How to Get Essential Oils for Cheap
I love me some essential oils! I love how many different scents there are, that they all have different properties and that I can basically use them to get rid of any chemical fragrances in my home. But when I first got into essential oils, I was 100% sure that I was going to go broke trying to build up a very modest stockpile. That’s when I made the most important discovery of my year (it was a boring year, I’ll admit it. 🙂 ). I discovered how to get essential oils for cheap.
Now, in this case “cheap” doesn’t mean low quality. Not even close! I’m talking “cheap” like “instead of paying $40 for a 15mL bottle, I got the same quality oil for $7.” Yeah, that’s right!
(Pause before we go ANY further: This is NOT a substitute for medical advice. Please do your own research and speak with a medical professional before discontinuing any medications or starting any. Also be aware of essential oils that are food grade or are safe for external use. Check for certificates of analysis and third-party testing on your oils so that you avoid getting cheap essential oils with dangerous ingredients that aren’t safe for kids.)
Before I dive into how to get essential oils for cheap, a little background and reassurance… this is NOT a sales pitch.
First of all, I do NOT sell essential oils. I do NOT participate in the essential oil brand wars that always seem to be raging. I’m not paid by any brand to post this or anything about essential oils.
I’m just some crazy girl who loves essential oils and wants to make sure that you don’t think that you need to go into debt to get started with essential oils.
Another “first things first,” I’m not a professional in either medicine or in essential oils. But I don’t believe that being a consultant for any of the MLMs for essential oils makes you an expert either. Do your due
Cliff Notes warning: Do your due diligence when taking advice about essential oils. Always dilute them with a carrier oil. Never apply the oil directly to skin. Always dilute more when using on children. Never ingest essential oils.
Related Post: Essential Oil Rollerball Recipes
How to get essential oils for cheap straight from Amazon (no being guilted into “supporting small businesses” that really aren’t small businesses…).
Finding good, high-quality essential oils has never been easier. I get almost all of my essential oils from Amazon and I get them shipped in 2 days with my Prime membership. The reality of this answer is really an easy one. It’s actually just one answer…
Shop for different brands.
The whole reason that I started looking for essential oils in the first place was for my labor with my second son (an HBAC of which I am very proud). I had heard such great things about many essential oils in labor and how they both ease the pain but also help you feel energized, stay focuses, and even help with the healing postpartum.
One of the number one oils that I had been told works wonders was Young Living’s Panaway. So I went to check it out on Amazon, and I just couldn’t justify the expense:
If you’re wondering if you’re reading that right, the answer is yes: a 5mL bottle of this essential oil is $34. And it’s a fantastic essential oil! But I just can’t afford to get the top 4 essential oils that I needed for $120 total for a total of 20mL of oil.
I don’t think I’ve ever bought a Young Living or DoTerra essential oil because of just how expensive they are (plus I’m vehemently anti-multi-level marketing). But almost ALL of the essential oil information on Pinterest involved their oils specifically. So what did I do? I searched for equivalents of their essential oils from smaller companies like Eden’s Garden or Plant Therapy.
Eden’s Garden essential oils do something very helpful for their store on Amazon. They name part of their title that says “comparable to Young Living’s… and DoTerra’s…”.
So now I could get twice the amount of oil for more than half the price? Sold! For finding equivalents like the big essential oil brands, Eden’s Garden makes it easy.
Still need some more proof that you can find new oil without buying a ton of expensive MLM kits?
Another great example of Eden’s Garden and Plant Therapy producing the same essential oil blend as the bigger brands is very easy to see in the comparison of their versions of Young Living’s Thieves blend:
and DoTerra’s OnGuard blend:
Compare the prices of $44.41 for Young Living’s Thieves and $35.20 for doTERRA’s OnGuard, with the prices of Eden’s Garden Four Thieves for $10.95 (now it’s called “Fighting Five” but it’s still great):
And Plant Therapy’s Germ Fighter for $14.95 (for twice the size!):
You can see that I’ve bought some of these oils for myself and my family and we absolutely love them.
I don’t tell you this to try to see you these essential oils at all (remember, I don’t sell for any of these companies). There are other options out there than just the big 2 brands.
Don’t buy into the hype about whose oils are the “purest” or the bad-mouthing of the other company. Just because something carries a brand name, does it make it any better than the others? Usually, the answer is no.
What are some good cheap carrier oils to use?
There are several inexpensive carrier oils that are suitable for use with essential oils, including:
Fractionated coconut oil: This is a popular carrier oil for essential oils due to its light texture, mild aroma, and long shelf life.
Jojoba oil: This oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by the skin and is easily absorbed, making it an excellent choice for use in skincare products.
- Sweet almond oil: This is a nourishing carrier oil that is easily absorbed by the skin and is suitable for all skin types.
Grapeseed oil: This light, non-greasy oil is high in linoleic acid and is an excellent moisturizer for oily or acne-prone skin.
Sunflower oil: This oil is rich in antioxidants and is an excellent choice for use in massage and skincare products.
- Avocado oil:Â This oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it an excellent moisturizer for dry or mature skin.
When choosing a carrier oil, it’s important to consider your skin type and the specific properties of the essential oil you plan to use. Some carrier oils may be more suitable for certain skin types or conditions, so it’s best to do some research before choosing a carrier oil to use with your essential oils.
How can you tell if essential oils are high quality?
The quality of essential oils can vary greatly depending on how they are produced, harvested, and stored. Here are some things to look for to determine if an essential oil is of high quality:
Purity: A high-quality essential oil should be 100% pure and free of any additives, synthetic fragrances, or diluting agents.
Sourcing: The source of the essential oil is important, as it can affect the quality of the oil. Look for oils that are sourced from plants grown without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
Extraction method: Essential oils should be extracted using methods that preserve the plant’s natural properties. Look for oils that are steam distilled or cold pressed.
Aroma: The aroma of a high-quality essential oil should be strong, vibrant, and consistent. It should also be free of any off-putting odors.
Packaging: Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles to protect them from light and oxidation. The packaging should also include information about the source, extraction method, and purity of the oil.
Reputation: Look for essential oil brands that have a good reputation and have been certified by a third-party organization, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).
It’s also important to note that price does not necessarily indicate quality when it comes to essential oils. Some high-quality oils can be relatively inexpensive, while others may be more expensive due to their rarity or the labor-intensive process required to produce them.
My favorite essential oil blends (and their non-so-cheap equivalents):
- Four Thieves, Fighting Five and Germ Fighter (comparable to Young Living’s Thieves & doTERRA’s OnGuard)
- Good Night (comparable to doTERRA’s Serenity & Young Living’s Peace & Calming)
- Joy (comparable to doTERRA’s Elevation & Young Living’s Joy)
- Head Ease (comparable to doTERRA’s PastTense & Young Living’s M-Grain)
- Digest Ease (comparable to doTERRA’s DigestZen & Young Living’s Di-Gize)
- Align (comparable to doTERRA’s Balance & Young Living’s Valor)
- Exhale, Relax and Respir-aid (comparable to doTERRA’s Breathe & Young Living’s Raven)
- Age Defy and Anti Age (comparable to doTERRA’s Immortelle Anti-Aging)
Note: The links for the doTERRA and Young Living oils are so that you can compare the oils in each of the blends, not because I think you should spend that much on the oils!
The list above are all the “brand-specific” blends that can all be purchased without needing to pay for the name. All of the single essential oils like lemon, lavender, tea tree, peppermint, etc. can also be bought from Eden’s Garden and Plant Therapy on Amazon.
Check out essential oil recipes and tips that I’ve used and love:
- Essential oil rollerball 101: how to’s and recipes
- How a normal person uses essential oils
- Essential oil diffuser recipes
- Essential oils in pregnancy
What is the biggest difference between Doterra or Young Living essential oils and Plant Therapy or Eden’s Garden?
The biggest difference between Doterra or Young Living essential oils and Plant Therapy or Eden’s Garden is their business model and marketing strategies.
Doterra and Young Living are multi-level marketing (MLM) companies that rely on a network of independent sales representatives to promote and sell their products. These companies often charge higher prices for their essential oils to support their MLM business structure, which can include commissions for sales representatives.
Plant Therapy and Eden’s Garden, on the other hand, are direct-to-consumer companies that sell essential oils online and through third-party retailers. They focus on offering high-quality essential oils at more affordable prices by cutting out the MLM business structure.
In terms of the quality of their essential oils, all four companies offer high-quality oils that are 100% pure and free of additives. However, Doterra and Young Living often market their oils as being “certified pure therapeutic grade,” a term they have trademarked but which does not have any official regulatory meaning. Plant Therapy and Eden’s Garden focus on transparency and education, providing detailed information about the sourcing, production, and testing of their essential oils to help customers make informed decisions.
Ultimately, the choice between these companies will depend on personal preferences and priorities. Some people may prefer the MLM business model and marketing strategies of Doterra or Young Living, while others may prefer the more affordable prices and transparent approach of Plant Therapy or Eden’s Garden. It’s important to do your own research and choose a company that aligns with your values and meets your needs.
Does the brand of essential oil matter?
Yes, the brand of essential oil does matter, as it can have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of the oil. Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so there are many low-quality oils on the market that are not 100% pure or contain synthetic additives.
Some essential oil brands have established a reputation for high-quality, pure oils that are sourced from reputable suppliers and tested for purity and potency. These brands may charge more for their oils, but their products are generally considered to be more effective and safer to use.
On the other hand, some essential oil brands may use low-quality ingredients, synthetic fragrances, or fillers to cut costs and boost profits. These oils may not provide the same therapeutic benefits as high-quality oils, and may even cause adverse reactions in some people.
When choosing an essential oil brand, it’s important to do your research and look for a company that is transparent about their sourcing and production methods, and that provides information about the purity and potency of their oils. Look for brands that have been certified by a third-party organization, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).
Ultimately, the brand of essential oil you choose should meet your individual needs and preferences, and should align with your values and priorities.
What do the prices of essential oils depend on?
Well, the prices of essential oils depend on a few things, such as the rarity of the plant, the extraction method used, and of course, the whims of the market. But I like to think that sometimes, essential oil prices are just like high-end fashion – you’re really just paying extra for the brand name and the fancy packaging!
Buyer Beware: cheaper does NOT equal better!
Just because an oil is less expensive, doesn’t always make it good! Both Eden’s Garden and Plant Therapy are trusted sources for their essential oils. They are each pure essential oils and each come with lots of information on their certificates of analysis. Some of Plant Therapy’s oils are labeled as “kid safe” that already come with pre dilution for you so you don’t need to use any additional carrier oils for yourself, your pets, or your kids.
But there are other companies who are trying to make a quick buck with a low-quality product. I usually stay away from anything that just sounds too good to be true. “100% natural, high-quality lavender oil” for $3 for 4 ounces sounds far too good to be true.
As a general rule of thumb, I stick with oils from Eden’s Garden and Plant Therapy. I’ve used both of them since I started using essential oils and I’m always so pleased with the results. Plus, you really can’t beat the price!
What’s your favorite essential oil?
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