As a certified aromatherapist and essential oil lover since 2018, I’ve tried just about every essential oil brand out there—from multi-level marketing giants to budget Amazon finds. I wanted to know: Is there really a difference between brands? Do you really need to pay $40 for a bottle of lavender? And which brands can you actually trust? So I put them all to the test. I looked at sourcing, testing, pricing, customer service, and—of course—how the oils performed. Here’s is I Tried Every Essential Oil Brand — Here’s What I Learned.
What I Looked For in Every Brand
To make sure I was comparing apples to apples, I evaluated each brand using the same criteria:
Purity & Testing: Does the brand offer GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) reports? Are the oils organic, wildcrafted, or sustainably sourced?
Sourcing Transparency: Do they share where and how the oils are sourced? Can you trace the origin?
Pricing: Is the price fair for the quality? Are there bulk discounts or starter kits?
Customer Experience: How easy is it to order? How fast is shipping? Are returns hassle-free?
Scent & Performance: How does the oil actually smell and work in real-world use (diffuser, topically, DIY)?
Packaging & Education: Is the packaging protective and easy to understand? Does the brand offer guides or usage tips?
Brands I Tested (Yes, All of These!)
Here’s a quick overview of the brands I’ve personally tried over the years:
Young Living
Revive Essential Oils
Plant Therapy
Eden’s Garden
Rocky Mountain Oils
Simply Earth
Aura Cacia
Florihana
Mountain Rose Herbs
NOW Foods
Cliganic
Gya Labs
- Fern and Petal
…and a few lesser-known boutique brands too
- full list of reviews here
MLM vs Non-MLM Brands: The Truth
This was one of the most eye-opening comparisons for me.
MLM brands (like Young Living and doTERRA) often charge significantly more, not always because the quality is higher, but because they build in costs for commissions and marketing.
Non-MLM brands (like Revive, Plant Therapy, Eden’s Garden) offer the same level of purity (and often better transparency) at a fraction of the price.
That said, MLM brands do often have good educational materials and unique proprietary blends, which can be appealing to beginners.
What Surprised Me Most
Here are the top lessons I learned:
Expensive doesn’t always mean better — some of the priciest oils were the least impressive in scent or performance.
Testing is everything — I now only trust brands that provide batch-specific GC/MS reports.
Aroma/Scent varies a lot — Even the same oil (like lavender) can smell very different depending on the region it’s grown in.
Packaging matters — Amber or dark bottles are a must to protect the oils from light. Some brands had poor droppers or weak seals.
Blends and rollers offer better value — I found pre-made blends to be a smart choice, especially for stress, sleep, and immunity.
Education wins — Brands that offered usage guides, dilution tips, and support helped me use oils more confidently and safely.
My Top Picks by Category
After years of use, here are my personal winners:
Best Overall Quality: REVIVE – SIMPLY EARTH
Best Budget-Friendly Brand: REVIVE – SIMPLY EARTH
Best for Beginners: PLANT THERAPY – SIMPLY EARTH
Best Blends: EDEN’S GARDEN
Best Transparency: MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS – ROCKY MOUNTAIN OILS
Best Scent Experience: EDEN’S GARDEN – FERN AND PETAL
Tips for Choosing the Right Essential Oil Brand
If you’re just starting your oil journey or wondering if it’s time to switch brands, here’s what I recommend:
Sourcing
Are the oils sourced sustainable and as natively as possible? Can you trace the source?
Transparency
Are they transparent? They should share their story and mission etc. I want to feel like I’m shopping from my family. Read real customer reviews (not just influencer hype). GC/MS reports need to be one click away.
Education
Do they seek to educate? It’s a brands responsibility to educate the customer so you’re using your oils most effectively.
Safety
Is safety info specific to each oil? Eg photosensitive, skin sensitizers etc
Testing
Do they 3rd party test? Do the tests (GCMS) have dates and are they up to date? The testing should be easily accessible.
Pricing
Prices should all be in the same ballpark. Oils should also be priced individually, not all the same across the board.
Bottling and Labeling
Stick with dark glass packaging and child-safe caps. The labels should always include ingredients and latin/botanical name. Compare price per mL, not just bottle size
Final Thoughts
Trying every essential oil brand taught me this: You don’t have to spend a fortune to get high-quality oils. But you do need to do your research.
My favorite brands are transparent, affordable, and committed to purity—and they don’t rely on flashy marketing or pressure-based sales. At the end of the day, the best essential oil is the one you’ll actually use, love the scent of, and feel confident using.
What About You?
Have you tried multiple essential oil brands? What did you learn?
👇 Let me know your favorite brand in the comments!
you might also like this post on my top faves on amazon
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Disclaimer:
Essential oils can be potent and may interact with certain medications or cause allergic reactions. It’s essential to consult with an Aromatherapist before using essential oils, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
As a Certified Aromatherapist I’m here to help! Schedule a consultation with me email me at hello@toreynoora.com
