doTERRA Transparency

We have given our feedback to doTERRA numerous times on this front and we are happy to say that they do listen.  For example, they are removing Carrageenan from all the softgels (yahoo!).  This is a massive step in the right direction because as I am sure you can appreciate, this takes time and a lot of money to remove even just one ingredient, but they are doing it anyway.

Here’s why:

Commitment to Customers

doTERRA has invested millions of dollars to ensure that their products are tested over 40 times (both internally and via a third party). Every single batch that gets harvested and every single bottle that hits the shelves is tested.  Just think about that for a second, that’s millions and millions of bottle tested!  The sheer scale of that is phenomenal.  If even a trace amount of anything that should not be there is discovered, then it won’t be sold. Period!  This is doTERRA’s level of commitment to its customers to ensure they produce the highest quality product possible.  Organic certification varies from country to country, province to province, and in the US, from state to state. This means it is not currently possible to acquire all oils under certified organic status. The other reason is because they source from so many developing countries, where requirements vary and in some locations, it is not possible to certify as organic.

Third Party Testing

Third party testing is conducted by APRC (Aromatic Plant Research Centre) and they specialise in the identification of pesticides, microorganisms, heavy metals, allergens and synthetic chemicals. The best part? We get to see this data that is recorded on exactly what is in the bottle you just purchased.  All you have to do is head to Source to You, type in the batch number located on the bottom of your essential oil bottle and all the data comes up! BOOM!  In our opinion, this makes them the most transparent essential oil company we have ever come across.

No Adulteration

The oils are never, EVER adulterated. The essential oil industry isn’t regulated, you can sell pretty much anything and call it ‘pure’.  You could have a few ‘pure’ drops of essential oil in a bottle and then top that bottle up with synthetic fillers and be able to label that bottle as ‘100% pure’.  You can claim organic with no proof.  The APRC recently tested 50 companies and found that only 3 were providing pure, unadulterated essential oils.  doTERRA has fought for a properly regulated industry, but interestingly enough, other companies don’t want this to happen.  Clearly, this begs the question why? Maybe they don’t want to put their oils through the same testing process?!

Generosity

The founders are incredibly generous. Money was never their reason for creating doTERRA. They created doTERRA because they wanted to change the world for the better and which they are doing via a few means (see points 5 and 6 below).

Sourcing the Oils

They will only source oils from the places they are best indigenously grown which then, in turn, produces oils with the most therapeutic properties. They do not mass plantations in one area (as an example) in America because it just doesn’t produce the same quality oil.  Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Lemon Myrtle are all sourced from Australia, simply because we produce the best quality with the highest therapeutic value.

Co-impact Sourcing

Co-Impact Sourcing is an initiative developed by doTERRA that seeks to develop long-term, mutually beneficial supplier partnerships all the while creating sustainable jobs and providing reliable income in underdeveloped areas.  doTERRA is committed to the ethical treatment of its suppliers by providing on-time payments at fair prices.  Growers and harvesters are encouraged to form cooperative groups to share collective benefits and bargaining power while improving skills and capacity.  The doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation helps support development projects in sourcing communities. Projects include schools, health clinics, improved infrastructure and clean water systems.  Find out more about doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation projects in Co-Impact Sourcing areas by clicking here.

Humanitarian Work

When asked about doTERRA one of the first things I think about is the humanitarian work they are involved in.