves you more.

2. Stick with multipurpose oils – lavender, lemon, peppermint, and tea tree cover most everyday needs.

3. Make your own blends and DIY products – cleaners, sprays, and skincare items are cheaper (and safer) when you make them at home.

4. Look for companies with transparent lab testing – you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

Bottom Line

The truth about essential oils is simple: price doesn’t always equal quality. While Doterra and Young Living are well-known, their MLM structure inflates costs dramatically. LiveGood proves that you can get pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils — backed by lab testing — for a fraction of the price.

Don’t overpay for a label. Enjoy the benefits of essential oils without sacrificing your budget.

👉 Check out LiveGood Essential Oils here