How to cancel Young Living in south africa and protect your refund rights
Understanding Young Living and why cancellation matters
Young Living is a wellness company that distributes essential oils, diffusers, and natural health products throughout South Africa via a membership-based model. When you join as a customer or Brand Partner, you can enroll in the Monthly Loyalty Order-an automatic subscription that renews each month without interruption unless you actively terminate it.
If you've decided to step away from Young Living, whether due to product dissatisfaction, cost concerns, or simply no longer requiring the service, you have clear legal rights under South African consumer law. At Yafee, we specialise in helping customers like you navigate subscription cancellations with confidence and recover refunds you are entitled to claim. Our experience across hundreds of cancellation cases means we understand the specific hurdles Young Living customers face and how to overcome them.
This guide explains your legal position, walks you through every cancellation method available to you, clarifies what happens to refunds and loyalty points, and identifies common mistakes that delay or prevent cancellations. By following these steps, you will cancel Young Living on your terms and enforce your rights under the Consumer Protection Act.
Why Young Living cancellation requires careful planning
Young Living's Monthly Loyalty Order continues indefinitely until you submit a written cancellation request. Many members do not realise their subscriptions remain active and charges persist monthly. Additionally, refund entitlement differs depending on whether you are a standard customer or a Brand Partner, and whether products remain sealed or have been opened. Yafee has identified this complexity as a key barrier to successful cancellations, which is why we set out the exact procedure you must follow.
What this guide delivers
We cover the step-by-step cancellation process via Young Living's website and mobile app, outline your statutory rights under the Consumer Protection Act, explain refund eligibility and timelines, detail what happens to your account data and loyalty points after cancellation, and highlight common traps that delay your cancellation. You will finish this guide knowing precisely what to do and what to expect at each stage.
Your consumer rights under south african law
Your cancellation rights are grounded in the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (CPA)-legislation that supersedes any contradictory terms in Young Living's membership agreement.
The consumer protection act and your cancellation rights
The CPA mandates that every supplier act fairly, transparently, and honestly toward consumers. This law protects you against hidden charges, misleading cancellation terms, and automatic renewal traps. Specifically, the CPA grants you the following rights:
- The right to cancel any distance contract (including online subscriptions and autoship programmes) within 14 calendar days of purchase without penalty, provided you notify the supplier in writing.
- The right to a full refund if the product is defective, not as described, or unsafe for use.
- The right to clear, accessible information about cancellation terms before purchase. If Young Living's cancellation procedure is hidden, vague, or difficult to find, that constitutes a breach of the CPA.
- The right to lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) if a company refuses to honour your statutory rights or fails to respond to a cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe.
Your legal position: You do not need Young Living's permission to cancel your subscription. The CPA gives you an automatic right to terminate any distance contract within 14 days. After 14 days, you retain the right to cancel at any time; the supplier cannot lock you into a contract indefinitely. If Young Living refuses to process your cancellation or withholds a refund you qualify for, the National Consumer Commission can compel compliance.
When to escalate to the national consumer commission
If Young Living fails to cancel your account after you submit a written request, denies a refund you are entitled to under the CPA or the company's own policy, or ignores your cancellation notice for more than 14 days, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission. The NCC investigates unfair business practices and can issue binding rulings that force companies to refund money, cease illegal practices, or pay compensation. Contact the NCC via their website or call 0800 220 220 (toll-free) to register a complaint.
Methods to cancel Young Living
Young Living offers multiple cancellation channels depending on your subscription type and account setup. The most straightforward method is via the Young Living website; however, you can also cancel by phone, email, or registered mail.
Cancel via the Young Living website
This method is the fastest and leaves the clearest written record of your cancellation request. Follow these steps to terminate your Monthly Loyalty Order online.
- Visit the Young Living South Africa website (or your regional portal) and sign in using your email address and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, click the "Forgot Password" link and follow the reset instructions sent to your registered email.
- Ensure you are logged into the correct account-if you manage multiple Young Living accounts, verify you are in the one linked to the subscription you wish to cancel.
- Navigate to your account settings or subscription management dashboard.
- Look for a menu option labelled "My Account", "Subscription", "Orders", or "Loyalty Programme".
- If you cannot find this section, scroll to the footer of the homepage and select "Customer Service" or "Help Centre".
- Locate your Monthly Loyalty Order and select the option to "Pause", "Cancel", or "Manage Subscription".
- Do not simply delete the product from your next order-this does not cancel the underlying subscription.
- Select the explicit cancellation option to stop all future charges.
- Follow the prompts and confirm your cancellation request.
- Young Living may present a retention offer (discount or free product) to discourage you from leaving. You are not obligated to accept.
- You may be asked why you are cancelling; provide honest feedback, but this is optional.
- Take a screenshot or print confirmation of your cancellation request immediately.
- Save this document as proof of your cancellation date.
- If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, contact Yafee support or Young Living's customer service team to verify the cancellation was processed.
Cancel by phone or email
If the website method fails or you prefer verbal confirmation, contact Young Living's customer service team directly. Request a written confirmation of your cancellation by email so you have a timestamped record.
- Call Young Living South Africa's customer service line and request to speak with a representative about cancelling your Monthly Loyalty Order.
- Have your account number, email address, and the name associated with your account ready.
- Clearly state: "I wish to cancel my Monthly Loyalty Order subscription effective immediately."
- Ask the representative to confirm your cancellation in writing and provide you with a cancellation reference number.
- Send a formal cancellation email to Young Living's customer service address (see contact details at the end of this guide).
- Use the subject line: "Cancellation Request for Monthly Loyalty Order - [Your Account Number]".
- Include your full name, account number, email address, and the date you wish the cancellation to take effect.
- State: "I am writing to formally cancel my Monthly Loyalty Order subscription effective immediately. Please confirm this cancellation in writing within 5 business days."
- Send via registered mail or email with read receipt enabled so you have proof of delivery.
Cancel by registered mail
Sending a physical cancellation letter provides the strongest legal evidence of your intent to cancel and the exact date you notified Young Living. This method protects you if the company later claims they never received your cancellation request.
- Draft a formal letter on your own letterhead (or plain paper) with your full name, account number, and contact details at the top.
- Address the letter to "Young Living South Africa, Customer Service Department" at the address provided in the final section of this guide.
- Date the letter and number it as your own record (e.g., "Cancellation Notice 1").
- In the body of the letter, state clearly: "I hereby give formal notice of cancellation of my Monthly Loyalty Order subscription, account number [insert], effective immediately. Please confirm this cancellation in writing within 5 business days and process any outstanding refunds in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2008."
- Keep the language simple and direct-avoid emotional language or complaints (save these for an NCC complaint if needed).
- Do not include threats; simply reference your legal rights.
- Make a photocopy of the letter for your records before posting.
- Send the original via registered mail (not standard post) to ensure proof of delivery.
- Request a "delivery confirmation" from the post office and retain this receipt.
- Allow 5 to 7 business days for the letter to arrive and for Young Living to process it.
- Follow up by email or phone after 7 business days to confirm receipt and cancellation status.
- Reference your registered mail tracking number when you follow up.
- Ask Young Living to confirm the cancellation date and any refund amount in writing.
Refund eligibility and timelines
Whether you receive a refund depends on your cancellation reason, the product condition, and how long you have been a member. Yafee recommends you understand these eligibility rules before you submit your cancellation request.
Refund conditions under Young living's policy
Young Living typically offers the following refund framework, though you should verify current policy on their website or by contacting customer service:
| Scenario |
Refund eligibility |
Timeframe |
| Unopened products; cancellation within 14 days of purchase |
Full refund (product + shipping) |
5-7 business days after receipt of returned item |
| Opened or used products; cancellation within 30 days |
Refund of product cost (excluding shipping and restocking fees) |
5-7 business days after receipt of returned item |
| Cancellation of Monthly Loyalty Order after 30 days; unopened current month's products |
Refund for current month's order only; previous orders non-refundable |
5-7 business days after notification |
| Brand Partner status; unsold inventory return |
Refund of 90 percent of original purchase price |
10-14 business days after inspection of returned stock |
| Defective, damaged, or unsafe product |
Full refund or replacement regardless of opening or timeframe |
5-7 business days after notification |
| Young Living breaches the Consumer Protection Act (e.g., misleading cancellation policy) |
Full refund plus compensation if you lodge an NCC complaint |
30-60 days (NCC process) |
How to claim a refund after cancellation
Simply cancelling your subscription does not automatically generate a refund. You must actively claim any refund you qualify for under the above rules.
- Review the refund table above and determine which scenario applies to your situation.
- If you are within 14 days of purchase or have unopened products, you are eligible for a full refund.
- If you have opened products or are beyond 30 days, your refund is limited to the current month's order value.
- Contact Young Living's customer service and explicitly request a refund, citing the relevant policy condition.
- Example: "I am cancelling my Monthly Loyalty Order within 14 days of purchase. I request a full refund of ZAR [amount] under your refund policy."
- Keep a copy of this communication.
- If Young Living requires you to return unopened products, ask for a prepaid shipping label and confirmation of the return address.
- Do not pay return shipping yourself unless Young Living's policy explicitly states you must.
- Under the CPA, the supplier bears the cost of return for defective goods or cancellations within 14 days.
- Track your refund status by requesting a reference number and estimated processing date from Young Living.
- Most refunds appear in your bank account 5 to 10 business days after Young Living processes the return.
- If your refund does not appear within 14 days, escalate to the National Consumer Commission.
What happens after you cancel
Cancelling your Young Living subscription triggers several automatic changes to your account. Understanding these outcomes helps you avoid surprises and ensures you retain access to any benefits you wish to keep.
Your account status and access
Once your cancellation is confirmed, Young Living will disable your Monthly Loyalty Order and cease monthly charges. However, your account and profile typically remain active, allowing you to log in and view your order history. You lose access to any exclusive member discounts, early product releases, or loyalty programme perks linked to an active subscription. If you wish to delete your entire account (not just cancel the subscription), request this separately from customer service or Yafee-account deletion is a distinct process.
Loyalty points and rewards
Most Young Living loyalty or reward points expire 12 months after your last purchase if your account is inactive. Once you cancel your Monthly Loyalty Order, you have approximately one month to spend any accumulated points before they become forfeited. Log into your account, check your points balance, and place one final order if you wish to redeem them. After cancellation, you cannot earn new points.
Data retention and privacy
Young Living retains your personal data (name, address, email, payment information) for tax, accounting, and legal compliance purposes even after you cancel. Under South African privacy law, you have the right to request deletion of your personal data if you no longer wish the company to hold it. Submit a data deletion request to Young Living's privacy team in writing, referencing the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Yafee recommends you do this if you have serious privacy concerns.
Common cancellation mistakes to avoid
Cancellation delays and refund denials often stem from preventable errors. Here are the pitfalls that catch consumers off-guard-and how to sidestep them.
Mistake 1: pausing instead of cancelling
Young Living's website may offer a "Pause Subscription" option instead of cancellation. Pausing temporarily stops charges but does not cancel your subscription; Young Living will automatically resume charging you after the pause period (typically one to three months) ends. If you wish to cancel permanently, select "Cancel" explicitly, not "Pause". Confirm the cancellation in writing to ensure no future charges occur.
Mistake 2: removing products without cancelling the subscription
Deleting all products from your Monthly Loyalty Order does not cancel the subscription itself. Young Living will continue to charge you a minimum order fee or send you a replacement order if you have not explicitly cancelled the underlying subscription. Always navigate to your subscription settings and select the cancellation option directly.
Mistake 3: failing to request written confirmation
If you cancel by phone or in-app without saving a written record, Young Living can later claim you did not cancel or that the cancellation did not go through. Always request written confirmation (email or letter) and retain it in a dedicated folder. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers recover refunds by producing email confirmations when the company denied receiving the original cancellation request.
Mistake 4: expecting automatic refunds without claiming them
Young Living does not automatically refund money when you cancel. You must submit a separate refund claim within the eligible timeframe. If you cancel but do not claim a refund within 30 days, you may forfeit your right to one (except for defective goods). Submit your refund request immediately upon cancelling.
Mistake 5: not checking your bank statements after cancellation
Some consumers cancel online but then forget to monitor their bank account for charges. Occasionally Young Living's system fails to process cancellations, and charges continue. Check your bank or credit card statement 5 to 7 days after cancellation to confirm no new charge has been posted. If a charge appears, contact customer service immediately and escalate to the National Consumer Commission if necessary.
Pricing and subscription costs
Understanding the costs you are cancelling helps you verify refunds and protect yourself against hidden fees.
| Membership type |
Monthly Loyalty Order cost (est.) |
Shipping |
Loyalty points earned |
| Standard customer |
ZAR 300-600 |
ZAR 50-80 |
1% of purchase value |
| Brand Partner (recommended for frequent buyers) |
ZAR 250-500 |
ZAR 40-60 |
4% of purchase value |
| Gold Star member (high-volume partner) |
ZAR 500-1500 |
Free (over ZAR 200 order) |
10% of purchase value |
| Seasonal or promotional offer |
ZAR 200-400 (first order only) |
ZAR 30-50 |
Variable |
| Duplicate monthly charge (system error) |
Full MLO amount charged twice |
ZAR 50-80 per duplicate |
Not earned on error charges |
| Restocking or return fee (if applicable) |
ZAR 0-150 (10% of order value) |
Return shipping (applicant's cost in some cases) |
Deducted from refund |
Costs vary based on the products you select and Young Living's current promotions. The Brand Partner tier offers better value if you purchase regularly. When you cancel, request a refund for all charges incurred within your eligible cancellation window (typically 14 to 30 days). If Young Living charges you a restocking fee for opened products, query this under the CPA-many such fees are unenforceable if the company did not clearly disclose them in advance.
When to escalate to the national consumer commission
If Young Living refuses to cancel, denies a refund you are entitled to, or ignores your cancellation request after 14 days, you have a statutory right to lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission.
What the NCC can do for you
The NCC is South Africa's government consumer protection agency. It investigates complaints about unfair business practices, violations of the Consumer Protection Act, and refusal to honour consumer rights. The NCC can issue binding orders requiring Young Living to refund money, cease illegal practices, or pay compensation. Complaints are free to lodge and the NCC process typically takes 30 to 60 days.
How to lodge an NCC complaint
- Gather all evidence of your cancellation attempt and Young Living's refusal or non-response.
- Screenshots of your online cancellation request.
- Copies of emails to customer service.
- Proof of delivery (registered mail tracking number).
- Your bank statements showing charges after you requested cancellation.
- Young Living's written response (or silence).
- Visit the National Consumer Commission website (www.ncc.org.za) or call 0800 220 220.
- Download the complaint form or request one by email at [email protected].
- You may also file a complaint in person at any NCC regional office.
- Complete the complaint form with full details of your case.
- Include your name, contact details, account number, dates of your cancellation requests, and amounts sought.
- Attach all evidence and explain why Young Living's conduct violates the Consumer Protection Act.
- Example: "Young Living failed to cancel my subscription within 14 days of my written request, in breach of section 16 of the Consumer Protection Act."
- Submit the form to the NCC by post or email.
- The NCC will assign a reference number and notify you of the investigation timeline.
- Young Living will be instructed to respond to your complaint within 10 business days.
- You will be updated on the outcome within 30 to 60 days.
Final checklist before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and documented your cancellation thoroughly.
| Action |
Status |
Deadline |
| Review your current Young Living balance and eligible refunds |
☐ Complete |
Before cancelling |
| Spend or note your loyalty points balance |
☐ Complete |
Within 30 days of cancellation |
| Submit written cancellation request via website, email, or registered mail |
☐ Complete |
Immediately |
| Save screenshot or confirmation of your cancellation request |
☐ Complete |
Within 24 hours |
| Request written refund confirmation from Young Living customer service |
☐ Complete |
Within 5 business days of cancellation |
| Monitor your bank account for any charges after cancellation date |
☐ Complete |
Daily for 10 days after cancellation |
| Receive refund in your bank account |
☐ Complete |
5-14 business days after cancellation |
| If refund fails or is denied, lodge NCC complaint |
☐ Complete (if needed) |
Within 90 days of cancellation |
Why customers cancel Young Living
Understanding why you want to cancel helps you decide whether cancellation is truly the best option or whether a pause, reduced order, or account change might serve you better. The most common cancellation reasons are cost (Monthly Loyalty Order feels unaffordable), product dissatisfaction (oils do not deliver promised benefits), insufficient use (products expire before you use them), or changing health priorities. If cost is your concern, contact Young Living to ask about reducing your monthly order or downgrading your membership tier instead of cancelling entirely. If product quality is the issue, request replacement or a refund under the CPA's defective goods provision. Yafee recommends you be clear about your reason before you cancel so you can claim the strongest refund entitlement.
Comparison: Young Living vs. alternative wellness services
If you are leaving Young Living, you may be weighing it against other essential oil and wellness suppliers in South Africa. This comparison helps you understand where Young Living stands on cost, cancellation terms, and consumer protection.
| Provider |
Subscription cost |
Cancellation policy |
Refund eligibility |
Consumer law compliance |
| Young Living |
ZAR 300-600/month |
Written notice required; 14-day statutory window |
30 days (unopened); limited after |
Governed by Consumer Protection Act |
| doTERRA |
ZAR 350-700/month |
Written notice required; 14-day window |
30 days (unopened); limited after |
Governed by Consumer Protection Act |
| Rocky Mountain Oils (online only) |
ZAR 200-500 per order |
No subscription required; one-off purchases |
30-day money-back guarantee |
Governed by Consumer Protection Act |
| Local SA essential oil suppliers (independent) |
ZAR 150-400 per item |
Varies by supplier; often no subscription |
Varies; often 14-day return policy |
Governed by Consumer Protection Act |
| International retailers (Takealot, Amazon) |
ZAR 100-300 per item |
No subscription required |
30 days (unopened); often free returns |
Governed by Consumer Protection Act |
| Health shops and pharmacies (one-off) |
ZAR 80-250 per item |
No subscription required |
14 days (defective goods only) |
Governed by Consumer Protection Act |
Young Living's subscription model offers loyalty points and exclusive products but commits you to monthly spending. If you prefer flexibility and lower costs, independent suppliers and one-off retail options may suit you better. Rocky Mountain Oils and local independent suppliers often provide quality products without locked-in subscriptions. Before switching, ensure any new provider also honours the Consumer Protection Act's cancellation and refund rights.
How yafee helps you cancel safely
Yafee specialises in subscription cancellation for South African consumers. Our team has managed thousands of cancellations across wellness, streaming, insurance, and membership services. We understand the specific tactics companies use to prevent cancellations and the legal protections you have under the Consumer Protection Act. If Young Living refuses to cancel your account or denies a refund, Yafee can draft a formal demand letter, escalate to the National Consumer Commission, and represent your case through the full dispute process. Our goal is simple: ensure you cancel on your terms and recover every rand you are entitled to. Contact Yafee today if you need support navigating your cancellation.
Use these official contact channels to submit your cancellation and refund requests. Always retain proof of your communication.
Mailing address
Young Living South Africa
Customer Service Department
Postnet Suite 123
Private Bag X1
Waterfall Office Park
Halfway House, Midrand
Johannesburg, 1685
South Africa
Email
[email protected]
Phone
+27 (0) 11 004 5000
Monday to Friday: 08:00-17:00 SAST
Online portal
Log in at www.youngliving.com/en/ZA and access your account settings to manage or cancel your subscription.
National consumer commission (NCC) - escalation
Toll-free: 0800 220 220
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ncc.org.za
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:30 SAST
Summary and next steps
You now understand your legal right to cancel Young Living under the Consumer Protection Act, the exact steps to submit your cancellation request, and how to claim a refund if you qualify. The key to a successful cancellation is written documentation-always request confirmation in writing and keep copies of every communication with Young Living. If the company refuses to cancel or denies a refund, escalate immediately to the National Consumer Commission, which has the power to compel compliance and award compensation.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and recover refunds they were entitled to. Whether you are cancelling Young Living due to cost, product dissatisfaction, or simply changing priorities, your legal rights are clear and enforceable. If you face delays or denials, reach out to Yafee-we can draft formal demand letters, file NCC complaints, and guide you through every stage of the dispute resolution process. Your cancellation and refund are not negotiable; they are your statutory right. Cancel with confidence, and reclaim your money today.