How It All Began
Founded in 2016, ESS OIL was born from a simple vision: to capture the richness of
Rwanda’s land in every drop of essential oil. Local entrepreneurs and agronomists saw
that the country’s fertile hills could nurture crops of unmatched quality. We partnered
with smallholder farmers to cultivate plants naturally and ethically, ensuring every oil
reflects the care behind it.
From the very start, ESS OIL has been dedicated to producing the highest quality pure
and natural essential oils while uplifting Rwandan communities. By combining
innovation, sustainability, and local expertise, we set out to deliver products that are as
authentic as the land they come from.
Our Journey: From Soil to Oil
The heart of our work beats in Kayonza, Rwanda. Each season, the rich Kayonza soil
yields lush crops of lemongrass, citronella, patchouli, rose geranium and more. This
natural abundance gives us multiple chances per year to collect fresh plant material,
which means more vibrant, potent oils. Thanks to Rwanda’s highland climate and
volcanic soil, farmers can harvest certain crops (like rose geranium and patchouli) two
times a year, far more often than in many other regions. On our 117 ha of farmland (and
growing), we work hand-in-hand with the land: over 150 local farmers grow crops on
our fields and more than 1,000 outgrower farmers in cooperatives across Rwanda
supply aromatic plants to us. EEvery plant is cultivated naturally, with no pesticides,
honoring both the environment and our farmers’ health.
But farming in Rwanda is not without its challenges. In Kayonza, rainfall can be
unpredictable, and water scarcity often threatened crop survival. To overcome this, Ess
oil through the support of the Rwandan government is able to irrigate its land through
the dam they have provided next to Cyarubare farm. By sharing water access and
knowledge, we extend our impact far beyond our own fields.
Once harvested, the plants are taken directly to our modern distillery. Here the
aromatic plants are processed into oil through the use of steam distillation to preserve
the delicate compounds that give each oil its signature aroma and therapeutic
qualities. The oils are then bottled in dark glass to protect their strength, ensuring our
customers receive them at their peak freshness.
Beyond Farming
We believe supporting farmers means supporting their families. Early on, we noticed
that many farmers, especially women struggled with childcare. This not only affected
productivity but also weighed heavily on their peace of mind.
To address this, we partnered with doTERRA to establish an Early Childhood
Development (ECD) school in Kayonza. The school provides a safe, nurturing space
where children can learn and grow while their parents work. Within just one year,
enrollment reached 300 students, prompting the addition of six more classrooms. Today,
this school has become a model for how business can uplift communities beyond the
farm, by caring for the next generation as much as the current one.
From Rwanda to the World
Though our roots are in Rwanda, our reach is global. Since our first exports in 2019, ESS
OIL has brought “Made in Rwanda” oils to international markets. Our customers include
companies in India, Uganda, Europe, and Asia, each drawn to the authenticity and
quality that can only come from Rwanda’s fertile land and dedicated farmers. Each
bottle of ESS OIL carries the story of Rwanda’s people, their resilience, and their hope for
a better future.
Why Choose ESS OIL?
● High Quality: Because we grow and distill here in Rwanda, our oils travel from
field to bottle in days, not months. Essential oils slowly oxidize and weaken over
time, so buying local means you get maximum potency and aroma. Many
imported brands ship oils halfway around the world before sale, by which point
some of the subtle scent compounds may already be gone.
● 100% Authentic & Natural: All Ess Oil products are fully natural and traceable. We
distill exactly what the plant produces – no fillers or synthetic additives. Our
in-house agronomists supervise every step on our farms, so you can trust that the
label truly reflects the pure plant essence inside.
● Ethical Impact: Every purchase supports Rwandan farmers and communities. We
pay fair prices to the 150+ growers on our farms and the 1,000+ cooperative
members nationwide. When you choose Ess Oil over an imported brand, you
help fund local livelihoods, training and rural development. Your support
empowers families in Kayonza and beyond, turning each bottle into a force for
good back home.
Shop Local, Smell Global
Bring the spirit of Rwanda into your daily life by choosing Ess Oil. Our essential oils are not
just oils; they carry the heart and hands of our farmers with them. By shopping local, you
get fresher, more powerful scents, and you spread the benefits globally. Shop local,
smell global, and experience how Rwanda’s natural richness can uplift both your
senses and our community.