Are all doTERRA essential oils vegan?
For the most part, doTERRA’s Certified Pure Tested Grade® (CPTG) essential oils are vegan, as they are derived from pure plant materials. These include single oils and many of the essential oil blends. Essential oils are extracted through methods like steam distillation or cold pressing from various plant parts such as leaves, roots, flowers, and rinds. Because this process uses only botanical matter, the resulting essential oil is inherently plant-based. However, it's the other products within the company's vast catalogue, like supplements and personal care items, that require closer examination for animal-derived ingredients.
Common animal-derived ingredients in doTERRA products
To determine if a doTERRA product is vegan, it is crucial to understand which animal-based ingredients are sometimes used. doTERRA is transparent about its ingredient lists, and a careful inspection can reveal the presence of non-vegan components.
- Gelatin: This is a common capsule material derived from animal collagen. doTERRA uses gelatin for some of its softgel products, such as xEO Mega® and Peppermint Softgels. For those following a vegan diet, the company offers plant-based alternatives, including their own HPMC (vegetable) capsules for creating DIY supplements.
- Whey Protein: Derived from milk, whey is a primary ingredient in some of doTERRA's protein powders. For instance, doTERRA offers both a standard whey protein and a specifically labeled "Vegan Protein" option, which is made from plant sources like pea, rice, and pumpkin seed protein.
- Beeswax: This natural wax, produced by bees, is used in some products for its texture and protective properties. While not a part of most pure essential oils, beeswax can appear in other items like balms or topical creams. Vegans generally avoid beeswax as it is an animal byproduct.
- Honey: As another bee-derived ingredient, honey may be present in specific doTERRA products. Like beeswax, its inclusion makes a product non-vegan.
doTERRA's animal testing and ethical sourcing policies
Beyond just the ingredients, many vegans consider a brand's policies on animal testing. doTERRA maintains a cruelty-free stance and claims not to perform, contract, or advocate for animal testing on its products. Furthermore, the company emphasizes ethical and sustainable sourcing practices through its Co-Impact Sourcing® initiative, which aims to improve the lives of local growers and communities while promoting environmental stewardship.
Comparison of Vegan vs. Non-Vegan doTERRA Products
| Product Category | Vegan Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Essential Oils | Generally Vegan | Essential oils like Lavender, Lemon, and Frankincense are distilled from plants only. |
| Lifelong Vitality Pack | Vegan Option Available | The standard pack contains non-vegan softgels. The Vegan Lifelong Vitality Pack includes vEO Mega and Microplex VMz (Vegan). |
| Protein Powder | Vegan Option Available | Standard protein powders contain whey. The doTERRA Plant Protein is specifically formulated as a vegan alternative. |
| GX Assist® & xEO Mega® | Not Vegan | These supplements use gelatin capsules, making them unsuitable for a vegan lifestyle. |
| Microplex VMz® (Original) | Not Vegan | The non-vegan version of this supplement is known to contain animal products or use gelatin capsules. |
| Veggie Caps | Vegan | These empty HPMC (vegetable) capsules are made from vegetable ingredients and are free of gelatin. |
How to verify if a doTERRA product is vegan
With so many different products available, relying on general information isn't enough for strict vegans. Here are a few ways to verify a product's status:
- Check the product website: doTERRA often specifies vegan options directly on the product pages of its official website. For example, specific bundles are explicitly labeled as "(Vegan)".
- Read the label carefully: Always check the ingredients list. Look for any of the non-vegan ingredients mentioned above. In some cases, the capsule material may be listed as "gelatin" or "HPMC," the latter indicating a vegan capsule.
- Contact doTERRA support: If you are still unsure about a specific product, reaching out to doTERRA's customer support can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. They can confirm the ingredients and formulation for you.
The shift towards more vegan options
As consumer demand for plant-based products has increased, doTERRA has expanded its vegan offerings. This includes creating vegan-specific bundles and alternatives to popular products. The existence of a Vegan Lifelong Vitality Pack and doTERRA Plant Protein shows a clear effort by the company to cater to this growing market segment. This shift makes it easier for vegan consumers to find suitable products without having to compromise on their values.
Conclusion: A mix of vegan and non-vegan offerings
To summarize, the question "Are doTERRA products vegan?" does not have a simple yes-or-no answer. While all of doTERRA's pure essential oils are plant-derived and therefore vegan, several of their supplements and personal care items contain animal-sourced ingredients like gelatin, whey, or beeswax. The company does make a conscious effort to offer vegan alternatives for some of its most popular products, a move that is well-received by the vegan community. For consumers, the key is to always read labels carefully and to seek out products explicitly marked as vegan or plant-based. With a bit of research, it is entirely possible to find many high-quality, vegan-friendly products within the doTERRA range.
