The Market Is Flooded With Essential Oils—Here Are 12 You Need

Best for Meditation: Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil

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Say the words “essential oil” and the first one you may think of is lavender. It evokes the very essence that is aromatherapy—calming, comforting, subtle, yet very effective at transporting you to your happy place. It’s a great addition to your yoga or meditation sessions, as it can further deepen your mindfulness in the moment. Or if you’re feeling more stationary, add a few drops to a warm bath for the best relaxation money can buy.

Best for Hair Growth: Briogeo B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil

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When we think of castor oil, we might think of it as a beauty ingredient from our grandmother’s generation. It’s been around for quite some time, though lately has been replaced with far more luxurious and pricier oils. Despite this, castor oil can still be an affordable option when it comes to helping promote hair growth. Because it's antibacterial and antifungal, it can help with scalp conditions like folliculitis and dandruff. To use, simply dispense a small amount and massage it onto your scalp and through your hair. Less is definitely more in this case. For your brow hairs, place a little product onto a mascara wand and comb through.

Best for Sleep: Rocky Mountain Oils Tranquility Essential Oil Blend

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One of the best times to apply an essential oil is right before bed. This super-calming blend of orange, patchouli, blue tansy, and lavender feels like a warm hug. Not only does it immediately relax your mind at first whiff, but you’ll also find your body melting right into bed (as it should). "For regulating your mood or preparing for sleep, deeply inhale from an eco-silk cloth or an organic cotton ball for 10 to 15 minutes," says Gillerman. "This mindful, aromatic breathing practice is more effective than putting the oil on your pillow."

Best for Anxiety: DoTerra Cedarwood Essential Oil

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Lose yourself in this warm, woodsy scent that promotes relaxation, even in the most chaotic of times. Considered the “grounding” essential oil, cedarwood has the ability to bring you back down to earth, and a successful way to do that is through active inhalation. According to Gillerman, active inhalation sends messages to your central nervous system to improve your emotional state (read: lessens anxiety) and helps to reverse your stress responses, like elevated cortisol.

After a challenging day, you can also diffuse this scent throughout your home for a soothing zen experience or add a drop or two to your facial toner for added skin-clarifying benefits.

Best for Dry Skin: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

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The scent of this 100% rosehip seed oil is divine, but its hydrating benefits are even better. High in omega fatty acids, this unrefined oil helps to reduce the signs of aging, moisturizes the skin, and calms irritation and inflammation. Slather all over the face and neck for baby-soft, glowing skin.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Desert Essence Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil

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It’s happened to the best of us: You wake up one morning, fully ready to take on the day, and then you discover a pesky zit. That's where tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, can come in. It’s antibacterial, making it ideal for eliminating blemishes, but also for speeding up skin’s healing (which can be slowed down by bacteria). Mix equal parts tea tree oil with distilled water for a DIY spot treatment. If you have other areas of concern, like your back or legs, add a few drops to the bath for a head-to-toe treatment.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil

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This nighttime oil is super affordable, but that's only one of its perks. Made with blue tansy and rose, this rich oil is gentle enough to use on the fussiest skin types. To get some serious hydration, massage onto the face as the last step in your skincare routine before bed. While you’re sleeping, let argan oil and vitamin E replenish and balance your skin. When you wake, admire your gorgeous, bright complexion.

Best for Anti-Aging: Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

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This Drunk Elephant oil is made of 100% marula oil, and it promises to protect against all kinds of skin stressors, like environmental damage and free radicals. While it’s shielding skin, marula oil also helps reduce the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness. The texture isn’t slippery (read: not greasy), so it glides nicely over the skin and is almost immediately absorbed. Users love that although the formula is gentle enough for all skin types, it’s powerful enough to tighten the look of pores and leave behind a healthy, youthful glow.

Best for Headaches: Rocky Mountain Oils Migraine Support Essential Oil

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All it takes is a swipe of this essential oil blend for headache or migraine relief. It's mixed with basil, lavender, and peppermint and promises to provides a peaceful reprieve from the pain. Apply to the temples and behind the ears if you’re experiencing head pain, and sweep over any other areas where you feel sore or achy. "When rubbed into your muscles, you will gradually feel the tension and pain melt away," says Gillerman. "Simultaneously, the essential oil vapors and the scent which are evaporating off your skin travel into your brain and your lungs. This triple effect of inhalation, scent, and relaxation can motivate you to heal faster."

Best for a Cold: Young Living Thieves Essential Oil

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There’s a reason moms stock up on this essential oil during the cold and flu season. It’s effective not only in neutralizing and purifying the air when diffused, but the blend claims to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious, making it the ultimate trifecta to use when you’re dealing with a cold. Dilute with a carrier oil, and massage onto your feet (take it a step further and wear socks overnight) and your chest, diffuse into the air, or add one or two drops to water and take a swig.