Navigating My Discomfort: Why Essential Oils and Network Marketing Make Me Uneasy

Original author: Marie Beaupré, co-owner of Les Mauvaises Herbes.

Published on 17 July 2019. Source: Here (in French only) Translated and updated by Andrée Noye Reading Time: 8 minutes

Preface:

A French version of this editorial was originally published on the closed Facebook group of Les Mauvaises Herbes in 2019. Les Mauvaises Herbes took several weeks of cautious reflexion on the matter before making this blog public. I believe this opinion piece is still timely and applicable even 6 years later. I took it upon me to translate it and augment it with my own experience and expertise, and faced myself similar internal conflicts, pondering the fact that I once used MLM essential oils myself.

Why so much hesitation?

Because it's a delicate subject that often sparks debates, and we’re not really aiming to create waves. Not at all! I was, therefore, a bit worried about the reactions, but I still decided to share with you, with full respect, why I personally feel uneasy about network marketing when it comes to selling essential oils.

A Note to Advisors: This article has been written with the utmost respect for the work done by advisors, the well-being of the community, and the value that essential oils bring to people’s lives.

Concerns about hazardous practices involving network marketing and essential oils have been brought to attention, including reports of recommendations for internal use of essential oils, which are not always safe. Over time, numerous examples of risky practices have emerged, highlighting the need to address this issue.

The combination of network marketing and the sale of essential oils presents significant challenges. Essential oils are highly concentrated substances requiring careful and informed use. Some oils can be abortive, neurotoxic, photosensitizing, or dermocaustic. Others may interact negatively with health conditions, such as epilepsy, or with certain medications. Contamination issues, especially with low-quality products, add to the concerns. These products demand responsible use, detailed research, and professional guidance—especially for internal use or applications involving young children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

In network marketing structures, advisors are often individuals with whom there is a trust-based relationship, such as friends, neighbors, or relatives. While some advisors provide excellent service, aromatherapy training, and possess strong work ethics, it remains difficult to maintain objectivity in a sales model based on commissions and recruitment incentives.

Although not all advisors engage in unsafe practices, the lack of mandatory professional training creates inconsistencies in the quality of advice provided. In cases where advisors lack sufficient knowledge, recommendations can be unsafe. Unlike regulated professions such as medicine, where standardized training and oversight ensure accountability, network marketing lacks such protective structures.

These concerns are compounded by the fact that some individuals without the necessary qualifications are advising clients on essential oil use, which can lead to unsafe practices and a loss of trust.

Challenges in Ensuring Service Quality

Advisors in network marketing are not required to have formal training, which makes it difficult to guarantee consistent service quality. This system results in a diverse range of individuals with varying levels of expertise and skills offering advice and selling essential oils. Without standardized training or professional oversight, the process becomes unpredictable.

In contrast, professions such as medicine have structured training, professional organizations, and established accountability systems. If a concern arises, it can be reported officially, providing a layer of protection for those seeking advice or treatment. Unfortunately, no such systems exist for network marketing advisors, creating opportunities for serious errors.

Case in Point

Concerns have been raised regarding hazardous recommendations from advisors in well-known network marketing companies specializing in essential oils. In one reported incident, an advisor—who was also a nurse monitoring the health of an infant—recommended an essential oil blend containing substances prohibited for babies. Furthermore, the advisor suggested internal use of the blend without dilution.

Such advice demonstrates how network marketing and health-related products can sometimes clash. Essential oils require responsible handling and thorough knowledge of their properties to ensure safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like infants. It is worth noting that the baby in this example suffered no harm.

Criticized Methods of Use

Certain methods of essential oil use endorsed by some MLM companies are heavily criticized. These include the use of pure, undiluted oils and internal application, both of which carry risks.

Experts in aromatherapy universally recommend diluting essential oils for safety, except for a few exceptions such as lavender, palmarosa, ravintsara, and tea tree. Additionally, essential oils do not dilute in water, requiring appropriate carriers. Internal use should be reserved for specific cases and conducted under the supervision of an aromatherapist.

The training provided by MLM companies does not always equip advisors with the expertise to understand medical histories, potential medication interactions, or safe application methods. Therefore, it is risky for unqualified individuals to propose such practices.

"Therapeutic Grade" Does Not Exist

For a certification to be considered legitimate, it must be managed by an impartial and external organization and be available to all companies that wish to comply with its standards. Examples of such certifications include EcoCert for organic products, MSC for sustainable fishing, and ÉcoLogo for eco-friendly household products.

However, no government authority or neutral organization recognizes, qualifies, or certifies essential oils as "therapeutic grade," either in Canada or the United States. Despite this, some MLM companies market their essential oils as “therapeutic grade,” presenting it as an official certification.

The Reality

These so-called certifications are actually trademarks. As registered trademarks, they are proprietary to the company that created them. While they might appear official, they are not accessible to other companies and are not validated by an external, neutral body. This approach to marketing can be misleading, as it creates an impression that competitor products are of lower quality for lacking this label.

For example, imagine if Circé + Médée created a "Pure Cosmetics" certification, registered it as a trademark, and restricted its use exclusively to their own products. Even if the criteria were stringent and the products were of exceptional quality, such a strategy would unfairly exclude competitors—even those using the same ingredients and processes. This tactic would lack objectivity or fairness, and the same principle applies to the term "therapeutic grade."

A meaningful certification must be overseen by an impartial and external authority, with standards that all companies can adhere to. Without these conditions, the term holds little value.

Essential oils marketed as "therapeutic grade" are no exception. Claiming legitimacy through a self-created, exclusive certification is misleading and deceptive.

Evaluating Essential Oil Quality

Determining the quality of an essential oil begins with awareness and education. Misleading labels can distort perceptions of quality and foster unnecessary distrust toward other reputable products.

Important Clarification: This is not to suggest that essential oils sold by MLMs are of inferior quality, improperly tested, or do not meet high standards. In fact, most of these companies test their products through independent laboratories.

The concern lies with the marketing strategy, which implies that essential oils without the "therapeutic grade" label are of lower quality. This is simply not the case.

Summary

This issue reflects a broader concern with network marketing—its emphasis on exclusivity and profit can lead to misleading practices that harm consumer trust. The structure often disproportionately benefits the top-tier participants, leaving those at lower levels struggling to achieve success.

A Call for Awareness and Local Support

This article does not aim to discredit anyone or undermine the professionalism and efforts of dedicated advisors. Nor is it a criticism of the quality of essential oils sold by MLM companies.

Instead, the purpose is to encourage critical thinking, caution, and thorough research. Essential oils are powerful and concentrated substances that must be used responsibly, as improper use can be harmful.

Finally, consumers are encouraged to support local businesses. There are ethical and transparent options available locally, providing high-quality essential oils and products—crafted or sourced with care.