Not all essential oils are created equal. Quality varies wildly — from 100% pure, GC/MS tested oils to watered-down blends cut with synthetic fragrance. We've spent months testing oils from the most popular brands on Amazon to help you find pure, effective oils that are actually worth your money.
In This Guide
1. Plant Therapy — Best Overall Brand
Plant Therapy Top 6 Organic Essential Oil Set
Plant Therapy is our #1 recommendation for most people. They offer USDA Certified Organic options, every batch is GC/MS tested (reports available online), and their KidSafe line is developed with Robert Tisserand, one of the world's leading aromatherapy experts. This 6-pack includes Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Orange, Tea Tree, and Lemongrass.
Pros
- USDA Certified Organic options
- GC/MS reports for every batch
- KidSafe line for families
- Excellent value per ml
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Some single oils priced higher than budget brands
- Smaller variety than Edens Garden
Plant Therapy also makes excellent pre-made blends. Their Germ Fighter blend and Worry Free blend are two of our favorites.
2. Edens Garden — Best Value
Edens Garden Top 12 Essential Oil Set
Edens Garden offers one of the widest selections on Amazon at very competitive prices. Their 12-oil set is one of the best values you'll find: Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Orange, Frankincense, Rosemary, Lemon, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, and Grapefruit.
Pros
- 12 oils for ~$33 (great value)
- GC/MS tested
- Huge variety of single oils & blends
- Cruelty-free, no fillers
Cons
- Not USDA Certified Organic
- Some oils ship in 5ml bottles
3. Rocky Mountain Oils — Best Premium
Rocky Mountain Oils Essentials Kit
Rocky Mountain Oils is a step up in quality and price. Each oil comes with a QR code linking to its specific GC/MS report. They source from small farms worldwide and their oils have noticeably richer, more complex scent profiles.
Pros
- QR code to GC/MS report on every bottle
- Exceptional scent quality
- Sustainably sourced
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Higher price per ml
- Smaller Amazon selection (most sold direct)
4. Handcraft Blends — Best Budget
Handcraft Blends Top 6 Essential Oil Set
If you're just getting started and don't want to spend a lot, Handcraft Blends offers solid quality at an unbeatable price. The set includes Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Orange, and Tea Tree — all in 10ml bottles.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- 10ml bottles (not tiny 5ml)
- GC/MS tested
- Premium glass bottles with dropper
Cons
- Scent profiles less complex than premium brands
- Smaller brand, less variety
5. Healing Solutions — Best Variety
Healing Solutions Top 10 Essential Oil Set
Healing Solutions offers one of the most popular sets on Amazon with 10 oils at a great price: Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Frankincense, Orange, Rosemary, Lemon, and Cinnamon. Good for experimenting with a wide variety.
Pros
- 10 oils at a budget price
- Wide variety for blending
- Therapeutic grade
Cons
- Smaller 10ml bottles
- GC/MS reports not as accessible
Best Carrier Oils for Topical Use
Essential oils should never be applied directly to skin without dilution. Carrier oils dilute essential oils for safe topical use — massage, roller bottles, bath blends, and DIY products. Here are our top picks:
Handcraft Fractionated Coconut Oil (16 oz)
The most popular carrier oil for a reason: odorless, lightweight, absorbs quickly, and never goes rancid. Perfect for roller bottles and massage blends.
Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil (4 oz)
Jojoba closely mimics skin's natural sebum. Best for facial applications, hair care, and sensitive skin blends.
Also consider: Sweet Almond Oil for massage, and Roller Bottles (24 pack) for making your own roll-on blends.
Essential Reading for Aromatherapy
These are the books we recommend to anyone wanting to deepen their aromatherapy knowledge:
- The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood — The classic reference book. Over 800 recipes and covers everything from health to household uses.
- Essential Oils for Beginners by Althea Press — Perfect introduction. Covers the top 15 oils, basic safety, and simple recipes.
- Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young — The definitive safety reference. Essential for anyone doing topical applications or making products.