When it comes to essential oils, there are two camps of people: dedicated, die-hard users and those who could use some schooling. The topic of essential oils may seem confusing at first, but they're actually brimming with benefits that do more than just infuse the air around you with spa-like scents. In fact, as Megan E. Voss, DNP, director of education and graduate studies at the University of Minnesota Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, previously told Allure, "aromatherapy can be beneficial in the management of certain symptoms such as anxiety, pain, nausea, and insomnia."
Whether you're using peppermint oil to ward off a headache or lemon oil to improve your mood, these natural plant extracts can be used for a myriad of different reasons — and in different ways. You can sniff a bottle of your favorite scent whenever you need a pick-me-up, add a few drops into an essential oil diffuser to freshen up a room, mix your favorite blend into your nightly bath, or use them to create a DIY cleaning solution.
You can also apply essential oils topically onto your skin. Be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil, such as coconut or argan oil, as New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, has previously told Allure — and to avoid ones that can cause negative skin reactions and chemical burns, like bergamot and citruses (lime and lemon). The latter two oils should not be used at more than 0.5 percent on skin that is exposed to any amount of sunlight, Robert Tisserand, an essential oil educator and aromatherapy expert from California, previously told Allure.
Clearly, essential oils can be a beneficial part of your wellness routine. But what about the actual brands behind these potent elixirs? Are some better than others? Better yet, is there a difference in quality when comparing them across the board? If you thought scouring the skin-care and makeup aisles can be overwhelming, some would argue that shopping for high-quality essential oil brands is even more so — even if you're the type who can sound off about the difference between lavender and bergamot without consulting Siri.
To help you navigate this vast and aromatic category, we did a deep dive to find the nine best essential oil brands you may want to consider adding to your aromatherapy routine.