About doTERRA
doTERRA was founded in 2008 by a group of healthcare and business professionals, several of whom previously worked at Young Living. Headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah, doTERRA has rapidly grown to become one of the largest essential oils companies globally, with estimated annual revenues exceeding $2 billion.
The company name comes from Latin, meaning "Gift of the Earth." doTERRA sources essential oils from over 40 countries, emphasizing ethical sourcing through their Co-Impact Sourcing initiative, which supports communities in developing nations where many oils are harvested.
CPTG Quality Standard
doTERRA Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) is the company proprietary quality testing protocol. While not a third-party certification, it involves rigorous testing:
- Organoleptic Testing: Expert evaluation of appearance, aroma, and feel
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Identifies individual compounds and detects adulterants
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Verifies structural composition
- Microbial Testing: Screens for harmful bacteria, fungi, and mold
- Heavy Metal Testing: Ensures oils are free from toxic metal contamination
- Chirality Testing: Confirms natural origin versus synthetic compounds
Top-Selling Products
- Lavender (15ml): $26.67 - versatile oil for relaxation and skin support
- On Guard Blend: $40.67 - immune support blend similar to Young Living Thieves
- Deep Blue Blend: $39.33 - soothing blend for muscles and joints, one of doTERRA most unique offerings
- Frankincense (15ml): $86.67 - premium oil prized for cellular health
- Family Essentials Kit: $166.67 - 10 essential oils plus a diffuser, the most popular starter option
- Lifelong Vitality Pack: $79.50 - daily supplement trio combining essential nutrients, omega fatty acids, and cellular complex
doTERRA Compensation Plan
doTERRA uses a unilevel compensation structure with seven ways to earn:
- Retail Profits (25%): Difference between wholesale and retail pricing on direct sales
- Fast Start Bonus (20%): On new enrollee orders for their first 60 days, paid 3 levels deep
- Power of 3 Bonus ($50-$1,500): Team building bonus for developing 3 active builders in your frontline
- Unilevel Commissions (2-7%): Monthly commissions on organization volume, paid up to 7 levels deep
- Performance Pools: Shared bonus pools for Silver rank and above
- Leadership Pools: Additional shared pools for Platinum and above
- Diamond Pools: Elite bonus pools for Diamond rank and above
Rank Advancement
doTERRA ranks from Wellness Advocate (entry level) through Presidential Diamond (highest):
- Elite: 3,000 OV - Average income ~$500/month
- Premier: 5,000 OV - Average income ~$1,200/month
- Silver: 6 active legs with volume requirements - Average income ~$2,500/month
- Gold: 9 active legs - Average income ~$5,000/month
- Platinum: 12 active legs - Average income ~$10,000/month
- Diamond: 15 active legs - Average income ~$25,000+/month
Income Disclosure Reality
doTERRA published income statistics reveal:
- 73% of Wellness Advocates earned less than $500 in total annual commissions
- Top 15% earned between $500-$5,000 annually
- Top 5% earned between $5,000-$25,000 annually
- Top 1% earned $50,000+ annually
- Top 0.1% earned $250,000+ annually
Co-Impact Sourcing
One of doTERRA most compelling differentiators is Co-Impact Sourcing, an ethical sourcing initiative that works directly with growers in developing countries. Through this program, doTERRA provides fair wages, builds schools and medical clinics, and offers microloans to farming communities. The doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation has invested over $40 million in community development projects.
This social impact angle resonates strongly with consumers who value ethical purchasing, giving doTERRA distributors a powerful selling point beyond product quality alone.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rigorous CPTG quality testing protocol
- Ethical Co-Impact Sourcing initiative
- Modern marketing and training tools
- Strong brand reputation and rapid growth
- Unique products like Deep Blue blend
- Loyalty Rewards Program offers up to 30% back in points
Cons
- CPTG is self-certified, not independent third-party
- Premium pricing versus non-MLM brands
- Most Wellness Advocates earn minimal income
- 100 PV monthly minimum for commission eligibility
- Saturated market with intense competition from Young Living and others
Our Verdict
doTERRA offers genuinely high-quality essential oils with an admirable ethical sourcing program. Their modern approach to marketing and solid product line make them competitive. However, the income data shows the familiar MLM pattern where most participants earn little.
For essential oil enthusiasts, doTERRA products are excellent. As a business opportunity, set realistic expectations and focus on building a genuine customer base rather than aggressive recruiting.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars