My 4 Favorite Aromatherapy Products to Help Boost Your Mood Naturally

So how does aromatherapy work, and does it actually change how you feel? While the connection between smell and how we feel is pretty intuitive, there's also some interesting science behind it.

Researchers have found that there are 50 million sensory neurons involved in the sense of smell. These nerve cells send signals through pathways connected to regions of the brain involved in memory, emotion, and the stress response. A review of clinical aromatherapy published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2024 concluded that essential oils also impact six major neurotransmitter pathways in the brain (including those heavily involved with mood, like serotonin and dopamine). It's findings like these that may help explain some of the growing list of aromatherapy benefits people report for stress and mood.

Lavender, in particular, has been widely studied when it comes to aromatherapy for anxiety and better sleep. One clinical trial of 140 postpartum women found that those who regularly inhaled lavender essential oil for a month experienced significantly lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to those who did not. And a systematic review of 20 randomized controlled trials published in Holistic Nursing Practice in 2022 found that lavender essential oil was associated with improved sleep quality among adults without insomnia. Citrus, meanwhile, may have mood-boosting effects. Some small studies suggest that lemon oil reliably enhances positive mood.

While research in this area is still developing and experiences may vary, aromatherapy is generally low-risk and accessible, offering an easy, gentle way to fold a little more calm into your day. However, those with allergies, sensitivities, or other medical concerns should consult an appropriate healthcare professional prior to use.

Smell is pretty personal, so you'll probably want to experiment with different kinds of products to see what notes and delivery methods resonate with you the most, and where they might best fit into your routine. For some inspiration to get started with, here are four aromatherapy products I return to again and again.

1. Plant Therapy Essential Oils

   A quality essential oil is one of the best investments you can make to harness the power of scent. If you're hunting for the best essential oils for anxiety or an everyday mood lift, a versatile bottle or two is the place to start. I like Plant Therapy for their variety of scents, third-party testing to ensure purity, organic options, and well-priced sampler sets. A couple of my favorites are the organic Sweet Orange and organic Lemongrass – both bright, uplifting, and perfect for a morning or mid-day pick-me-up. Use a few drops in a diffuser or a DIY room spray, or mix into a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) and use in a roll-on on pulse points.

2. Vitruvi Stone Diffuser

   I recently acquired a Vitruvi Stone Diffuser and have no regrets. Widely considered one of the best on the market, it's ceramic, quiet, and genuinely beautiful. One of the underrated essential oil diffuser benefits is double duty: this vase-like diffuser also works as a humidifier, a major bonus if you live in a dry climate like me.

3. Kitsch Lavender Weighted Satin Eye Mask

   This sleep mask – silky soft and ever-so-slightly weighted – is filled with dried lavender seeds, so it carries a wonderfully soothing scent. Given the well-documented lavender essential oil benefits for relaxation and rest, it's an easy win. I sometimes use it when I'm having sleep problems, but more often for mid-day lie-downs. Whether or not I actually drift off, the lavender helps me make the most of those few minutes I spend relaxing before tackling the rest of my afternoon.

4. Body Restore Shower Steamers

   An easy way to up the rejuvenation factor in your daily shower? Bring in some scent. I prefer to purchase dried eucalyptus at my local farmers market – just hang a bundle from the shower head and let the steam naturally diffuse the clarifying scent. As a handy alternative, Body Restore shower steamer packs are well-reviewed and convenient. Made with real essential oils (like eucalyptus mint, tea tree, or rose petal), they release a burst of scent, kind of like a bath bomb for the shower.

However you like your scent – diffused, dabbed on, or steamed into your shower – the real beauty of aromatherapy products is how easily they slot into a day you're already living. Start with one that speaks to you, notice how it shifts your mood, and build from there.

This article is for general informational purposes and reflects personal experience, not medical advice or a substitute for professional care. Products mentioned are third-party and are not affiliated with or endorsed by LifeStance Health.