The 20 Best Essential Oils for Aromatherapy and Diffusers

Essential oils have become a staple in the world of natural wellness, offering a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. These aromatic extracts have gained popularity not only for their pleasant scents but also for their therapeutic properties. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the 20 best essential oils, exploring their unique qualities and potential benefits. Whether you're new to essential oils or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide will help you make informed choices about which oils to incorporate into your daily routine.

Best Essential Oils

• Lavender Essential Oil - Best for relaxation and stress relief.
• Tea Tree Oil - Best for acne and skin issues.
• Peppermint Essential Oil - Best for digestion and headaches.
• Lemon Essential Oil - Best for uplifting mood and cleaning.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Best for respiratory issues.
• Rosemary Essential Oil - Best for focus and memory.
• Frankincense Essential Oil - Best for meditation and spiritual practices.
• Chamomile Essential Oil - Best for calming and soothing skin.

Top 20 Best Essential Oils

Lavender Essential Oil

Best For: Relaxation, stress relief

Pros:

• Lavender is a versatile oil that can be used for various applications, including skincare and relaxation.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for the skin.

Cons:

• Some people may experience skin irritation when using lavender oil.

Lavender essential oil is a staple in many households for its versatility. It's widely used for relaxation and stress relief, making it a popular choice for diffusers and bedtime routines. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it excellent for skincare, particularly for soothing minor burns or irritations. However, it's essential to conduct a patch test as it may cause skin irritation for some individuals.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Best For: Focus and memory

Pros:

• Rosemary oil is energising and helps improve focus and memory.

Cons:

• It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Rosemary essential oil is not just a kitchen herb; it's a powerful essential oil known for its energising effects. It's particularly useful for those who need to focus or study, making it a popular choice for diffusing in workspaces. However, it's not recommended for pregnant women, so consult a healthcare provider if you fall into this category.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Best For: Balancing hormones

Pros:

• The oil has a pleasant aroma that is both floral and slightly fruity.
• It is effective in uplifting mood and emotional wellness.

Cons:

• Rose Geranium is more expensive compared to other essential oils.

Rose Geranium is often used for its delightful aroma and mood-enhancing properties. It's also known for its potential to balance hormones, making it popular among women dealing with menstrual or menopausal issues. The only downside is its higher cost, making it a bit of a luxury item.

Vanilla Essential Oil

Best For: Mood uplifting

Pros:

• Vanilla has a universally loved sweet and warm scent.
• It can be used in cooking, specifically for desserts.

Cons:

• It is often not available in a pure essential oil form.
• Many cheaper versions are synthetically made.

Vanilla is well-loved for its sweet aroma, making it a popular choice for uplifting mood and even for culinary uses. However, it's essential to note that pure vanilla essential oil is rare, and what is commonly available are 'absolutes' or 'infused' oils. Always check the label for purity, especially if you intend to ingest it.

Vetiver Essential Oil

Best For: Grounding and calming

Pros:

• Vetiver has a deep, earthy aroma that is complex and grounding.
• It is often used for relaxation and stress relief.

Cons:

• The strong scent may not be liked by everyone.

Vetiver essential oil is known for its grounding properties. Its deep, earthy aroma makes it a popular choice for relaxation and stress relief. However, its strong scent can be polarising; you either love it or you don't.

Lemon Essential Oil

Best For: Mood uplifting and cleaning

Pros:

• Lemon oil offers a clean and refreshing aroma.
• It is often used for cleaning due to its antiseptic properties.

Cons:

• It is phototoxic and should not be applied to the skin if you're going to be exposed to sunlight.

Lemon essential oil is not just for the kitchen; it's a versatile oil that can be used for mood uplifting and even cleaning. Its clean, citrusy aroma makes it a popular choice for freshening up rooms and even as a natural cleaner. However, it's phototoxic, so it should not be applied to the skin if you're planning to go out in the sun.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Best For: Energising and digestive relief

Pros:

• Peppermint is invigorating and excellent for mental alertness.
• It is also good for digestive issues.

Cons:

• It is not suitable for young children or pregnant women.

Peppermint essential oil is excellent for those who need a mental boost. It's invigorating and helps improve mental alertness. It's also beneficial for digestive issues, making it a versatile oil to have on hand. However, it's not recommended for young children or pregnant women.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Best For: Meditation, skin health

Pros:

• Sandalwood has a rich, woody aroma that is long-lasting.
• It offers moisturising and anti-aging benefits for the skin.

Cons:

• It is one of the pricier essential oils on the market.

Sandalwood is highly valued for its rich, woody aroma and is often used in meditation and spiritual practices. It's also excellent for skin health, offering moisturising and anti-aging benefits. The downside is its cost; pure sandalwood essential oil is one of the more expensive oils available.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Best For: Relaxation, sleep aid

Pros:

• Cedarwood offers a grounding, earthy aroma.
• It is known to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Cons:

• May cause skin irritation for some individuals.

Cedarwood essential oil is known for its grounding and calming effects, making it a popular choice for relaxation and as a sleep aid. Its woody scent is both comforting and grounding. However, it may cause skin irritation for some, so a patch test is recommended.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Best For: Meditation, spiritual practices

Pros:

• Frankincense is versatile and can be used for various applications, from skincare to spiritual practices.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cons:

• Can be on the pricier side.

Frankincense is often referred to as the "king of essential oils" for its versatility. It's widely used in meditation and spiritual practices and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent for skincare. The only downside is its cost, as it can be one of the more expensive oils to purchase.

Tea Tree Oil

Best For: Acne treatment, antifungal

Pros:

• Tea Tree oil is highly effective against acne and fungal infections.
• It has a strong, medicinal aroma that many find refreshing.

Cons:

• Its strong aroma may not be pleasant for everyone.

Tea Tree oil is a must-have for anyone dealing with acne or fungal infections. Its strong, medicinal aroma is highly effective, but it may not be for everyone. Always dilute it properly before applying to the skin.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Best For: Mood uplifting, stress relief

Pros:

• Bergamot offers a citrusy aroma that is both uplifting and calming.
• It is often used for stress relief and mood enhancement.

Cons:

• It is phototoxic and should not be applied to the skin if you're going to be exposed to sunlight.

Bergamot essential oil is excellent for uplifting mood and relieving stress. Its pleasant, citrusy aroma is both refreshing and calming. However, it is phototoxic and should not be applied to the skin if you're planning to be exposed to sunlight.

Chamomile Essential Oil

Best For: Relaxation, sleep aid

Pros:

• Chamomile is known for its calming effects and is often used as a sleep aid.
• It is also good for skin health.

Cons:

• It is one of the more expensive essential oils.

Chamomile essential oil is known for its calming effects, making it a popular choice for relaxation and as a sleep aid. Its gentle nature also makes it excellent for skin health, particularly for soothing irritations or minor burns. However, it's one of the more expensive essential oils on the market.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Best For: Respiratory health, energising

Pros:

• Eucalyptus is excellent for respiratory health and is often used in steam inhalations.
• It has a refreshing, menthol-like aroma.

Cons:

• It is not suitable for young children or pregnant women.

Eucalyptus essential oil is excellent for respiratory health and is often used in steam inhalations to relieve congestion. Its refreshing, menthol-like aroma is also energising. However, it's not recommended for young children or pregnant women.

Patchouli Essential Oil

Best For: Skin health, grounding

Pros:

• Patchouli is excellent for skin health and is often used in anti-aging products.
• It has a grounding, earthy aroma.

Cons:

• Its strong scent may not be for everyone.

Patchouli essential oil is excellent for skin health, particularly for its anti-aging properties. Its grounding, earthy aroma is also calming and grounding. However, its strong scent can be polarising; you either love it or you don't.

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Best For: Hormonal balance, stress relief

Pros:

• Clary Sage is excellent for hormonal balance and is often used by women for menstrual relief.
• It has a calming, herbal aroma.

Cons:

• It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Clary Sage is known for its potential to balance hormones, making it popular among women dealing with menstrual or menopausal issues. Its calming, herbal aroma is also excellent for stress relief. However, it's not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Best For: Energising, natural insect repellent

Pros:

• Lemongrass has a citrusy aroma that is uplifting and energising.
• It is also a natural insect repellent.

Cons:

• It can be irritating to the skin if not properly diluted.

Lemongrass essential oil is excellent for those who need a quick energy boost. Its citrusy aroma is both uplifting and energising, making it a popular choice for morning routines. It's also a natural insect repellent, making it useful for outdoor activities. However, it can be irritating to the skin if not properly diluted, so always follow the recommended guidelines.

Orange Sweet Essential Oil

Best For: Mood uplifting, natural cleaner

Pros:

• Orange Sweet offers a sweet, citrusy aroma that is uplifting.
• It is often used as a natural cleaner.

Cons:

• It is phototoxic and should not be applied to the skin if you're going to be exposed to sunlight.

Orange Sweet essential oil is excellent for uplifting mood and even for cleaning. Its sweet, citrusy aroma makes it a popular choice for freshening up rooms and even as a natural cleaner. However, it's phototoxic, so it should not be applied to the skin if you're planning to go out in the sun.

Compare Best Essential Oils

Oil Name	Pros	Cons	Best For
Lavender	Versatile, soothing, aids in sleep	Strong scent for some, not for early pregnancy	Stress relief and sleep improvement
Rosemary	Enhances cognitive function, stimulates hair growth	Avoid during pregnancy, potential skin irritation	Cognitive enhancement and hair care
Rose Geranium	Regulates hormones, promotes clear skin	Not for pregnancy, skin sensitivity in some	Hormone balance and skincare
Vanilla	Creates a warm ambiance, elevates mood	Expensive, limited therapeutic benefits	Relaxation and mood enhancement
Vetiver	Provides grounding, alleviates anxiety	Thick consistency, intense aroma for some	Grounding and anxiety relief
Lemon	Uplifts mood, effective natural cleaner	Skin photosensitivity, erodes plastic	Uplifting mood and cleaning
Peppermint	Relieves digestive discomfort, alleviates headaches	Use with caution around children, potential skin irritation	Digestive relief and headache relief
Sandalwood	Induces calm, enhances skincare	Expensive, intense aroma for some	Calming and skincare

How to Use Essential Oils

Using essential oils can be a rewarding experience, but it's crucial to know the proper methods for safe and effective use. Below are some common ways to use essential oils, along with some tips for each method.

Diffusion

• Best For: Aromatherapy, mood enhancement, air purification
• How to Use: Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a diffuser filled with water. Turn on the diffuser and let the aroma fill the room.
• Tips: Don't overdo it; 3-5 drops are usually sufficient for a standard-sized room.

Topical Application

• Best For: Skin care, muscle relief, localised issues
• How to Use: Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture to the skin, massaging gently.
• Tips: Always perform a patch test first to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction.

Inhalation

• Best For: Respiratory issues, quick mood enhancement
• How to Use: Place a drop or two of essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball. Inhale deeply but gently.
• Tips: This method is potent, so it's best for short-term use.

Bath and Spa

• Best For: Relaxation, skin care, overall wellness
• How to Use: Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath. You can also add it to unscented lotions or massage oils.
• Tips: Make sure to mix the oils well to disperse them evenly in the water.

Household Cleaning

• Best For: Natural cleaning, air freshening
• How to Use: Add essential oils to a spray bottle filled with water or vinegar. Use as a cleaner or air freshener.
• Tips: Lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils are excellent for cleaning.

Cooking and Beverages

• Best For: Flavour enhancement, digestive aid
• How to Use: Add a drop or two of food-grade essential oil to recipes or drinks.
• Tips: Always make sure the oil is labeled as food-grade and start with a small amount to test for flavour.

Safety Precautions

• General Tips: Always dilute essential oils before use. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Some oils are phototoxic, so avoid sun exposure after application.
• Pregnancy and Children: Consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils during pregnancy or on children.

Buying Guide and Safety Tips

1. Purity Matters: Ensure you purchase high-quality, pure essential oils without additives or synthetic ingredients. Look for reputable brands that provide third-party testing.
2. Dilution: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application. A common ratio is 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
3. Patch Test: Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using a new essential oil topically to check for any adverse reactions.
4. Avoid Ingestion: In most cases, essential oils should not be ingested without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional.
5. Pregnancy and Children: Some essential oils are not safe for use during pregnancy or around young children. Research each oil's safety guidelines before use.

FAQs

Which Oils Are Best for Glowing Skin?

For radiant skin, consider essential oils like Frankincense, Lavender, Rose Geranium, and Sandalwood. These oils can promote skin health and vitality.

Can I Put Essential Oils Directly Onto My Skin?

It is generally recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Direct application can lead to skin irritation, especially with certain oils.

Are Essential Oils Actually Good for Skin?

Yes, many essential oils offer benefits for the skin, such as moisturization, soothing properties, and helping with specific skin issues like acne or dryness.

Which Essential Oil Brightens Face?

Lemon essential oil is known for its brightening properties. However, it should be used with caution on the face due to potential skin photosensitivity.

What Oil Makes Your Face Younger?

Rose geranium essential oil is often used to promote youthful-looking skin due to its ability to balance hormones and support skin health.

Which Oil is Best for Glowing Dark Skin?

For glowing dark skin, consider essential oils like Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Rose Geranium. These oils can help enhance the natural radiance of your skin.

Do I Need a Diffuser to Use Essential Oils?

No, a diffuser is not necessary to use essential oils. You can also dilute them in carrier oils for topical application, add them to baths, or use them for cleaning purposes.