An awkward date, ’80s shoulder pads, polishing off that last slice of pizza when you were already full — we’ve all experienced moments of regret.

We’re lookin’ at you, legwarmers.

Fortunately, there’s one decision that continually delights us: choosing essential oils that tackle all sorts of challenges. We never regret adding the most versatile essential oils to our arsenal!

What are the most important essential oils to have?

You might as well ask us which essential oil has the coolest superpower or which one is the most luxurious. Choosing the most important oils is like choosing your favorite child — the answer varies depending on the day.

While it’s difficult to say which are the most important essential oils to have, we can give you a list of oils that are so versatile they’re guaranteed to outlive the trendy things we can’t seem to give up. Stock up on these average, everyday Essential Oil rock stars and you’ll love them long after your obsession with high-waisted pants has faded.

1. Eucalyptus Globulus essential oilEucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil

Why you need it:

It’s refreshing, it’s exhilarating, and it’s cleansing! Luxury spas and dedicated yogis swear by Eucalyptus Globulus, an earthy oil with a soothing, comforting aroma. Originating in China, Eucalyptus Globulus is one of three varieties of eucalyptus essential oil Young Living carries.

How to use it:

  • Quick pick-me-up: Combine 3 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus with 3 drops of V-6 and rub onto your chest and neck to invigorate the senses and the soul.
  • Travel buddy: Put 3-5 drops on a cotton ball and stash in the corner of your hotel room to freshen the air.
  • Soothing at-home spa: Add a few drops around the rim of your bathtub and breathe deeply as you destress from the day.

2. Lavender essential oilLavender Essential Oil

Why you need it:

Lavender essential oil is 100 percent regret free—unlike popping collars on our polos. We love it so much we included it on our list of top 10 must-haves, the oils that do almost everything, and the list of oils that happy people use. No wonder it’s a Young Living favorite! It is certainly one of the most versatile essential oils we have!

How to use it:

  • Calming companion: Put an AromaGlide Roller Fitment on your bottle and roll it on anytime, anywhere. On-the-go relaxation was never so easy!
  • High-performance hair hydration: Treat dry hair to a conditioning hair mask that contains 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 3 drops Lavender, and 2 drops Cedarwood. Apply to hair, let sit for 5 minutes, and rinse. Wash and dry as usual.
  • Dewy delight: Add a drop or two of Lavender essential oil to your moisturizer morning and night to rehydrate parched skin and boycott the appearance of blemishes.

3. Clary Sage essential oilClary Sage Essential Oil

Why you need it:

If you prefer a more complex essential oil, go with Clary Sage. It has a sweet, floral, nutty, earthy, all-things aroma that both calms and uplifts. Perhaps Clary Sage’s complexity comes from this botanical being native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa. How can you regret something with such rich roots?

How to use it:

  • Nighttime necessity: Put a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball, place in your pillowcase, and inhale the relaxing aroma as you drift off to dreamland.
  • Radiance booster: Add Clary Sage to unscented lotion for a uniquely floral scent and a moisturizer that revitalizes dull, dry skin.

4. Orange essential oilOrange Essential Oil

Why you need it:

Orange’s* bright, happy scent is as energizing as a morning walk on a spring day — something we never regret! This versatile essential oil is packed with benefits and blends well with other essential oils, from spicy to sweet.

How to use it:

  • Double duty: Check out Orange’s dual cleaning power! You can make an all-purpose cleaner with 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, and 10 drops Orange. Or you can get serious about sticky residue by adding a drop or two to an old cloth to tackle stubborn stickers.
  • Fine-line fighter: Seek out smoother skin with a few drops of Orange in your face wash as part of your nighttime skin care.
  • Fresh-scented smile: Freshen breath with a more a-peeling mouthwash. Add 1 drop each of Orange and Spearmint to 1 tablespoon of water. Swish for up to 1 minute and spit out.

5. Tea Tree essential oilTea Tree Essential Oil

Why you need it:

If you could own a less-than-zero-regret essential oil, Tea Tree would be it. It has an impressive list of uses and benefits. Also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, this Australian native is one of the most versatile essential oils in the world.

How to use it:

  • Spring breeze: Diffuse Tea Tree oil in a stuffy room to battle bad odors and breathe easy.
  • Cuticle caretaker: Add a few drops to a cotton ball and rub on skin and nails for happy, healthy-looking fingers and toes.
  • Spot-on purifier: Put a drop of Tea Tree on a cotton swab and apply directly to blemishes for brighter, more balanced skin.

6. Peppermint essential oilPeppermint Essential Oil

Why you need it:

Zero regret = must have = Peppermint essential oil. When we count our favorite essential oils, we count Peppermint twice — often three times. This popular essential oil leaves a tingling, cooling sensation, and its familiar fresh scent is particularly uplifting.

How to use it:

  • Tension tamer: Dilute Peppermint with a carrier oil and apply to the neck, forehead, temples, and jaw to battle head tension.
  • Wake-up call: Diffuse when you feel yourself dozing off at your desk for a crisp, energizing aroma to avoid the midday slump.
  • Shower shake-up: Add Peppermint essential oil to shampoo and massage into your scalp for a tingly way to start the day.

7. Frankincense essential oilFrankincense Essential Oil

Why you need it:

Frankincense essential oil multitasks like there’s no tomorrow—it benefits the body and speaks to the soul. This earthy oil of ancient scripture is one of the most versatile essential oils, its uses include from enhancing beauty to elevating mediation. It supports a trend we hope never disappears: self-care!

How to use it:

  • Meditative moment: Diffuse small amounts during prayer, yoga, or spiritual practices to stay focused and present.
  • Renewed you: Add Frankincense to face lotion and apply morning and night to moisturize skin, smooth its appearance, and maintain radiance.
  • Centering scent: Rub a few drops into your hands, cup lightly over your nose, and breathe deeply to enjoy the warm, grounding aroma.

8. Rosemary essential oilRosemary Essential Oil

Why you need it:

Regrets about using Rosemary essential oil? No way! Rosemary is more than an herb you toss on top of homemade rolls. The essential oil from this woodsy botanical goes way beyond marinades and marinara.

How to use it:

  • Natural escape: Bring the crisp scent of the outdoors in with a DIY linen spray: 8 ounces distilled water, 5 drops Rosemary, 5 drops Lemon oil, and 3 drops Lavender. Spritz on blankets, sheets, and couches.
  • Smoothing treatment: Mix 2 drops Rosemary and 1 drop Cedarwood with a small amount of coconut oil. Massage into scalp to drench dehydrated locks.
  • Essential step: Add 1 drop Rosemary to 4 drops jojoba oil. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to freshly washed face for a final cleanse.

9. Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oilNorthern Lights Black Spruce Essential Oil

Why you need it:

It’s time to take an aromatic trip to Young Living’s Northern Lights Farm in British Columbia, Canada! We “wood” never regret surrounding ourselves in the sweet-smelling scent of Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oil. It’s as exhilarating as this woodsy oil’s long list of uses.

How to use it:

  • Scented sidekick: Add to DIY cologne to create a custom scent to keep you energized during date night.
  • Flyaway finisher: Tame frizzy hair by adding a drop to Mirah Lustrous Hair Oil and smoothing over hair.
  • Elevated evergreen: Diffuse with Copaiba and Lime for a scent reminiscent of the cold coast of British Columbia.

10. Lemongrass essential oilLemongrass Essential Oil

Why you need it:

If you like a little herb with your citrus, you’ll love Lemongrass essential oil. The scent is sweet yet herbal, fresh yet musky. We adore Lemongrass — and not just because this citrus oil is a beast when it comes to bad odors.

How to use it:

  • Porch partner: Let Lemongrass’s clean-smelling scent help you relax as you people watch from your porch swing.
  • Post-workout therapy: Massage into sore legs and feet after exercise or add to Ortho Ease Massage Oil for added tingle, thanks to Wintergreen and Peppermint essential oils.
  • Pre-pedi remedy: Add to body wash or a foot soak for its skin-cleansing properties.

11. Patchouli essential oilPatchouli Essential Oil

Why you need it:

Although Patchouli is part of the mint family, this essential oil has a complex scent — musky and sultry. The unique aroma is often found in perfumes, soaps, candles, and incense. Some people think Patchouli is only for the free-spirited hippie. We’re here to tell you Patchouli is for everyone.

How to use it:

  • Peaceful soak:Sprinkle 8 drops of Patchouli into your bath and settle in to its grounding, relaxing scent.
  • Botanical base:Make a DIY perfume using Patchouli as a base note.
  • Squeaky-clean skin:Add a drop or two to your favorite face wash or serum to transform dry, dull skin.

12. Cinnamon Bark essential oilCinnamon Bark Essential Oil

Why you need it:

When it comes to zero-regret essential oils, Cinnamon Bark essential oil* is high on the list. This cuddly oil smells spicy and sweet, and its scent is as comforting as your favorite childhood sitcom. Cinnamon Bark plays a major role in our top-selling Thieves essential oil blend.

How to use it:

  • Everyday holiday: Celebrate the holidays any day. Diffuse Cinnamon Bark with Lemon and R.C. essential oils and savor the bright, warm aroma.
  • Tootsie TLC: Dilute with V-6 and massage into tired feet before bed.
  • Kitchen comfort: De-stink the kitchen sink! Run your garbage disposal, add 3-5 drops of Cinnamon Bark, and let the scent spice up your kitchen.

*Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 48 hours after applying product.


We’ve shared three dozen uses for one dozen essential oils, but we’re just getting started.

Which trends have your favorite oils outlived? Tell us in the comments!


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This post is also available in: Chinese (Traditional)