Think Twice Before Buying Young Living’s Most Expensive Oils

With the rising popularity of essential oils, companies like Young Living have capitalized on the demand by offering premium options at premium prices.

But before you break the bank on their most expensive oils, it’s wise to think twice and carefully weigh the decision.

Young Living undeniably provides high-quality essential oils. However, some of their most opulent offerings may be overpriced, overhyped, or not the best fit for your needs.

This post will overview Young Living’s standards, analyze their priciest oils, evaluate if the costs are justified, and share tips for smart purchasing.

Overview of Young Living’s Reputation and Quality Standards

Young Living has established themselves as a trusted leader in the essential oil space. Their seed to seal promise and meticulous quality control help justify why many of their products command higher price tags.

Brief History and Overview of Young Living

Founded in 1993 by Gary Young, Young Living farms, distills, and sells essential oils and other wellness products. Their stated mission is to provide 100% pure, authentic oils that promote health benefits and overall wellbeing.

The company emphasizes quality over quantity and operates farms worldwide to control their supply chain.

Their Seed to Seal Promise and Quality Control Measures

Young Living takes pride in their trademarked Seed to Seal process. It tracks essential oils from seed planting to bottling to verify purity and potency. Their quality control measures include:

• Third-party testing to confirm no synthetics or fillers
• Organoleptic assessments by experts
• Careful handling and cold pressing methods
• Proprietary distillation techniques

By overseeing each production step, Young Living can command higher prices arguing their oils are superior.

Reasons Behind Their High Prices

Factors that contribute to the steep prices of certain Young Living oils:

• Ethical sourcing from select growers
• Costs of extensive testing and examinations
• Naturally scarce or labor-intensive to extract oils
• Control over farms and distilleries cuts out middlemen
• Use of premium ingredients and materials

So while you pay a premium, you can trust you are getting a high-caliber product.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Their Most Expensive Oils

Young Living’s most opulent oils promise remarkable benefits. But a high cost doesn’t automatically mean a worthwhile purchase.

Frankincense – Skin Benefits, Mental Clarity, High Cost Due to Rarity

Frankincense essential oil has an earthy, balsamic scent that promotes relaxation.

It’s touted for:

• Reducing signs of aging and scarring when applied topically
• Boosting immunity and soothing respiratory issues
• Alleviating anxiety, depression, and stress
• Supporting meditation and spiritual wellness

However, frankincense trees take years to cultivate resin and only grow in select regions. This makes the oil extremely rare and costly to produce.

Rose – Aroma Benefits but Very Limited Supply Drives Up Prices

The sweet, floral aroma of rose oil is universally beloved.

Rose oil purportedly helps:

• Balance hormones and relieve menstrual cramps
• Lift mood, reduce anxiety and treat depression
• Soothe skin conditions like eczema or acne
• Reduce inflammation and pain

But it’s exceedingly expensive. It can take 10,000 hand-picked rose blossoms to produce only 1 oz of oil! This labor-intensive process severely limits supply.

Sandalwood – Relaxation But Slow Tree Growth Makes It Expensive

Sandalwood oil has a rich, woody scent praised for its relaxing qualities.

Potential benefits include:

• Alleviating anxiety and stress
• Aiding meditation and sleep
• Healing dry, irritated skin
• Soothing coughs and relieving congestion

However, sandalwood trees require 30-60 years of growth before oil can be extracted, constraining production. This slow growth makes the oil cost-prohibitive.

Melissa – Positive Mood But Requires Huge Amount of Plant Material

Also called lemon balm, melissa oil has a sweet citrus aroma that energizes and uplifts.

It may help:

• Curb anxiety, depression, and emotional distress
• Improve sleep and concentration
• Ease indigestion and headaches
• Protect skin from irritated breakouts

But melissa herbs have a low oil yield. Tons of plant material is needed to produce tiny amounts of the essential oil, making it extremely precious.

Evaluate If the High Prices Are Justified

Despite their touted benefits, Young Living’s steep price tags aren’t always warranted. Consider these factors when determining if the cost seems right:

Consider Cost Per Use – Does the Price Match How Much You Will Realistically Use the Oil?

A $100 bottle may seem like a good deal if it lasts you a year. But if you only need a few drops per use, that bottle may actually take 5+ years to finish! Evaluate your real usage before assuming an expensive oil is cost-effective.

Look Into Potential Substitutes – More Affordable Oils With Similar Benefits

Certain less costly oils can provide comparable benefits. For instance, cedarwood oil is cheaper than sandalwood but also relaxing. And neroli oil has a sweet citrus aroma like melissa for far less. Research substitute oils first.

Question Therapeutic Claims That Lack Evidence – Rely More on Proven Effects

Some benefits of expensive oils aren’t proven scientifically but get touted as fact. Be wary of unsubstantiated wellness claims. Focus on benefits backed by research.

Don’t Fall for Hype and Marketing Around These Oils

Understandably, companies like Young Living advertise their top-shelf oils as marvelous. But don’t get so dazzled by the hype that you overlook more affordable options.

Best Practices for Smart Purchasing

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy high-quality essential oils. Follow these tips to make prudent purchasing decisions:

Sample Sizes Can Allow You To Try Expensive Oils at Lower Costs

Investing in smaller sample sizes or split packs allows you to try pricier oils at a fraction of the cost. Ensure you like the scent and effects before purchasing full bottles.

Seek Out Sales, Promotions, and Loyalty Program Discounts

Companies will sometimes offer sales or deals on expensive items to incentivize luxury purchases from loyal buyers. Sign up for memberships, email lists, etc. to take advantage of discounts.

Look for Third-Party Testing Data to Verify Purity and Potency

Research oils that undergo independent testing to confirm their authenticity and therapeutic quality before buying. Don’t just take a brand’s word for it.

Comparison Shop Between Retailers for the Best Deals

Don’t assume the manufacturer offers the best price! Third party retailers may offer lower prices on the same oils. Compare across multiple sellers.

Read: Do Young Living Essential Oils Expire

Conclusion

Young Living undoubtedly provides top-notch essential oils. However, their premium offerings can be an unnecessary indulgence. Before splurging, scrutinize the evidence, research substitutes, and find the best value for your dollar.

With smart shopping, you can find quality oils at fair prices that still meet your wellness needs. What matters most is choosing an oil well-suited for your specific uses and budget.