Young Living Review - Essential Oils & Aromatherapy MLM | Trust Score & Ratings

Founded1993

HeadquartersLehi, Utah

Trust Score91/100

About Young Living

Young Living is a leading MLM company specializing in essential oils and wellness products. Founded in 1993 and based in Lehi, Utah, they've built a global network of over 3 million members.

Their business model features a unilevel compensation plan with breakaway elements, allowing distributors to earn through retail profits and bonuses. However, they've faced challenges, including FTC warning letters regarding unsubstantiated health claims and controversies surrounding their farming methods.

Despite these issues, Young Living holds an A+ BBB rating and a 4.0/5 Trustpilot score, indicating a generally positive reputation in the market.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros

Strong brand reputation
Young Living has been around since 1993 and is one of the pioneers in the essential oils market.
High-quality products
Many users swear by their essential oils and wellness products, often citing noticeable benefits.
A+ BBB rating
Their Better Business Bureau rating shows they have a generally positive track record with customer complaints.
Variety of products
They offer a wide range of products beyond essential oils, including supplements and personal care items.
Community support
Young Living has a strong community of users and distributors, which can provide camaraderie and support.

✗ Cons

Controversial practices
D. Gary Young's farming methods have faced scrutiny, raising concerns about their ethical practices.
FTC warnings
They’ve received warning letters from the FTC for some distributors making unverified health claims.
Complicated compensation plan
The unilevel plan with breakaway elements can be confusing, making it hard to know exactly how to earn.
Pressure to recruit
There's often a significant emphasis on recruiting new members, which can feel overwhelming for some.
Initial investment
Starting with a starter kit can be pricey, which may deter some potential buyers.

Verdict: Young Living offers solid products and a supportive community, but it comes with ethical concerns and a tricky earnings structure. If you're passionate about essential oils and okay with the MLM model, it might be worth exploring, but don’t dive in blindly.

Best for: This might be a good fit for those who love essential oils and want to build a business around it. If you're looking for a straightforward retail job, though, this probably isn't the right choice.

Risk Analysis

Young Living has a low overall risk profile, with some concerns around health claims and farming practices. However, the company's solid BBB rating and Trustpilot score suggest a generally positive reputation.

Key Concerns

FTC warning letters to some distributors moderate
FTC has issued warning letters regarding misleading health claims made by distributors.
Controversial farming methods allegations regarding D. Gary Young moderate
Reports and discussions around questionable farming practices associated with the founder.

Positive Indicators

A+ BBB Rating
Young Living has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating a solid record of customer service.
Trustpilot Score of 4.0/5
A Trustpilot rating of 4.0 suggests that many customers have had positive experiences.

Consumer Advice: If you're considering joining Young Living, be aware of the potential risks related to health claims made by distributors. Do your research on the products and consider if you’re comfortable with the compensation structure and its implications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Young Living

Is Young Living a legitimate MLM company?

Yes, Young Living is a legitimate MLM company. Founded in 1993 and based in Lehi, Utah, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a Trustpilot score of 4.0 out of 5.

What products does Young Living sell?

Young Living specializes in essential oils and wellness products. Their lineup includes oils, diffusers, personal care items, and supplements, appealing to those interested in natural health.

How much can you make with Young Living?

Earnings with Young Living vary widely. You can earn retail profit of 24% on products sold, plus bonuses for bringing in new members. However, actual income can depend significantly on your sales and your team's performance.

Are there complaints about Young Living?

Yes, there are some complaints about Young Living. They've received FTC warning letters related to health claims and some controversial farming methods associated with their founder, D. Gary Young.

How does Young Living's compensation plan work?

Young Living uses a unilevel compensation plan with breakaway elements. This means you earn based on your sales and your team's sales, but as your team grows, some members can 'break away' to earn their own commissions.

What does it cost to join Young Living?

Joining Young Living typically requires purchasing a starter kit, which can range from around $35 to $250. This initial cost gives you access to their products and the opportunity to earn commissions.

What is Young Living's BBB rating?

Young Living has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This indicates that they address customer complaints and maintain a strong level of trust with their customers.

Are there alternatives to Young Living?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Young Living, such as doTERRA and Plant Therapy. Each company offers its own products and compensation plans, so it's worth comparing them to see what fits your needs.

Is Young Living worth joining?

Whether Young Living is worth joining depends on your goals. If you're passionate about essential oils and wellness, it might be a good fit. Just be sure to do your research and understand the earning potential and commitments involved.

Compensation Plan

Plan Type

Young Living uses a unilevel plan. This means you earn money from your own sales and your team's sales. If your team grows, some members can earn their own commissions, which is called a 'breakaway.'

How Earnings Work

Retail Profit (24%): Buy products at a discount and sell them at retail price. Your profit is the difference.
Starter Kit Bonus: Get a one-time bonus when someone buys a starter kit through you.
Unilevel Commission (8%): Earn a percentage of your team's sales, up to a few levels below you.
Generation Commission: Once you reach higher ranks, you can earn from your team's sales even if they 'break away' to form their own groups.
Generational Leadership Bonus: For top performers, this bonus rewards you for being a good leader and helping your team succeed.

Qualification Requirements

To earn commissions, you need to hit monthly sales targets. This might mean buying products yourself.
Advancing in rank requires building a team and meeting certain sales numbers.