Essential Oil Substitutions — The 3-Step Formula for Finding EO Alternatives

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Sometimes a certain essential oil is just not the right fit for you. This can happen when you’re using a DIY recipe for a blend or aromatherapy product. You wonder, “Can I make essential oil substitutions when blending?” Or it can happen when someone recommends an essential oil for its amazing therapeutic properties. You think, “How do I choose an alternative essential oil when I don’t want to use what’s recommended?”

Great questions — we’ll explore essential oil substitutions and alternatives in this Q&A with Caryn. It frustrates me when people insist that there’s only one essential oil that can be used. That’s almost never the case. You do have options!

With this easy 3-step formula, you’ll be empowered to find the right alternatives to make essential oil substitutions that will work for you!

The 3-Step Formula for Making Essential Oil Substitutions

 Determine why you are looking for an alternative.

This is an important question to start with because knowing the answer will help guide you to the right alternative.

Are you looking for another oil because…?

• • I want to save money, this one is too expensive!
  • I can’t use this oil because of allergies, my age, or a health condition.*
  • I hate the smell of this oil, but I like its therapeutic properties.
  • I have a collection of essential oils and would prefer not to buy something new.
  • I’m concerned about the sustainability of this essential oil.

* In addition to the recommendations below, see our Safety Guidelines page to see if the substitution you’re interested in will work for your health concerns.

Decide if you want a similar aroma or scent note to the original essential oil that’s recommended.

• • Yes – Read below for tips on how to find one.
  • No – Skip to step 3.

If scent is an important factor in finding the right essential oils alternative (and with aromatherapy it usually is), here are some questions to guide you to the right choice:

A. Which scent note is the original essential oil?

• • Top Note
  • Middle Note
  • Base Note

If you’re not sure about which scent note your oil falls under, read the articles Top, Middle, Base Notes — Blending Essential Oils and Discern Scent Notes to Blend a Lasting EO Fragrance.

For example, perhaps you want to replace a base note in a blend you’re creating, but you’d prefer not to buy Sandalwood because of the price and sustainability issues. You can substitute another more affordable base note such as Cedarwood Atlas or e3’s Sandalwood Blend.

B. What are the primary aromatic notes of the original oil?

• • Camphoraceous (i.e, Cajeput)
  • Citrus (i.e., Bergamot)
  • Earthy/Woodsy (i.e., Sandalwood)
  • Floral (i.e., Lavender)
  • Herbaceous (i.e., Marjoram)
  • Minty (i.e., Peppermint)
  • Musky/Resinous (i.e., Frankincense)
  • Spicy (i.e., Ginger)

 For example, if a recipe calls for Bergamot with its citrusy aroma, you could substitute Sweet Orange or Grapefruit for a comparable scent experience.

Determine which therapeutic properties are important to you.

Skip this step, if you’re focusing on the aroma only and aren’t interested in the therapeutic properties of the essential oil.

Read on, if like many aromatherapy lovers, you appreciate the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. (Even when you’re primarily focused on the therapeutic value of a blend, having a pleasant aroma is still a good idea. A scent you love encourages you to use and benefit from it!)

Essential oils are derived from various plants and plant parts, such as leaves, flowers, roots, and bark, and each oil possesses distinct chemical compositions and therapeutic benefits. Fortunately, there are many essential oils that offer similar therapeutic benefits, so you can make a substitution without compromising the efficacy of your blend.

Which therapeutic properties are you most interested in? Here are some of the most common therapeutic properties we list on our product pages: 

• • anti-inflammatory
  • antibacterial
  • anti-depressant
  • anti-fungal
  • antiviral
  • decongestant
  • immune support
  • nervine
  • sedative
  • stimulant

This is by no means all of the therapeutic properties! For a more complete list of therapeutic properties and an easy-to-understand explanation of the benefits of each one, see pages 12-15 of our free ebook Listen to Your Nose — An Introduction to Aromatherapy.

TIP: We’ve made it easy for you to find the therapeutic properties of each essential oil. Use our Product Search at the top of our website and type in the therapeutic property you’re looking for to see the essential oils and blends we carry with that therapeutic property.

For example, if you want an essential oil known for its antibacterial properties, you could substitute Tea Tree oil with Lavender oil, which also possesses antimicrobial qualities.

Bonus List of Shortcuts to Finding Alternatives

We’ve done a lot of homework on this subject! Here is a list of blogs where we share essential oil alternatives:

For a list of alternatives to Jasmine, see How to Use Jasmine Essential Oil with Money-saving Tips.
For a list of alternatives to Blue Tansy, see Blue Tansy is Good for Skin & So Much More.
For a list of alternatives to Lavender, see Substitute for Lavender or Other EOs You Dislike.
For a list of alternatives to Frankincense, see Substitute for Frankincense Oil + When & How to Use.
For a list of alternatives to Geranium, see Geranium Scent — Love or Hate it? Why Use the Oil…
For a wonderful alternative to Rosewood, see Rosewood Oil Substitute? Try Ho Wood Essential Oil!
For a wonderful alternative to Ginger, see Plai Essential Oil Benefits & Uses Versus Ginger.
For a wonderful alternative to Tea Tree or Eucalyptus, see Why Use Saro Essential Oil? (Tea Tree Substitute).
For less expensive and more sustainable options for precious oils, see Precious Essential Oils Too Costly? Try e3 Dilutes.
For tips on how to choose between different varieties of the same oil, see Guide – How to Choose the Right Essential Oil “Type”.

3 More Tips to Make Successful Essential Oil Substitutions

1. Be safety conscious: Essential oils have specific safety guidelines due to their potency or potential adverse effects, especially for certain populations such as pregnant women or children. Always research safety considerations before making substitutions, and when in doubt, consult a clinical aromatherapist or healthcare professional.
2. Have fun! The art of essential oil substitutions is as much about experimentation as it is about following guidelines. Embrace the opportunity to get creative with your blends, and don’t be afraid to mix and match oils to discover unique aromatic combinations.
3. Keep notes: Keep detailed notes of your substitutions and their effects to refine and fine-tune your favorite aromas over time. e3’s Art of Blending Notepad is super helpful for keeping track of important information.

When you start to get to know the properties of different essential oils, you can confidently adapt recipes and create personalized blends tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, invigoration, or immune support, aromatherapy offers endless possibilities for exploration and self-care.

Questions? Please reach out to e3’s team of clinical aromatherapists. We’re here to support you! And don’t forget to download our free workbook The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils where we walk you through blending step by step.