Missing An Oil? Floral Essential Oil Substitutes

Floral essential oils are some of the most popular and desired oils out there. Perhaps it's because of their pretty, luxurious aromas. Or perhaps it's because of their incredible benefits. Whatever the reason, florals are a must-have for any essential oil collector. 

And while some oils may have some similarities in scent or benefit, no two essential oils are exactly the same. Some will work for you, while some will not. Some may have a too strong of an aroma, while others may be too sweet smelling for you. Others can be out of your budget. That's why it is always good to be able to have a variety of options available! Check out our floral oil substitutes and find the perfect fit for you

However, some people discover that they don't care for all of the floral oils out there. And that's okay! Whether a floral oil has too strong of an aroma or is out of your budget, but no two oils are exactly the same. Just try out a few substitutes until you find the one you like best. 

Easy Floral Essential Oil Substitutes

If you find yourself missing or wanting to replace a floral oil, try using one of these substitutions instead! Keep in mind that substitutions can be close in smell and/or benefits, but no two oils are exactly the same. Just try out a few substitutes until you find the one you like best. 

Chamomile 

Chamomile Aromatic Substitute Chamomile oils offer a sweeter, more herbaceous floral aroma, which can be great for those who don't like the stronger floral smell. However, if you don't have Chamomile and are looking for something that smells similar, try replacing it with Lavender, Melissa, Hyssop, or Clary Sage. You can also always substitute one type of Chamomile oil for another. 

Digestion Aid Experiencing an upset stomach, nausea, or bloating? For those times you don't have Chamomile available, try using Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel, Cardamom, or Coriander to settle the stomach and support proper digestion. 

Ease Anxious Feelings With all the chaos and uncertainty that life can hold, it's not uncommon to experience overwhelming feelings of nervousness or anxiety. If you need help calming down, Chamomile can help! But, if you're looking for a different oil to use, try Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Sandalwood, or Clary Sage. 

Sleep Aid If you've ever heard of Chamomile tea, you've probably also heard that it's great for promoting better sleep. The same goes for Chamomile oil! However, if you do not have Chamomile available, Lavender and Cedarwood are excellent substitutions. 

Irritated Skin Rashes, dry patches, and other irritations can leave skin inflamed, red, and sore. Chamomile oil is great for helping to soothe the skin and support the body's natural healing process. If you don't have Chamomile, try using Lavender, Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, or Patchouli instead. 

Lavender

Lavender Aromatic Substitutes As perhaps the most popular essential oil out there, Lavender has an aroma that many enjoy. However, if Lavender isn't for you, or if you've just run out, you can try replacing it with Clary Sage or Hyssop when you need an oil that smells similar. 

Sleep Aid Perhaps one of Lavender's most well-known benefits is as a sleep aid. If you need help falling or staying asleep but don't have Lavender, try using Sweet Marjoram, Chamomile, Sandalwood, Rose, or Vanilla instead. 

Stress and Anxiety Each of us experience feelings of stress and anxiety, perhaps on a daily basis. Lavender is great for calming the mind and emotions. However, if you want to try a different oil, Jasmine, Bergamot, Vetiver, or Frankincense can do the trick. 

Healthy Hair and Scalp Looking for thicker, healthier hair and a clean scalp? Lavender does both! However, if you're short on Lavender, try using Rosemary, Cedarwood, Thyme, or Clary Sage to support healthy hair growth. If you're looking to care for a dry scalp, use Tea Tree or Peppermint. 

Skin Care Known as an all-in-one oil, Lavender can just about do it all. If you want to experience the skin benefits that Lavender has to offer but don't have it in your collection, don't fret! Try using Rosehip, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Chamomile, or Eucalyptus to help reduce blemishes, smooth your complexion, and unleash your inner glow. 

Germ Killer Lavender has natural antimicrobial properties, which makes it a great addition to your natural cleaning solutions. If you don't have Lavender but want a way to naturally and safely keep germs at bay, try using Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, or Tea Tree instead. 

Helichrysum 

Helichrysum Aromatic Substitutes Helichrysum is one of those floral oils that is a little more on the expensive end of the spectrum. If you have a recipe that calls for Helichrysum but don't have it as part of your collection, try replacing it with Patchouli for a similar smell. 

Bye-Bye, Germs Helichrysum has powerful natural antimicrobial properties, which helps keep the germs away and your family healthy. If you want to have some added protection against germs but don't have Helichrysum, try using Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Lavender, or Sage instead. 

Allergies If the seasonal changes make you sneeze, cough, and get dry or itchy eyes, Helichrysum can help. But, if you don't have this particular floral oil, try using Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon, Oregano, Rosemary, or Clary Sage to open your airways and reduce allergy symptoms. 

Digestion Aid Looking to soothe an uncomfortable tummy issue or to simply support healthy digestion? If you don't have Helichrysum in your collection, you can always replace it with Cardamom, Chamomile, Coriander, or Ginger for similar benefits. 

Jasmine

Jasmine Aromatic Substitutes Jasmine oil is yet another of those pricier floral oils, but it is worth every penny! Jasmine offers a strong, more traditional floral smell. If you don't have Jasmine in your collection or are looking for an oil not quite as strong, try replacing it with Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, or Melissa for a similar aroma. 

Mood Boost If you experience frequent bouts of severe sadness or anxiety, Jasmine is an excellent oil to help relieve those feelings and replace them with calmness, peace, and joy. However, if you do not have Jasmine oil in your collection, you can always try replacing it with Bergamot, Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Lavender, Rosemary, or Chamomile. 

Antiseptic Looking for an extra way to keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of illness? Jasmine can help! Jasmine oil has powerful natural antiseptic properties to help reduce the possibility of getting sick or passing along illness. If you don't have Jasmine on hand, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Lavender, and Eucalyptus are all great substitutes. 

Aphrodisiac Bring a romantic mood with the help of Jasmine! This powerful aphrodisiac can boost libido, inspire feelings of self-confidence, and promote a passionate mood. If you want to experience such benefits but don't have Jasmine, try replacing it with Ylang Ylang, Rose, Neroli, Sandalwood, or Clary Sage. 

Soothe the Mind Jasmine offers powerful sedative benefits, soothing the mind and body into a more relaxed state that can promote peace and better sleep. Try replacing Jasmine with Lavender, Bergamot, Chamomile, Sweet Marjoram, or Cedarwood for similar benefits. 

Hyssop

Hyssop Aromatic Substitutes Hyssop is a great floral oil but perhaps not quite as popular as some others. If you find yourself in need of Hyssop but don't have a bottle, you can try using Clary Sage or Roman Chamomile for a similar smell. 

Soothe Muscle Spasms If you experience tight muscles or frequent spasms, Hyssop can help provide relief. For the times you don't have Hyssop available, try using Peppermint, Helichrysum, or Marjoram instead. 

Clear Your Throat Got a stuffy nose or congestion? Hyssop can help clear congestion and open up your airways. But, if you are looking for an oil you already have in your collection that offers similar benefits, try replacing Hyssop with Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, or Thyme oil. 

Immune Boost Want to give your immune system an extra oomph? If you don't have Hyssop, try using Lemon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, or Tea Tree to support a healthy immune system. 

Ylang Ylang 

Ylang Ylang Aromatic Substitutes Known as "poor man's Jasmine," Ylang Ylang offers many of the same benefits as its more expensive cousin. If you need a substitute for Ylang Ylang, Jasmine is definitely the closest you can get. But, if you don't have Jasmine, either Rose, Neroli, Geranium, or even Honeysuckle are also close in the aroma. 

Mood Boost Feeling a little blue and need a boost? Ylang Ylang is great for promoting feelings of peace and self-confidence. But, if you don't have Ylang Ylang, don't worry! Simply try replacing it with Peppermint, Orange, Bergamot, or Lemon. 

Ease Stress Life got you stressed? Ylang Ylang is a powerful aid in reducing feelings of stress and replacing them with those of hope and positivity. For those times you don't have Ylang Ylang, try using Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, Melissa, Clary Sage, Jasmine, or Chamomile instead. 

Boost Libido As a cousin to Jasmine, Ylang Ylang also has powerful aphrodisiac benefits. If you are looking to replace frigidity with confidence or boost libido, but you don't have Ylang Ylang, try using Jasmine if you have it. If not, Rose, Neroli, Clary Sage, and Sandalwood are excellent substitutes. 

Clary Sage 

Clary Sage Aromatic Substitutes Clary Sage offers a more herbaceous, earthy, and musky aroma than most floral oils. If you need an aromatic substitute for this oil, try using Lavender, Chamomile, or Patchouli. 

Stress and Depression Do you experience frequent sessions of extreme stress or feelings of sadness and despair? If so, Clary Sage can help calm the mind and emotions, promoting a happier, more peaceful you. If you don't have Clary Sage, try using Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, or Frankincense instead. 

Menstrual Cramps At that certain time of the month, many women experience cramping during their menstrual cycle. One of Clary Sage's most well-known benefits is easing such cramping and making your monthly cycle more bearable. However, if you do not have Clary Sage when those cramps pop up, try using Lavender, Rose, Peppermint, Clove Bud, or Cinnamon Bark instead. 

Melissa

Melissa Aromatic Substitutes Melissa oil is on the higher price end for floral oils, but if you can get it, it is definitely worth it! However, we understand that not everyone can fit Melissa into their budget. If you're looking for an oil that smells similar, Jasmine is a great option. For an even more affordable oil, try Ylang Ylang. 

Allergies Got seasonal allergies? Help clear them up with Melissa! If you don't have Melissa oil on hand, you can try using Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, or Chamomile instead. 

Immune Boost Melissa is great for supporting a healthy immune system! For those times when you want to give your body a boost but don't have Melissa, you can always use Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Rosemary, Clove Bud, Peppermint, Oregano, or Eucalyptus instead. 

Anxious Nerves Do you feel particularly nervous or anxious about something in your life? Melissa can help calm down your nerves and replace them with feelings of positivity and peace. If you don't have this particular floral oil in your collection, Bergamot, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Frankincense, and Lavender make great substitutions. 

Neroli 

Neroli Aromatic Substitutes Neroli may be a little most unfamiliar to some people, but this floral oil packs a powerful punch, especially when it comes to skincare. But, if you don't have Neroli or care for its smell, you can replace it with Jasmine or Ylang Ylang for a similar aromatic experience. 

Rejuvenate Skin Neroli is great for promoting healthy, youthful-looking skin. If you want to experience these benefits but don't have Neroli oil in your collection, you can try using Frankincense, Lemon, Clary Sage, Lavender, or Carrot Seed instead. 

Acne Buster Clear up blemishes and get clearer skin with Neroli! However, if you don't have a bottle of Neroli, you can still achieve clear skin by replacing it with Tea Tree, Oregano, Rosemary, Lemon, or Lavender. 

Rose 

Rose Aromatic Substitutes Rose is an incredible essential oil that offers amazing benefits. However, Rose oil is extremely expensive. If getting Rose is not within your budget, Palmarosa makes an excellent aromatic substitute. However, if you don't have Palmarosa oil, Geranium will do just fine. 

Pain Ease If you suffer from stiff muscles or joints, Rose can help ease your discomfort. However, if you'd rather save your Rose oil or don't have any, you can experience similar benefits with Lavender, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Chamomile. 

Menstrual Cramps Does that time of the month come with uncomfortable and painful cramps? If so, Rose oil can help ease menstrual cramping and help you rest. Clary Sage is an excellent substitute for those who do not have Rose in their collection. You can also try Lavender, Peppermint, or Ylang Ylang. 

Germ Fighter Did you know that Rose oil has natural antibacterial properties? Help keep the germs away with Rose! Or, if you don't have Rose, try using Cedarwood, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Lemon, or Lavender instead. 

Romance Rose is perhaps the most well-known aphrodisiac out there. This oil can really set the mood, from fresh rose petals on the bed to Rose oil diffusing in the air. If you're looking to get a romantic evening set up with your significant other but don't have any Rose, try using Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, or Jasmine instead. 

Patchouli

Patchouli Aromatic Substitute Patchouli offers a rich, herbaceous, and sweet earthy aroma instead of a more traditional floral smell. If you don't have Patchouli, Clary Sage has a similar earthy aroma, a great aromatic substitute. 

Pimples Be Gone Are blemishes overruling your skin? Use Patchouli to help reduce blemishes and protect your skin from more severe breakouts. If you don't have Patchouli, you can get similar help from Tea Tree, Geranium, Myrrh, or Chamomile oil. 

Appetite Control For those trying to eat healthier or stick to a diet, Patchouli can potentially help suppress cravings. If you don't have Patchouli on hand, try using Orange, Lemon, Bergamot, or Grapefruit instead. 

Deodorant Patchouli is a natural deodorant, fighting odors that linger around the home or on your body. If you want a fresh-smelling home or body but don't have Patchouli, you can substitute it with Lemon, Lemongrass, Lavender, Rosemary, Tea Tree, or Orange. 

Palmarosa 

Palmarosa Aromatic Substitutes Palmarosa is very similar to Rose oil in its smell and offers a host of benefits. If you have a recipe that calls for Palmarosa but doesn't have a bottle in your collection, Rose the is the best aromatic substitute. However, if you don't have Rose, you can also use Geranium or Neroli oil. 

Digestion Aid If you experience bloating, nausea, or upset stomach, Palmarosa can help settle your stomach and promote proper digestion. When you don't have Palmarosa, you can try using Peppermint, Fennel, Coriander, Ginger, or Cardamom instead. 

Respiratory Aid For the times when you have difficulty breathing or need help opening your airway, Palmarosa can help. If you don't have Palmarosa in your collection, try using Rosemary, Peppermint, Frankincense, Thyme, Cinnamon Bark, or Eucalyptus instead. 

Stress and Anxiety Palmarosa is great for reducing feelings of stress, sadness, or nervousness. For those times when you need to calm your emotions but don't have Palmarosa, you can substitute it with Lavender, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, or Jasmine. 

Geranium

Geranium Aromatic Substitutes Geranium oil offers a sweet, mild floral aroma. However, if you do not have Geranium, Lavender makes a great aromatic substitute. 

Fatigue Do you feel excessively tired or exhausted throughout the day? Geranium can help give you a boost of energy to make it through your day. If you don't have Geranium oil, you can use Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Black Pepper, or Basil to give you the energy you need. 

Allergies Don't let seasonal allergies stop you from enjoying the outdoors. Use Geranium to lessen your symptoms if you've got a stuffy nose, sneezes, or itchy eyes. If you don't have Geranium oil, you can substitute it with Lavender, Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint, or Lemon. 

Acne Aid Use Geranium to help ease the pain and scarring that can come from acne and blemishes. If you want to clear up your skin but don't have Geranium, you can replace it with Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile, or Patchouli. 

Picking Your Own Essential Oil Substitutes

If you are looking for additional essential oil substitutes, you can always pick your own oil. When choosing an essential oil to replace another, it is important to note that no two oils are exactly the same. While we can't expect to experience the exact same effects when replacing an oil, we sure can get close! 

When choosing your own essential oil substitute, remember that there are two main types of essential oil substitutions: aromatic and therapeutic. An aromatic substitution is simply when you wish to switch one oil for another that has a similar aroma. This can be the case for diffuser blends, perfumes, body or room sprays, or scented lotion. If you are looking to substitute an oil for aromatic purposes, you will want to replace it with one that has a smell in the same aromatic category. For example, substitute a floral oil with another floral, or a spicy oil with another spicy one, and so on. 

A therapeutic essential oil substitution focuses on replacing one oil for another that has similar benefits. No two oils are alike, and while many offer the same benefits, there will be some tradeoffs. Some substituted oils may be closer to the one you are replacing than others, but oftentimes there are many oils that offer the same benefit in addition to others. When choosing to substitute an oil for therapeutic benefits, we recommend replacing it with an oil whose dominating benefits are similar to the one you're replacing. For example, substitute an oil known to help with skin with another one that has to dominate skin benefits. 

You don't have to have a bottle of every single essential oil in order to experience the many benefits they offer. Whether your collection is large or small, you can still follow essential oil recipes by substituting oils and experimenting with what you have. And be sure to share with us your favorite floral oil substitutes! 

Need to substitute a citrus oil? Check out this blog post!