The glossy lure
You see bottles of lavender, peppermint, and promises of “earning from home.” Then someone whispers, “Become a leader. Reach Diamond.”
That’s how essential oils MLM scams begin. They wrap dreams in scent and hope. They sell the image of freedom. Yet many find debt instead of rewards.
DoTerra and Young Living feature proudly in those whispers.
What the income disclosures reveal
DoTerra publishes an Opportunity & Earnings Disclosure Summary. It shows: entry-level ranks typically earn up to $1,600 annually in commissions—and they represent just 9% of all advocates.
In 2022, DoTerra reported that of U.S. Wellness Advocates who made purchases, 31% earned a commission, and entry-level advocates averaged $394 in annual commission.
These are before expenses. After product purchases, travel, and marketing, many net far less—or even lose money.
The FTC’s 2024 staff report on MLM income disclosures makes it clear: many statements omit earnings of participants who made little or nothing. The majority receive $1,000 or less per year—and many reports don’t subtract costs.
Even worse, many MLMs, including essential oils ones, emphasize the very few high earners while burying the fact that most fail.
The cost you don’t see
To “rise,” you must buy more oils. You need marketing tools, training, and events.
Shipping costs, promotional materials, and inventory left unsold—all erode your margins.
A person might see $5,000 in “commissions” on paper. But after $4,200 in costs, the real take-home might be $800—or negative.
They count gross incomes. They neglect expenses. That’s how they hide losses in plain sight.
Victim story — The stay-at-home mom
Julia, 37, joined DoTerra because she believed in the promise of flexible income. She spent $2,100 her first year on starter kits, marketing, and travel.
Her statement showed $3,800 in commission. She felt hopeful for weeks. But after costs, she says she made $525 net.
She wonders how many hours she worked for that. She says the dream cost her more than money.
Victim story — The fitness coach
Marcus, 29, tried Young Living on a friend’s suggestion. He bought an essential oils bundle for $1,200.
He sold little and recruited two people who dropped out. His “commission checks” amounted to $2,400 before costs.
After overhead, gas, and packaging, he lost $300. He stopped pushing it. The wound still stings.
Young Living has faced lawsuits and accusations of operating as a pyramid scheme.
Why do these MLMs survive
Because essential oils feel benign. People believe in wellness.
Because distributors become evangelists. They push to friends and family.
Because illusions work: check photos, success stories, and lavish trips—all of which show the 1%.
Because regulation lags. Many countries let MLMs operate loosely.
Even when the FTC warns, enforcement is slow. In 2020, it sent warning letters to DoTerra regarding earnings and health claims, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, the FTC sued several DoTerra distributors for making false COVID claims—some claimed oils prevented infection. Those were judged deceptive.
Warning signs — what to question
• They show Diamond checks, not average numbers.
• They claim “no limits to earning” without acknowledging effort and cost.
• They require you to buy inventory or kits to qualify.
• They emphasize recruitment over product sales.
• They bury how few succeed and how many lose.
• They avoid clear net-income statements.
If they fear you asking about costs, they’re hiding something.
What skeptics can do
Ask for net income statements (after costs).
Demand transparency: How many made nothing?
Compare retail vs. distributor purchases.
Talk to ex-distributors.
Check regulatory complaints and court cases.
Final warning — the scent hides the trap
Essential oils smell sweet. Their promises smell sweeter. But most people don’t taste real profit.
These essential oils MLM scams are predators in disguise: they whisper hope, demand loyalty, and pocket your heartbreak.
If someone pushes you to join, recruiting more than selling—pause. Question deeply.
Because in the world of MLM, the scent you’re chasing might just be the illusion.
Resources
[1] doTERRA. “Opportunity & Earnings Disclosure Summary.” (n.d.).
[2] doTERRA. “Annual dōTERRA Business Builders Report 2023.” (2023).
[3] Federal Trade Commission. “Multi-Level Marketing Income Disclosure Statements (FTC Staff Report).” September 4, 2024.
