Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a business model where individuals earn income not only from direct sales of a product but also by recruiting others into the program. Those recruits become part of your "downline," and you earn commissions based on their sales, and sometimes on the sales of the people they recruit too.

MLM is also known by other names, such as network marketing or direct selling. It is a legitimate business model used by companies in various industries including wellness, beauty, supplements, and household goods.

Yes, doTERRA is a multi-level marketing company. It operates using the direct selling model, where Wellness Advocates (as they are called) sell essential oils and wellness products to consumers, often via word-of-mouth, events, online platforms, or in-person consultations.

​doTERRA Wellness Advocates can also build a team of other advocates and earn commissions not just on their personal sales, but also on the sales generated by their team. This is the "multi-level" aspect of the business.

Here are the basics of how doTERRA's MLM structure operates:

🌿 Wholesale Access: Anyone can become a Wellness Advocate by purchasing a starter kit or paying a small membership fee. This gives you access to wholesale pricing (25% off retail).

🛒 Retail Sales: Advocates can sell products directly to customers and earn retail profits.

💸 Commissions: Advocates earn 25% commission on the purchases made through their referral link.

🤝 Team Building: You can enroll others as Wellness Advocates and earn commissions on their sales.

​🎁 Bonuses: doTERRA offers bonuses like Fast Start Bonus, Power of 3, and Leadership Pools that reward consistent team-building and leadership.

It depends on your goals and approach. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

💰 Low Startup Cost: For less than $50, you can get started. There are no inventory requirements.

🚫 No Monthly Fee: Unlike many other MLMs, there is no mandatory monthly fee to stay active.

🌱 High-Quality Products: doTERRA is known for its rigorous testing and sourcing standards.

🕒 Flexible Income: You can work part-time or full-time, online or offline.

🔗 Affiliate-Like Structure: You don’t have to build a team to earn. You can simply share a link and earn commissions.

Cons:

📉 Sales-Dependent: Your earnings are directly tied to how much product you (and your team) sell.

📣 Recruiting Optional, But Rewarded: Team-building increases your income, so many feel pressure to recruit.

​📍 Market Saturation: In some areas, doTERRA has many advocates, making it harder to stand out.

No, doTERRA is not a pyramid scheme. Pyramid schemes are illegal and involve earning money solely through recruitment, without a tangible product. doTERRA sells real, physical products that customers can use and enjoy. Earnings are based on product sales, not on how many people you sign up.

​That said, like many MLMs, doTERRA encourages team-building as a way to increase commissions, which sometimes leads to confusion between MLM and illegal pyramid schemes. But legally and structurally, doTERRA operates within the boundaries of ethical direct sales.

Absolutely. Many Wellness Advocates focus on sharing their personal link, similar to affiliate marketers. doTERRA allows you to:

🔗 Earn 25% commissions on all sales made through your referral link

🧰 Use pre-made funnels and marketing tools (especially if you join through our team)

📲 Promote doTERRA on your blog, YouTube channel, podcast, or social media

​Recruiting is not required to earn commissions—though building a team can multiply your income potential.

If you love essential oils, want to make an impact by sharing wellness, and appreciate flexible income streams, joining doTERRA could be a great fit. It combines the benefits of affiliate marketing with the option to scale through team-building.

However, if you dislike sales or aren’t interested in talking about products you use, this might not be the right opportunity for you.

Yes, doTERRA is a MLM—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It all comes down to your goals, your level of commitment, and the support system you choose.

If you're looking for a low-risk, flexible way to earn income in the health and wellness space, and you want done-for-you tools, mentorship, and marketing support, joining a strong team can make all the difference.

Want to learn more or join our doTERRA team and get access to our free affiliate business toolkit?