11 Best Smelling Essential Oils To Elevate Your Mind Instantly

Rejuvenate your senses after a hectic working day to ease pain and discomfort.

Reviewed by Dr. Leanne King, Cosmetic Chemist Dr. Leanne King Dr. Leanne KingCosmetic Chemist facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Kirtana Divakar MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by , MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Fact-checked by , MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

If you are a professional spa therapist or have just ventured into the world of aromatherapy, you must have some of the best smelling essential oils handy with you. With our hectic lifestyles and endless work schedules, the time spent for relaxation and unwinding is becoming scarce but even more important day by day. You need to consciously take out that time and make efforts to take care of your body and mind. Thankfully, essential oils are like that magic potion that can help treat most pain, discomfort, stress, and uneasiness, whether physical or mental. Beyond the luxurious spa sessions and exclusive aromatherapy routines, these essential oils are now readily available for you to take benefit from. Whether it is the calming effect of the relaxing lavender and chamomile, an energizing touch of peppermint, or the sinus-cleaning effects of eucalyptus, you can pick one as per your preference and need to help you unwind and elevate your mood instantly. Choose any of the best-smelling essential oils enlisted below to let you get started!

Top Picks
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Best Overall:Artizen Ylang Ylang Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil
Price on Amazon
Best For Hair Growth:Gya Labs Rosemary Essential Oil
Price on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Handcraft Blends Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Price on Amazon
Best In Natural Ingredients:Maple Holistics Tea Tree Essential Oil
Price on Amazon
Best USDA-Certified:Cliganic Essential Oil - Lavender Oil
Price on Amazon
Best Premium Fragrance:Good Essential Fresh Cotton Premium Fragrance Oil
Price on Amazon
Best For Revitalizing:Majestic Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Price on Amazon
Best Super-Absorbent Formula:Radha Lavender Essential Oil
Price on Amazon
Best Therapeutic Grade Formula:Brooklyn Botany Peppermint Essential Oil
Price on Amazon
Best Citrusy Smell:Healing Solutions Premium Lemon 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil
Price on Amazon

11 Best Smelling Essential Oils For Great Skin

1. Best Overall:Artizen Ylang Ylang Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil

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4.4
Artizen Ylang Ylang Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil Image: Artizen

Made of a 100% pure concentration of ylang ylang, this is an essential oil that can be used on the skin for relaxation and skin rejuvenation. It is made of cananga odorata that gives it the right concentration. Leanne King, a cosmetic chemist, says, “Ylang Ylang is rich in antioxidants which helps to protect cells and prevent premature aging. It has also been shown to be calming, leading to a positive effect on mood and a feeling of relaxation.” The undiluted formula is said to have antibacterial properties and helps kill germs and reduce blood pressure. Working as a stress-relief agent is one of its additional qualities. Ideally, this should be used with a carrier oil before application on the skin. The brand uses a UV-coating on its glass bottle that protects the essential oil from getting affected by the sun.

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Pros
  • Made of a 100% concentration
  • Comes in a glass bottle with UV-coating
  • Antiseptic
  • Helps reduce blood pressure

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Cons
  • Needs a carrier oil for application

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Several aromatherapists believe that Ylang Ylang can help to regulate the heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, respiration, and immune function.

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 115,316 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

2. Best For Hair Growth:Gya Labs Rosemary Essential Oil

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Gya Labs Rosemary Essential Oil Image: Gya Labs

Watch your beauty command attention wherever you go as you hone it with this little bottle of wonder! This herbal essential oil plumps up the skin and improves skin texture with its moisturizing properties and makes it radiant. It helps in cleansing and hydrating the skin, to make it look brighter. It also helps in hair growth and strengthening. It has a clean, herbaceous scent that leaves you asking for more. Dilute it with a carrier oil for topical use and watch how it adds a glow to your skin.

Product Dimensions: 1.06 x 1.06 x 2.52 inches | Weight: 1.52 Ounces

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Pros
  • Great for cleansing the skin
  • Helps in moisturizing
  • Fresh, herbaceous smell
  • Great for hair growth
  • Plumps up the skin
  • Brightens complexion

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Cons
  • Slightly expensive
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 117,192 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

3. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Handcraft Blends Sweet Orange Essential Oil

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Handcraft Blends Sweet Orange Essential Oil Image: Handcraft Blends

This product from Handcraft Blends is made of the highest-quality, pure sweet orange essential oil. It is suitable for blending with a number of other oils such as bergamot, cedarwood, clove, clary sage, geranium, helichrysum, lemon, neroli, patchouli, rose, rosemary, sandalwood and vetiver. Additionally, this is also free of sulfates and parabens. As a part of the brand’s social responsibility, they also ensure sourcing their ingredients ethically. Its fresh, citrus aroma comes from the outer peel of oranges and this sweet smelling essential oil helps in enhancing the mood. It is also cruelty-free and is tested in an independent lab to ensure the authenticity of its ingredients.

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Pros
  • Mood-enhancer
  • Made of ethically-sourced ingredients
  • Cruelty-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free

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Cons
  • The scent may not be strong enough to use in diffusers.
Artizen Ylang Ylang Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil
Best Overall
Gya Labs Rosemary Essential Oil
Best For Hair Growth
Handcraft Blends Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Best Cruelty-Free Formula
Dimensions- 1.06 x 1.06 x 2.52 inches-
Weight- 1.52 Ounces-
Rating
Reviews115,316117,192-
Price$7.99$7.69$6.95

4. Best In Natural Ingredients:Maple Holistics Tea Tree Essential Oil

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Pure Tea Tree Essential Oil - Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil for Hair Skin and Nails plus Moisturizing Cleansing Oil for Face Care - Tea Tree Essential Oil for Skin Dry Scalp Foot Soak and Nail Cleaner Tea Tree 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Image: Maple Holistics

Bottling the properties of tea tree oil, this is a power-packed fresh smelling essential oil. Made by the steam-distillation of the leaf, this is a 100% pure formulation with a camphor-like smell. Tea tree oil has many benefits, including controlling acne inflammation and cleansing the skin of unwanted oils. It is also great for the scalp and hair as it prevents excessive drying out while also keeping the roots clean. It has health benefits that prevent common ailments such as sore throat. This is also great for strengthening the nails. Last but not the least, remember to perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions before using the product regularly.

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.49 x 1.74 x 1.18 inches; 1 Ounces

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Pros
  • Naturally-sourced ingredients
  • Ethically made
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antifungal
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Suitable for daily use
  • Natural ingredients

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Cons
  • Needs dilution for topical use
  • Might not be suitable for drier skin types

5. Best USDA-Certified:Cliganic Essential Oil – Lavender Oil

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4.5
Cliganic Essential Oil – Lavender Oil Image: Cliganic
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For those looking for purity of ingredients in their essential oil, it cannot get better than the floral scents of this USDA-certified organic lavender essential oil. Without any additives, alcohol, added-fragrance and dilution, this is a formulation that is as pure as it can get. Containing lavandula angustifolia extracts, this is made by the distillation of lavender flowers by steam. Lavender essential oil has a number of health benefits such as stress relief and fighting signs of aging. It also helps you and your surroundings to smell good! It is also non-GMO project-verified and has not been tested on animals.

Product Dimensions: 2.68 x 1.1 x 1.06 inches | Weight: 1.5 Ounces

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Pros
  • USDA-certified organic
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-GMO project-verified
  • Fights aging
  • Blends with a number of ingredients

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Cons
  • Some might not like the smell
protip_icon Stylecraze Trivia
Lavender was used to scent the corpse in ancient Egypt while it was being mummified. The ancient Greeks, on the other hand, quickly recognised lavender’s medicinal properties and used it to treat ailments such as headaches and indigestion.
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 5,098 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

6. Best Premium Fragrance:Good Essential Fresh Cotton Premium Fragrance Oil

A premium fragrance oil packed in a sun-protected amber bottle, this can fill your room with that fresh cotton smell that reeks of comfort and familiarity. It has many uses as it goes well as a fragrance for candles and perfumes as well as being perfect as an essential oil for home fragrance. The fragrance aids in uplifting the mood and offers headache relief. Use it in a diffuser via reed or steam and get that perfect smell of fresh cotton. Some might also like to use it as potpourri, air fresheners, or in cleaning products. The fresh cotton fragrance oil is also great for relaxing baths with bath bombs and soaps.

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Pros
  • Works great as room fresheners
  • Can be added to cleaning products
  • Suitable for use in diffusers via both reeds and steam
  • Comes in an amber bottle with a dropper

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Cons
  • The smell might not be strong enough for some.

7. Best For Revitalizing:Majestic Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil

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4.5
Majestic Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil Image: Majestic Pure

Made by the steam distillation of the leaves of eucalyptus globulus, this clean-smelling essential oil has a number of benefits for the skin, hair, and mood. Its balsamic, camphoraceous, cool, and fresh smell aids in feeling revitalized and energetic, plus it offers mental clarity. Meanwhile, mixing this antimicrobial oil in DIY masks, soaps, and lotions makes it beneficial for haircare and skincare. Adding it to the bath water helps one feel relaxed after a long day. It also works great with a diffuser. This video will provide you with added insights about the product.

Product Dimensions: 5.75 x 3.25 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces

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Pros
  • Refreshing balsamic, camphoraceous smell
  • Offers both skin and hair benefits
  • Revitalizes and energizes the mood
  • Can be used in DIY hair and skin masks and lotions

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Cons
  • Needs to be used with a carrier oil for topical purposes

8. Best Super-Absorbent Formula:Radha Lavender Essential Oil

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4.5
Radha Lavender Essential Oil Image: Radha Beauty

Made of a premium, therapeutic blend, this is beneficial for promoting relaxation, stress-relief and supporting the harmony of the body. It uses a 100% natural formulation sourced from France and can be used for a host of purposes by blending it with the right mix. From bath bombs and body masks and use in diffusers for a clean-smelling ambiance, it works for a wide range of purposes, especially in mood enhancement and sleep aid. It is advisable to use a carrier oil for quick and effective absorption into the skin. Watch this video review to learn more about the product through the reviewer’s experience.

Product Dimensions: 2.28 x 5.98 x 3.46 inches | Weight: 4.23 Ounces

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Pros
  • Premium therapeutic blend
  • 100% natural formulation
  • Suitable for mixing with a wide range of products
  • Promotes good sleep and relaxation

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Cons
  • The smell might differ from the traditional scent of lavender oil

9. Best Therapeutic Grade Formula:Brooklyn Botany Peppermint Essential Oil

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Nuby Silicone Teethe-eez Teether with Bristles Image: Brooklyn Botany

Experience the goodness of aromatherapy with Brooklyn Botany Peppermint Essential Oil. It is 100% pure, natural extract without dilution for optimum benefits for your mind. Made with premium and therapeutic-grade peppermint oil extract, this formula is highly potent and versatile. The oil is bottled in an amber glass bottle to protect its potency against harsh UV rays. A glass dropper is also included with the pack for hassle-free usage without causing any wastage.

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Pros
  • Ideal for mind and body therapy
  • Highly potent
  • Mild fragrance
  • No additives or dilution
  • Easy to dispense
  • Fragrance lasts for long time

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Cons

None

10. Best Citrusy Smell:Healing Solutions Premium Lemon 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil

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Healing Solutions Premium Lemon 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil Image: Healing Solutions

Derived from the rind of a lemon, this is a citrus smelling essential oil. It has a host of benefits such as aiding in weight-loss, boosting immunity, and fighting odor that makes this one of the most popular essential oil scents. It also doubles as a great house cleaner when mixed with a good carrier. This formulation is 100% undiluted without any additives and harmful chemicals. GCMS test also guarantees the authenticity of the product. It also works wonders for dry skin and acne, when added to other ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil.

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Pros
  • 100% undiluted
  • No additives
  • No harmful chemicals
  • GCMS-tested
  • Works against acne and dry skin
  • Great for house-cleaning
  • Fresh, citrusy smell

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Cons
  • More than just a few drops of this essential oil might be required for it to emanate a strong smell

11. Best For Calming Effect:Kukka Rose Otto Essential Oil

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Kukka Rose Otto Essential Oil Image: Kukkaeo

The alluring, sweet, and sensual scent of Kukka Rose Otto Essential Oil can instantly set you in a calming mood. The rich and potent essential oil is made with natural extract and is in the purest form. It is highly versatile and can be used in various ways, such as diffusers, adding drops in your bath water, skin care, or even cleaning to get a soothing atmosphere. It not only relaxes and calms your mind but also improves your mood and uplifts it. When used in skin care, it nourishes, hydrates, moisturizes your skin, and boosts radiance.

Product Dimensions: 1.02 x 1.02 x 2.48 inches | Weight: 1.27 Ounces.

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Pros
  • No fillers
  • Cruelty-free
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Versatile
  • Ideal for everyday use

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Cons
  • Strong fragrance

Now that we have looked at our 11 best essential oils, here’s looking at how to buy the right one.

How To Select Best Smelling Essential Oils

  • Ingredients

Select them on the basis of the ingredients you need –– for example, lavender for calming, tea tree for skin, and eucalyptus for its house-cleaning properties. Each essential oil has a very specific use and it is good to pick one depending on what you need it for. Look out for clinically tested ingredients in products endorsed by medical professionals.

  • Preference for smell

It must be remembered that the smell of each essential oil is subjective to each person. So, it is important to look at which one you like and need and how its ingredients have been sourced.

  • Form of essential oil

It’s also advisable to pick an essential oil depending on the medium of use. Some are used best in a diffuser while others can be added to a number of products such as bath bombs, lotions and even cleaning products. Most, usually, need a medium for application.

Now that you know how to pick the best essential oil for yourself, here’s a little guide on how to use an essential oil the right way.

How To Use Essential Oils Safely

Step 1:

Most undiluted essential oils need to be used with a carrier oil or blended with other products to dilute them before usage. In a concentrated form, they might end up irritating your skin.

Step 2: Essential oils are also great for using in diffusers or in limited quantities for monitored usage. It is always advised to look at each product’s directions for usage.

Step 3: Use only a few drops or as advised on the label of the product. Consulting an expert is also advisable about the usage of essential oils.

Step 4: If you are using a diffuser, be careful about the duration of usage as prolonged exposure might lead to adverse effects.

Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Using The Best Smelling Essential Oils

Essential oils are known to have therapeutic benefits not only for your skin and hair but also for your mind. However, you must know how to use them properly to harvest their therapeutic and skin care benefits. The infographic below lists the dos and don’ts of using the best smelling essential oils. Scroll down and take a peek.

Dos And Don’ts Of Using The Best Smelling Essential Oils (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

While relaxing, unwinding, and clearing your mind, essential oils are one of the best products that you can use. If you are consciously trying to keep your mind stress-free and tranquil, choose the oil based on your favorite fragrance. Many use essential oils with bath bombs, moisturizers, and lotions. Hence, knowing the right form of these oils is another important feature that must be kept in mind. It is recommended to use oils free of additives and harmful chemicals. The Artizen Ylang Ylang Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil aids in managing high blood pressure and stress relief. Opt for the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Essential Oil for its anti-inflammatory and nail-strengthening properties. Enjoy long-lasting fragrance and aromatherapy with the Brooklyn Botany Peppermint Essential Oil. For perfect results, pick the essential oils that are certified to reduce pain and skin irritation and promote sound sleep. The best essential oil should have a fragrance that rejuvenates your senses and is neither too bold nor too mellow.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

We have curated this of the best smelling essential oils after carefully reviewing the user feedback and reviews of the products on different trusted online forums. The oils have a soothing aroma, suitable for aromatherapy, and can instantly lift your mood. We checked the products’ concentrations, fragrance strength, and longevity before shortlisting the best ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do essential oils really work?

Yes, they are proven to work as they are based on natural science and are derived from botanical extracts. But one must use them persistently in the right way and for the right purpose.

Is smelling essential oils bad for you?

Essential oils have a host of aromatherapy benefits but they must almost always be used in limited quantities and with a diluting agent such as a carrier oil or a diffuser.

Is smelling essential oils safe for pregnancy?

Aromatherapy is an age-old traditional form of medicine and due to the use of botanical extracts, it is generally safe for use. However, we recommend that a doctor should be consulted regarding this.

Can Smelling essential oils make you sick?

Essential oils are not supposed to make you sick if done in the correct manner by using diffusers or a carrier oil. It is very important to read the directions of use for every specific product. Experts could also be consulted to figure out the right way of using these.

Is inhaling essential oils good for you?

Yes. Aromatherapy oils can help with respiratory support, it can aid in disinfection, relaxation, stress, and anxiety relief. However, we recommend that you consult with an expert on this.


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Dr. Leanne King
Dr. Leanne KingCosmetic Chemist
Dr. Leanne King is a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Beauty Favours. She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years. Dr. King started as a cosmetic chemist working for large global brands and then moved into research and innovation in skin care science and development.

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Kirtana Divakar
Kirtana DivakarCommerce Writer
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.

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Srijita De
Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

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Krati Darak
Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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