10 Must Have Essential Oils with a Powerhouse of Benefits
Are you new to essential oils or discovering more to expand your use of essential oils? This resource list of my ten must-have essential oils will guide you on your way. Each can be used for a variety of methods either topically or diffused.
I have included a brief description and common uses for each must have essential oil. For a detailed look at what essential oils are, read more here. Let’s get started!
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#1 LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Likely the most popular essential oil, (and my favorite) lavender essential oil is highly versatile. From skin care products to relaxing routines, this oil can infuse many areas of your life.
Try it in my soothing recipe for Lavender Goat Milk Hand Soap. Plus, it has an amazing soft floral scent that promotes relaxation and better sleep.
COMMON USES:
Treat yourself to this well-loved aroma by adding a few drops of oil to lotions, shampoos, and skin care products.
Create a spa-like retreat by combining 1 cup Epsom salt and 4 drops oil and adding to a hot bath.
Make a basic homemade body scrub with coconut oil, sugar, and Lavender essential oil.
Unwind with a Lavender-infused neck or back massage.
Freshen a room or linens to banish stale odors. Try my recipe for Vanilla Lavender Linen Mist!
#2 TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
Tea Tree oil, also known as Melaleuca oil, is one of the most widely used and extensively researched essential oils, making it a must-have for every home.
Because the benefits of Tea Tree oil include cleansing properties and a refreshing scent, this versatile oil can be used for everything from home cleaning solutions to skin care.
COMMON USES:
Diffuse to combat stale or offensive odors in the home.
Combine with citrus scents such as Lemon to create a natural deodorant.
Use Tea Tree’s cleansing properties for homemade soaps and moisturizers.
Apply to skin as part of your nighttime routine.
Comb through hair for added shine and freshness.
#3 LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL
You can’t go wrong with the fresh, zesty aroma of lemon essential oil, cold-pressed from the rinds of lemons! Try it my natural Lemon Cedar Dust Spray. With its bright and joyful aroma, Lemon oil benefits skin and hair as much as its aroma benefits your environment.
COMMON USES:
Boost your home cleaning with the cheerful scent of fresh Lemons! Add a few drops to naturally derived floor, window, and surface cleaning solutions. Do not use Lemon oil on granite or stone, as it may etch the surface.
Make Lemon part of your beauty routine, adding it to skin care products to reduce the appearance of blemishes or to conditioner and DIY hair masques to give your hair a smoother, shinier look.
Diffuse Lemon alone or with other citrus and crisp-smelling oils such as Tangerine, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Tarragon, and Eucalyptus Radiata to create an aromatic environment that is clean-smelling and positive.
#4 PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
Fresh, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable, Peppermint essential oil is invigorating. I apply the energizing aroma of peppermint essential oil most often after a workout. It helps to reduce soreness related to muscles and joints. Also, it is a great aid to digestion.
COMMON USES:
After a workout, dilute a few drops of Peppermint in a carrier oil and use it in a refreshing post-workout massage.
Add Peppermint and Eucalyptus Radiata to hot bath water and enjoy the relaxing, invigorating scent and aromatic steam.
Peppermint is in the same family as both Lavender and Rosemary. Diffuse the oils of these powerful botanicals together for a fresh aroma that uplifts the spirit.
#5 FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL
An incredible must have oil for all skin types, frankincense essential oil is packed with benefits. Grab a printable reference guide for oils by skin type in the Resource Library.
It has an earthy, balsamic aroma that is known to be uplifting and calming. The benefits of Frankincense essential oil include maintaining radiant skin. Its ability to smooth the look of healthy skin makes this oil a key to great skin care.
COMMON USES:
Diffusing this oil in your home or office for an uplifting aroma.
Add Frankincense to your daytime lotion or night cream for a custom moisturizer that highlights your natural beauty.
Incorporate Frankincense into your yoga ritual by diffusing this oil during your routine and following up with a post-practice massage.
#6 ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL
A classic fragrance rose essential oil is more than an aroma. It is especially great for aging or dry skin. Rose essential oil helps to support the appearance of youthful-looking skin. It promotes a healthy complexion overall.
Rose’s classic fragrance is very relaxing, try it in my recipe for Lavender Rose Oatmeal Bath Fizzies.
COMMON USES:
Apply directly to the skin to help moisturize and support the appearance of healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Diffuse in your home or bathroom for a spa-like setting and a fresh, soothing aroma.
Combine with a carrier oil for a relaxing, indulgent massage.
Place a few drops in your shampoo or conditioner for a floral scent and additional moisturizing properties.
#7 ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL
I love the fresh scent of orange essential oil! Orange essential oil, cold-pressed from the rinds of oranges, has a juicy aroma reminiscent of the fresh fruit. Orange essential is a natural mood booster and I keep a roller in my bag.
Try making Orange essential oil part of your morning routine—either diffused or applied topically—to start your day off with an inspiring boost of citrus aroma.
COMMON USES:
Diffuse Orange essential oil in your children’s play areas or your creative space.
Depending on what you choose to blend with it, Orange is a great seasonal scent for both warmer and cooler months. Diffuse Orange with Lime, Lemon, or Tangerine for a sunny warm-weather scent, or diffuse it with Cinnamon and a hint of Clove for a festive smell perfect for the holidays.
Even clean linens may need a little freshening. Combine 8–10 drops with distilled water or witch hazel in a small spray bottle and spritz over linens and in closets to keep your sheets, towels, and clothes smelling great.
#8 CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL
A gentle oil, chamomile is quite possibly the most multipurpose oil. From puffy eyes to cracked heels chamomile essential oil has been used for a multitude of ailments for centuries. I highly recommend it for treating eczema and dry lips.
COMMON USES:
Add 1–2 drops to your favorite shampoo or conditioner to promote youthful looking skin and hair.
Diffuse or spritz on your pillow at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep.
To moisturize the skin add roman chamomile essential oil to your lotion, or use 1 – 2 drops with coconut oil.
#9 GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL
With a sweet, floral scent, there are many topical and aromatic Geranium oil uses, including high-end perfumes and skin care products. It is carefully steam distilled from the fragrant flowers Geranium essential oil and leaves of the popular plant native to southern Africa.
Add this oil to lotion, body wash, and hair care products to instantly upgrade the aroma of your personal care products or use Geranium oil to create a pleasant environment by diffusing.
COMMON USES:
Diffuse in the office or classroom for a comforting aroma.
Add to a neutral moisturizer and apply morning and night to create the appearance of healthier-looking skin.
Mix with Lavender oil and scent-free aloe vera to moisturize skin after a long day in the sun.
Apply to wrists or the nape of the neck for a sweet, floral, and natural perfume.
#10 EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL
Eucalyptus Globulus is a eucalyptus oil from the large, aromatic eucalyptus trees of the Myrtaceae family. The tree’s leaves are steam distilled to produce the earthy, fresh oil that is popular in personal care products and spa treatments.
Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its cleansing properties and stimulating scent. It is often applied topically or diffused aromatically.
COMMON USES:
Use its cleansing benefits by adding a couple of drops to your favorite facial cream. Be careful of the sensitive eye area, since Eucalyptus Globulus can leave a tingling sensation.
Add to a carrier oil for a calming and refreshing massage
Inhale directly or rub onto your chest for an uplifting, refreshing experience.
I use essential oils every day in my natural skin care routines, household clean up, relaxation, and quick fixes like taking the itch out of an insect bite.
Find many of my must-have essential oils in a customizable starter kit.