Why Start An Essential Oil Business Today
The essential oil market in Europe is booming. More consumers are switching to natural, plant-based products for relaxation, skincare, and overall well-being.
Essential Oils Market Trends and Customer Insights
According to industry reports, the European essential oil market is expected to grow by more than 7% annually through 2027, driven by increasing interest in aromatherapy and sustainable living.*2
This growth creates an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to sell essential oils online in Europe.
The combination of high demand, flexible work options, and relatively low startup costs makes it one of the best small business ideas.
Legal And Tax Requirements For Selling Essential Oils In Europe
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the essential oils legal requirements in the EU.
If you plan to sell directly to consumers, essential oils are typically classified as cosmetic products under EU law (Regulation (EC) 1223/2009).
Therefore, your communication should avoid any medical or therapeutic claims.*3
Occasional Sales vs. VAT Registration
If you’re selling on a small scale, you can start as an occasional seller under your country’s tax threshold (usually €5,000 per year). Once your revenue grows, you’ll need to register a VAT number.
Etna Wellness supports its independent partners with guidance on receipts, compliance, and reporting for each EU country.
Labeling, Claims, and Safety
EU law requires all cosmetic products to include clear ingredient labeling (INCI), batch numbers, safety instructions, and responsible person details.
Always use compliant labels and avoid unverified claims such as “treats anxiety” or “cures infections.” Instead, focus on benefits like comfort, relaxation, and aromatic balance.
Product Quality Of The Essential Oil: Purity, Organic Standards, and Certifications
How to Identify 100% Pure Essential Oils
When learning how to start an essential oil business, product quality is your foundation.
Genuine essential oils come from verified botanical sources, are extracted via steam distillation or cold pressing, and are free of additives or solvents.
Etna Wellness offers cosmetic-grade essential oils sourced from sustainable farms in Italy and Europe.
Understanding Grades and Origins
Essential oils vary by grade and intended use — food-grade, cosmetic-grade, or technical. For a wellness business, focus on cosmetic-grade oils.
Popular options include Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lemon, Peppermint, and Sweet Orange, which appeal to wellness professionals and lifestyle enthusiasts alike.
How to Start an Essential Oil Business in 5 Steps
1) Choose the Right Brand and Starter Kit
Begin by partnering with a reliable supplier or brand. The Etna Wellness Etere Line offers starter kits with top-selling essential oils, presentation materials, and digital product sheets.
New sellers enjoy an immediate 40% profit margin on direct sales, making it an accessible entry point.
2) Define Your Positioning (Benefits and Niche)
Successful entrepreneurs in this space know how to position their products effectively.
Identify your ideal customer: families seeking natural remedies, beauty salons, yoga studios, or wellness coaches. Tailor your messaging — for example, “Sleep Better Naturally” or “Breathe Easy in 60 Seconds.”
3) Set Up Channels: Online Store, WhatsApp, and Referrals
To sell essential oils online, start with easy way trough social network, groups, personal list, stories.
Complement this with WhatsApp broadcast lists to share tips and promotions, and develop a referral program that rewards loyal customers.
4) Create Simple Offers & Starter Bundles
Bundle oils based on needs to simplify customer choices. Example sets:
- Relax Set: Lavender + Sweet Almond
- Respire Set: Eucalyptus + Balsamic + Peppermint
- Glow Set: Tea Tree + Lemon + Jojoba
Bundle deals not only increase order value but also improve customer satisfaction and retention.
5) Plan Your First 30 Days of Activity
Map out your first month:
- 10 days of product testing and feedback
- 10 days of educational content
- 10 days of sales campaigns.
Use social media to share tutorials, testimonials, and wellness routines featuring your oils. Consistency is key when building your reputation.
How to Earn Money Selling Essential Oils
Earnings and Growth Opportunities
The Etna Wellness reward you with 40% commission on personal sales, plus extra bonuses based on mothly dividens .
If you have passiona and you are succesful on your business, You can decide to teach other to sell and you can receive reward for the turnove.
There’s no inventory requirement — just genuine effort and ethical marketing. Your earnings depend on your time, dedication, and communication skills.
Average Profit Example
Ten customers spending €60 each month can yield about €240 in direct profit. With a small referral network of five distributors, you could earn between €500 and €700 monthly.
As your network and expertise grow, so does your income potential.*4
Recommended Starter Kit and Training Resources
What to Include in Your Starter Kit
A good starter kit includes six essential oils (Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Sweet Orange, Eucalyptus), two carrier oils (Jojoba, Sweet Almond), and marketing materials.
A small diffuser helps you demonstrate the scents effectively during events or online tutorials.
Training and Webinars
Etna Wellness offers free online webinars covering how to become an essential oils distributor, aromatherapy basics, sales techniques, and EU compliance.
Continuous training helps you maintain credibility and authority in the natural wellness industry.
Finding Customers Fast
Digital Funnels and WhatsApp Marketing
Build an audience using WhatsApp broadcasts and educational funnels. Send brief tips like “3 ways to use essential oils for better sleep” and include a call to action linking to your online store. Follow up regularly to turn interest into sales.
Workshops and Sampling Events
Organize small workshops at home or in wellness centers. Demonstrate products, let attendees experience the scents, and provide sample packs.
Personal interaction remains one of the strongest conversion tools for essential oil businesses.
Educational Content and SEO Strategy
Publishing valuable content like “how to sell essential oils from home” or “essential oil business plan template” can drive international traffic to your website.
This aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust), boosting both credibility and SEO ranking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Medical Claims
Never claim that essential oils treat, heal, or cure diseases. Instead, describe their role in supporting emotional and physical wellness.
Compliance with EU cosmetic labeling requirements protects your brand’s credibility and ensures long-term sustainability.*3
Poor Follow-Up with Clients
Don’t stop after the first sale. Send follow-ups, request feedback, and suggest complementary oils. A structured follow-up process helps maintain customer loyalty and encourages repeat business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a VAT number to sell essential oils? No, you can start as an occasional seller within the EU’s income limits. For continuous business, VAT registration is recommended.
Can I sell essential oils online from home? Yes. Starting an essential oil business from home is common and cost-effective. You’ll need reliable suppliers, digital marketing, and a compliance strategy.
Are essential oils profitable? Yes. The profit margin typically ranges from 35%–45%, depending on your sourcing, marketing, and customer base.
Do I need special certifications? As long as you sell cosmetic-grade oils, compliance with EU labeling and safety regulations is sufficient. Always verify product origin and safety data sheets (SDS).
*Note: Product effects may vary from person to person and should be considered part of a balanced lifestyle. If you have medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils.
*Earnings are not guaranteedt and depend on individual effort, time investment, and consistency.
After delving into how to start an essential oil business, you may also be interested in:
Sources:
1 Etna Wellness – Etere Line, official product guide.
2 Grand View Research – Essential Oils Market Report (2024)
3 EU Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 – Cosmetics
4 Statista – Essential Oils Market in Europe (2025)