Lavender, one of the most popular essential oils out there, is universally loved, right? Well, not exactly. There are some out there who hate Lavender. We hear you! Maybe you don’t like the smell, or maybe you find it not so relaxing. No matter what it is about Lavender that doesn’t work for you, we’ve rounded up the best alternatives available. That way you can still enjoy all the benefits essential oils have to offer, sans Lavender.
Floral Aroma
One of the first things anyone notices about Lavender is its incredibly sweet, floral, herbal scent. It’s useful in blends, not only for its floral quality but also for being a great top to middle note that can really help bring a blend together. If you’re looking to add something fresh and floral, there are a few other options you can use. Clary Sage, with its earthy, fruity and floral aroma that is both nutty and herbaceous, is an excellent alternative. Or you can use Geranium Bourbon for its green, rose-floral, herbaceous scent.
And for those of you who only mildly dislike Lavender, you can always try Lavender Fine for Lavandin for a slightly different take on a classic.
Don’t forget to check out our Fragrance Wheel! It’s a great resource any time you’re looking for a substitute with a similar fragrance.
Relaxation and Sleep
Besides its distinctive aroma, Lavender is famous for it’s calming, soothing and relaxing properties. It’s in everything from bath bombs to linen sachets to just about every relaxing or sleep blend you can find. Which is unfortunate for those who hate Lavender. But the reason it is especially calming is because of its high Linalool and Linalyl Acetate content. Other essential oils that are high in both these chemical constituents are Clary Sage and Petitgrain. Although Petitgrain has a more uplifting quality, it’s still a great option as it helps calm the mind and balance the emotions. Here are some more fantastic, relaxing oils you can use when you need to unwind or are looking for a peaceful night’s sleep.
If you’re looking for a great sleep blend without Lavender, then Sweet Slumber is the blend for you!
To learn more about the chemical constituents in your favorite oils and find easy substitutions, check out our Constituent Chart and Substitution Chart.
Soothing the Skin
Finally, Lavender is the go-to choice when it comes to skincare. It helps smooth wrinkles and reduce the appearance of scars. It’s also great for soothing irritation, sunburn, and minor cooking burns. Now, if it’s the smell you’re not a fan of, it’s understandable why you wouldn’t want to use it on your face. Luckily, there are plenty of other options to help with these issues.
If you’re looking to help with wrinkles and scars, resinous oils like Myrrh, Frankincense Frereana, and Elemi are all fantastic options. Helichrysum Italicum is also prized for its ability to help rejuvenate and smooth skin. And lastly, there’s Carrot Seed. Although it has a distinct aroma of its own, its a must-have for your skincare routine.
When it comes to burns, Lavender is unrivaled. So it might be worth it to use it anyways, even if you do hate Lavender. But if you still need an alternative, you can always use Helichrysum and Frankincense to help soothe your skin.
To join a fantastic community of essential oil lovers, be sure to check out our Safe Essential Oil Recipes (SEOR) Facebook Group.
