Edens Garden vs doTERRA | What's The Difference?
Shopping for essential oils is unlike shopping for groceries or other daily necessities. Essential oils are powerful tools that can radically transform your well-being. From aiding mood and emotions to improving immunity and sleep, there’s little aromatherapy can’t do.
But this is only possible when using pure, high-quality essential oil. On top of that, it helps if you’re purchasing from a responsible company that’s committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
To put it simply, narrowing down the right pure essential oil company takes research. To help you, we’ve created a chart that compares Edens Garden to other aromatherapy companies and shows you what separates us from the rest. Let’s dive in.
Edens Garden vs doTERRA: Everything You Need To Know
In this short guide, we’re comparing and contrasting Edens Garden to doTERRA. Read on for our full analysis.
#1 Production
Most essential oil companies today use machines to pour and bottle their oils because it’s fast and efficient. However, this method comes with a few setbacks like cross-contamination and often fewer quality control checks. Here’s why.
Unless you have separate pouring and bottling machinery for every oil (an unlikely feat), you’re using the same machinery to bottle multiple oils which leads to cross-contamination. And unless you’re checking every bottle that comes off the conveyor belt, the quality of most bottles of oil goes unchecked.
Edens Garden’s oils are hand-poured to prevent cross-contamination. This ensures that the therapeutic values and purity of our oils are precisely how nature intended. It also ensures accurate volumes are poured. Our pouring beakers and equipment are meticulously cleaned and sanitized using natural cleaners between oils. Furthermore, protective equipment is always worn, so each bottle that comes in contact with a human touch is free from contaminants.
doTERRA essential oils are bottled by machines.
#2 Direct To Consumer Pricing
Since our inception, Edens Garden’s desire has been to offer our high-quality essential oils at affordable prices. Because we believe everyone deserves the healing and restorative benefits that aromatherapy provides. And we’ve achieved this by adopting a direct-to-consumer business model that doesn’t have distributors or middlemen, brick-and-mortar stores or wholesale.
While we understand the benefits that MLMs provide, we’ve decided to offer wholesale pricing for everyone while still rewarding you on your purchases in the form of big discounts on future orders and huge sales throughout the year. We also introduced discounted bulk sizes on our most popular products to give those who purchase in large quantities a price break.
doTERRA is a multi-level marketing company that pads its prices in order to pay its top distributors and middlemen. Compare our pricing on Peppermint oil.
#3 Women-Owned & Operated
Edens Garden Essential Oils was founded in 2009 by Grace Martin with a desire to make affordable, quality essential oils more accessible. In her words,
“When I founded Edens Garden, I didn’t have a big investor or huge staff but my goal was to share high-quality, affordable essential oils. The medicinal and healing qualities of essential oils can beautifully transform lives, and I wanted more people to experience that. Providing affordable access to wholesome, safe and toxic-free aromatherapy options is my way of sharing my passion for nature with others.”
Today, Grace is at the helm of a close-knit team of strong, remarkable women who share that same passion. We’ve stayed committed to that original vision, and it’s at the cornerstone of all that we do.
What we do at Edens Garden would not be possible without an incredible team. From our in-house aromatherapists to our dedicated bottling and shipping team, to our graphic designers and accountants, each member helps bring nature’s benefits to your fingertips.
Several of the founders of doTERRA had previously held executive roles at Young Living.[1]
#4 Small Business
Since our inception in 2009, we’ve stayed true to our small business status and we’re proud of that. Rather than take on investors, we’ve maintained original ownership and self-funding, allowing us to stick to our end goal of offering quality oils, putting people over profit and doing it all without cutting corners.
doTERRA earns nearly a billion dollars in revenue annually.[2]
#5 Product Offerings
Edens Garden is an essential oil company first and foremost. We offer a much smaller and more curated selection of aromatherapy products, with an emphasis on our pure essential oils and blends. Each item that is formulated, selected and approved is born out of research and a dedication to providing our family of customers with the very best.
We are endlessly working to provide the best selection of oils and blends. Staying true to our original mission of being the best essential oil company possible, Edens Garden stays committed to offering pure, quality single essential oils and purposeful blends.
doTERRA has reached far beyond essential oils to offer a wider array of products. From vitamins, supplements, gum and apparel to laundry detergent, dish soap and wool dryer balls, their offerings continue to grow.
#6 Quality & Testing
Edens Garden was one of the first essential oil companies to offer transparent, third-party GC/MS test results on every batch of single essential oil we offer. These reports are made available at all times, directly on every single oil’s product page.
Additional testing is also performed on every batch of oil we offer to ensure purity and quality. These tests include:
- Refractive index
- Specific gravity
- Optical rotation
- Organoleptic
Each test is then reviewed by third-party essential oil chemists and our in-house team of aromatherapists for purity and quality.
doTERRA began offering GC/MS reports within the past few years and does not make their GC/MS reports available directly on their website to view before purchase. Rather, their reports are made available when you input an oil’s lot number (found on their essential oil bottles) on a separate website.
#7 Return Policy
We offer a 30-day (no questions asked) return policy. If it is within 30 days, we will happily accept any return for you, no matter the reason. Once we receive the product back, we’ll issue a refund to the original payment method.
doTERRA offers a 30-day return policy for unopened and unused products. In order for returns to be fully refunded, the product must still be “marketable,” meaning its packaging is intact, it has current doTERRA labeling and it cannot be past expiration. If the product is no longer marketable, a 90% refund is issued, minus shipping costs and paid bonuses.[3]
#8 Ingestion
One of the primary comparisons essential oil users note about Edens Garden is that we emphasize topical use and inhalation over casual ingestion. Studies and research have proven that essential oils are quite effective when inhaled and applied topically. Aromatherapy experts have also found that there are far more safety precautions to take when ingesting essential oils, as opposed to inhaling or applying them topically.
We believe there are times when essential oils can safely and effectively be taken internally, but we suggest this be done under the counsel and advice of a certified aromatherapist.
doTERRA and its distributors often recommend casual ingestion of essential oils for health and flavoring food and drinks. This has been linked to many occasions of adverse side effects.
#9 Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade
At Edens Garden, we’ve been asked countless times throughout the years if our oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG). And each time we’ve answered “no,” oftentimes there’s a sense of doubt on the other end.
However, we (and all essential oil companies) are unable to use this registered term because it is owned by doTERRA. This does not mean that our oils are not rigorously tested and of the highest quality and purity available – they are all of these things – but that we risk legal action if we use this term.
Comparable Blends to doTERRA
Edens Garden’s team of experts spent years formulating and perfecting our exclusive blends. doTERRA has a number of popular proprietary blends with similar benefits and aromas to Edens Garden. Here are some of our most comparable blends.
 |
doTERRA® |
| Allure | Whisper® |
| Bliss | Cheer® |
| Bug Bite Relief | TerraShield® |
| Calming The Mind | Console® |
| Citrus & Cream | Citrus Bliss® |
| Deep Breath | Breathe® |
| Gal Pal | ClaryCalm® |
| Good Morning | Motivate® |
| Guardian | On Guard® |
| Massage Therapy | Deep Blue® |
| Sore Muscles & Pain Ease | AromaTouch® |
| Tranquility | Serenity® |
| Voted Best Smelling | Elevation® |
| Worry Less | Peace® |
| XOXO | Passion® |
Choosing An Essential Oil Brand
Many aromatherapy companies are offering good quality oils like, diffuser options, and carrier oil selections that smell nice. And we’re grateful that essential oils are so readily available for people to enjoy. But at Edens Garden, we’ve raised the bar and set new standards year-in-and-year-out. Every essential oil blend and single oil we offer, like Fighting Five and Lavender, is analyzed and approved by a certified aromatherapist and team of essential oil chemists to ensure purity from harmful chemicals. So you can rest assured your Edens Garden oils are the very best with every batch. Learn more about our standards here.
We are grateful that we still hold the same passion and commitment to the purity of our essential oils that we did when we started in 2009. Thank you for walking with us along this journey!
SOURCES:
- Difference between Young Living and Doterra. https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-young-living-and-doterra
- DŌTERRA REVENUE. https://www.zippia.com/doterra-international-careers-21683/revenue/
- Section 6: Product Return Policy. https://www.doterra.com/US/en/policy-manual/product-returns
Grab The Essentials Here:
About the Author, Bella Martinez
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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25 comments
Brittany
I loved this article! It was so informative explaining each difference between the company. I have always loved Edens Garden since I read great things about the company from an independent source who tested the purity of different oils. Edens Garden was one of the best and when I tried them for myself I was hooked. This article was great and I especially loved the portion regarding casual ingestion of oils and how risky that can be. I see that recommended a lot by MLM oil distributors. Thank you for this wonderful article!
Laura
I really appreciate the focus on differences and learned quite a bit from this post, specifically the hand pouring! Thank you! I used DoTerra primarily before finding Edens Garden. One of the blends that I miss and that I thought EG had a comparable blend to was Balance. Is there an EG blend or combination of oils that could be recommended in its place? I specifically remember woods and blue tansy. TIA!
Edens Garden
Hi Lisa, we recommend trying out Frankincense- carterii. We also have a helpful blog going over our different Frankincense oils. For your convenience, you can find the blog here: https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/this-or-that-frankincense-oils?pos=2&_sid=92126b255&ss=r
Lisa Radatz
You have a few different kinds of Frankincense oil. I have tried to find the best one that compares to doTERRA’s Frankincense. Please let me know which one it is.
Edens Garden
Hi Gary, we offer everyday wholesale prices for everyone. You’ll also earn Aroma Notes for each purchase. Additionally, we offer 3 sales each year – one in January, one in the summer for our anniversary and starting November through December for the holidays. If you don’t want to miss out, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear sale announcements.
Gary
I certainly don’t see wholesale prices being offered as you say.
Edens Garden
Hi Jackie, a few alternatives would be Calm ‘Em Down or Sleepy Head Blends, they both are safe for children over the age of 2 and promote relaxation and a restful sleep.
Jackie
Thank you so much for this article! I’ve only used your products but my son’s therapist recently suggested doTERRA Calmer for him before bed. Is there a product of yours similar? Thank you!!
Mary O'Grady
I would love to be able to share this article. I am an Eden’s Garden girl!
Maile
Thank you so much for this article. I found it very informative and helpful. I have chosen Eden’s Garden over DoTerra for many years now, and will continue to do so. Thank you for keeping your standards high and your prices low!
Kristen
I started my oils journey with DoTerra back in 2016, I’ve been using Edens Garden since about 2018/2019. I didn’t want the MLM gimick, so I did a lot of internet research (being aware of sources, looking for quality at better prices), and I found EG. I love MANY things about EG over the mlms, one major one being that I am able to chooses such a variety of sizes. Some oils I use daily, some I use semi-regularly, some I use on occasion. I love having the full oz sizes of my Gal Pal, the ones I use to make my own anxiety blend, the ones I use to make my own sinus/allergy blend, the ones I use in my homemade soaps, room and body sprays, lip balms, and hair care, etc (you get the point). I also love the variety in the singles (because I do make a lot of my own blends), and their Gal Pal blend is a god send (and one I tried after DoTerra’s cramp blend did wonders for me).
Anyway. I could write several blog posts over about what I use EG oils for and why I switched to Edens Garden from DoTerra, and why I’ve gotten others to make the switch as well. I truly do love the company and appreciate the new knowledge I’ve gained through this blog only verifying my decision further.
Val Wheat
Excellent article. Makes me love Edens Garden even more!
Sharon
Good morning,
As a former Do Terra customer who has been an Edens Garden customer for many years, I have appreciated the quality of your oils without the extra costs Do Terra required. I became a Do Terra customer in October of 2011 when my Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The oils were not a cure, but I felt helped so much in keeping her calm. I found Edens Garden when I began searching for high quality oils without the high cost. I have shared my oils with my son and daughter, over the years, however, I learned a few months ago that my children (grown and are parents, as well) do not like Edens Garden oils. They tell me the oils are “sticky” and not like Do Terra, so they prefer purchasing Do Terra oils. I never really noticed it until my daughter mentioned it, but they’re right. What ingrediet(s) does Edens Garden use that causes the oils to feel sticky? I no longer purchase the oils as gifts. They especially feel On Guard is superior to Guardian. I will appreciate your feedback. Thanks.
Hollie
Wow. I love this post. I typically buy from DoTerra because I didn’t think much about it and assumed that they cost more, so must be better.. dumb I know. I am completely switching to Eden’s Garden.. this post was so well written, and answered every question I would’ve had. Kudos to Bella!
Jo Anne T.
I discovered Edens Garden after using doTerra oils, and I am glad that I did. Quality oils at affordable prices. I use Tranquility every day as my perfume.
Shaphan Craneff
I love this entire article, especially #9. When we first started using essential oils a family member was selling doterra oils and promoting their CPTG garb. So I went and researched all the claims they made and realized I wanted nothing to do with doterra oils and found this company and have been using Eden’s Garden essential oils every since, that has been about 10 years now. I love everything about this company and their essential oils.
Edens Garden
Hi Tammy! We’d be happy to answer any questions you have. Please reach out to us at info@edensgarden.com.
Tammy Slade
I am 65 and have many health issues, my daughter is a travel agent. One of her co-workers sells doterra, and introduced her to essential oils for the first time. Neither of us have ever used essential oils. But now that we have learned more about the health benefits, I want the highest quality of purity I can get. I read your article Edens Garden vs Doterra, I am very interested in your oils. Is there anyone on your team available to answer questions for specific needs as I’m just learning the health benefits of the different blends?
Jessica Walter
Thanks for this article. I always had a hard time excepting that DoTerra was the best. I struggled buying from them because they were so expensive. I had a friend suggest Eden’s Garden to me 7-8 years ago and I haven’t boughten from DoTerra or Young Living since. Thank you for providing oils at a great price and staying true to yourself and brand!
Bre
I have almost all of the blends and single eo. I only recommend this company and having been using them for years and nevvver recommend ingestion.
Simone
I’ve been using EG for many many years, and I have seen its growth as the industry develops. I’ve bought nearly all the oils EG has available. I appreciate EG and recommend it to my clients because of all the reasons above. Ive met people that use the other company, and alt ought I never bought from them, I have seen their oil bottles and it always bothered me that I never new which oils composed the blend… it’s not specified on the label. All I would hear was the sales person rhetoric of how they are the best. I’ve look for the oil reports and have even requested for them, I was just ignored and they were not available on their website at the time.
I do appreciate EG for this article because the base of some companies is just marketing and training people to say things and act like aromatherapists, which most are not.
Michelle
As a Registered Dietitian who has recommended EOs and working with aromatherapists, #8 is why I refuse to engage with doTERRA. Thank you for doing this in a way that does not negatively portray the social selling industry. And #9 was very helpful new info. Keep up the good work!
Dawn
Dear Staff,
I have been purchasing Edens Garden for about 10 years. I LOVE every oil you have and LOVE and appreciate the quality of all the products and the fair pricing. In all these years I only had one issue of leakage and that was NOT anyone’s fault, when I contacted the company I had replacement oils and a return shipping label the very next day!!!! WOW.
Thank you for being a fabulous, honest, amazing company. I LOVE everyone there and I tell everyone I come into contact with when discussing essential oils and health that they need to check out your website…..I do pass it on.
Thank You, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Dawn:)
Arlene
Thank you so much for writing this and explaining. In my experience with talking with a doTerra seller I found they can be quite pushy which I get because this is their way to earn a living. Each of them say the same thing “we’re certified therapeutic grade, can the oil you use say that?” I never realized they own that verbiage!! So now I know! I have used doTerra and other brands but honestly I love Eden’s Garden and I appreciate so much that you try to make it as affordable as possible. I was one of those who has asked to PLEASE write an article on how you compare and I’m so glad you did!
Edens Garden
April 10, 2024 at 9:33 am
We seemed to have accidentally deleted a comment where someone mentioned they felt Edens Garden’s oils were sticky. This is not common feedback we receive and we would like to investigate the issue further. If you are ever unsatisfied with a product, please return it to us within 30 days of purchase and we will gladly refund you.