Where to Buy Essential Oils in Bulk

The world of essential oils is a booming industry, valued for its wide-ranging applications, from aromatherapy to skincare, wellness, and household cleaning. Whether you’re an individual enthusiast or a business looking to stock up, buying essential oils in bulk can save you money, ensure a steady supply, and help you create high-quality products. But where do you buy them? And more importantly, how do you know you’re getting the best quality and price?

Let’s dive into the world of bulk essential oils, guiding you through where to source them, what to look for, and the best places to buy. Whether you’re interested in lavender oil for calming purposes or peppermint oil for its refreshing properties, this guide has you covered.

Why Buy Essential Oils in Bulk?

There are numerous advantages to purchasing essential oils in bulk, whether for personal use, commercial ventures, or hobby projects. One key benefit is cost efficiency. Buying in larger quantities often means a lower price per ounce, which can save you significantly if you use essential oils regularly. Beyond cost, bulk buying can also help ensure consistency, especially if you’re creating a product that needs the same quality over time. Stocking up also ensures you always have what you need on hand without waiting for shipments.

Understanding the Types of Essential Oils

Before jumping into where to buy, it’s essential to understand the different grades of essential oils. There are three main types:

1. Therapeutic Grade: These are the highest quality oils, used for aromatherapy and skin care. They are 100% pure, with no additives, synthetic fillers, or chemicals.
2. Food Grade: Suitable for culinary use, such as adding to beverages or food. While pure, they are not always as meticulously distilled as therapeutic-grade oils.
3. Industrial Grade: Often diluted or altered in some way, these oils are less expensive and more commonly used in cleaning products or non-sensitive applications.

What to Look For When Buying in Bulk

When purchasing essential oils in bulk, it’s crucial to do your research. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Purity: Look for 100% pure essential oils without any fillers or additives. Ensure that the supplier provides GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) testing results, which confirm the oil’s purity and chemical composition.
• Source and Ethical Practices: Where are the oils sourced? Sustainable and ethical farming practices are essential, especially with oils like sandalwood or frankincense, which are prone to over-harvesting.
• Price vs. Quality: While bulk purchases save money, be wary of oils that seem too cheap. High-quality oils, particularly rarer ones like rose or jasmine, will have a higher price point, even in bulk.
• Shelf Life and Storage: Essential oils have varying shelf lives. For example, citrus oils like lemon or orange degrade faster than more stable oils like patchouli or vetiver. Make sure you store them in dark, airtight bottles away from light and heat.

Top Places to Buy Essential Oils in Bulk

Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best places to buy essential oils in bulk:

1. Plant Therapy

Plant Therapy is known for providing high-quality, affordable essential oils. They offer bulk pricing on a variety of oils, and their products are 100% pure and therapeutic-grade. They provide third-party GC/MS test results, which ensures transparency regarding the oil’s composition.

2. Bulk Apothecary

A leading supplier of bulk essential oils, Bulk Apothecary offers some of the most competitive prices on the market. Whether you’re buying lavender, eucalyptus, or sandalwood, you can trust their oils’ purity. They are particularly great for small businesses that need large quantities but don’t want to compromise on quality.

3. Mountain Rose Herbs

For those concerned with sustainability and organic products, Mountain Rose Herbs is a perfect choice. They specialize in organic, ethically-sourced oils, and you can buy in quantities ranging from a few ounces to multiple gallons. They have a strong reputation for quality, offering oils like lavender, peppermint, and tea tree in bulk.

4. Eden Botanicals

Eden Botanicals focuses on providing high-end, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Their catalog includes both common and rare oils, such as rose otto and neroli, in bulk sizes. They are more expensive than some competitors, but their focus on therapeutic-grade purity makes them a go-to for aromatherapists and holistic health professionals.

5. Now Foods

Now Foods offers a more budget-friendly option, with their essential oils available in both retail and bulk sizes. They’re ideal for those who are more price-conscious but still looking for 100% pure essential oils. Their extensive catalog includes everything from peppermint and eucalyptus to rarer oils like ylang-ylang and myrrh.

6. Essential Wholesale & Labs

If you’re a manufacturer or reseller, Essential Wholesale & Labs provides large bulk options that are perfect for creating custom blends, beauty products, or even resale. They offer bulk purchases starting at 1lb and up to 55-gallon drums, depending on your needs.

7. Young Living and doTERRA

These multi-level marketing companies (MLMs) are well-known in the essential oils industry. While Young Living and doTERRA offer premium therapeutic-grade oils, they are often sold at a higher price point. However, they do provide access to rare, high-quality oils that are often difficult to source elsewhere, making them a good option for those who prioritize quality over price.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Essential Oils in Bulk

• Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ): Many suppliers have a minimum purchase requirement when buying in bulk. For instance, while you may be able to buy a gallon of lavender oil, smaller orders might not qualify for a discount.
• Shipping and Import Fees: Especially when buying internationally, consider shipping costs and potential import duties. Some companies may offer free shipping on bulk orders, but others might charge substantial fees.
• Return Policies: Ensure that the supplier offers a return or refund policy in case the oil does not meet your expectations. Be wary of companies with restrictive return policies, as this could indicate issues with quality control.

Pricing Guide: What to Expect When Buying in Bulk

Below is a general pricing guide for common essential oils when purchased in bulk. Note that prices can vary based on season, source, and purity. This table offers a snapshot of what you might expect to pay for bulk orders.

These prices are estimates and can fluctuate, especially for rare oils like frankincense or rose otto. For high-demand oils, buying in larger quantities could mean significant savings, especially if you’re making your own products or selling to customers.

Conclusion

Buying essential oils in bulk is not just about finding the lowest price. It’s about ensuring that you are sourcing high-quality, pure oils from reputable suppliers who follow sustainable practices. Whether you’re an individual looking to make your own skincare products or a business needing consistent supply for production, understanding how to navigate the bulk market can save you time, money, and frustration.

With so many options available, from Plant Therapy to Mountain Rose Herbs and Bulk Apothecary, you can find exactly what you need at a price point that works for your goals. By prioritizing purity, ethical sourcing, and transparency, you can confidently invest in essential oils that will elevate your products and routines.