30 Best Essential Oils for Summer Wellness

During the summer season, essential oils can offer a refreshing and uplifting experience, and there are several essential oils for summer wellness.

Summer essential oils are plant-based oils known for their refreshing, cooling and uplifting properties, making them ideal for use during warmer months. These oils can help protect against seasonal concerns like insects, sun exposure and overheating while also supporting mood, energy and skin health.

Many essential oils for summer offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory or soothing effects, helping you stay balanced during hot and humid weather.

These oils are often light, citrusy, floral or herbaceous in aroma, making them perfect for diffusing in the home, using in DIY body sprays, applying in diluted form to the skin, or adding to summer skin care and hair care routines.

Best essential oils for summer

Here are some of the best essential oils for summer and their potential benefits:

1. Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil provides a cooling sensation and can help alleviate feelings of heat and fatigue. It may also help with digestion and relieve headaches.

Peppermint essential oil is renowned for its powerful cooling effects, making it ideal during hot summer days. It helps lower body temperature when applied (diluted) to the skin and can soothe heat rashes and sunburns.

Aromatically, peppermint boosts alertness, relieves fatigue and even helps relieve headaches triggered by heat. It’s also effective at repelling bugs and easing indigestion, both common summer complaints.

2. Citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit)

Citrus essential oils are known for their uplifting and invigorating properties. They can promote a positive mood, boost energy, and provide a fresh and zesty scent.

Citrus oils are bright, uplifting and perfect for summer moods. They offer antimicrobial and detoxifying properties, supporting immunity and digestion, which can both be challenged by heat.

Lemon oil, for instance, has been shown to help with nausea, digestion, skin health, weight management, purification and oral health, among other benefits.

Orange oil, meanwhile, is among the best essential oils for summer due to its potent antibacterial and immune-boosting effects. It’s also a great addition to cleaning products and so much more.

Grapefruit essential oil, much like lemon and orange oil, holds antibacterial properties and can help with weight loss, immunity, stress, sugar cravings, circulation, digestion, energy levels, mood, skin, hair and more.

Lemon and grapefruit oils are especially energizing and can be used in body sprays or diffusers to freshen up any space. Be mindful of photosensitivity, however, and avoid applying to skin before sun exposure.

3. Lavender

Lavender essential oil is versatile and can be used year-round. In the summer, it can help soothe sunburns, minor cuts and insect bites.

It also promotes relaxation and can aid in getting a good night’s sleep.

Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils and shines in summer. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for calming irritated or sensitive skin.

Lavender also promotes restful sleep and reduces stress, especially when heat disrupts your ability to relax. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best essential oils for summer and beyond.

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil has a cooling effect and can help clear the airways, making it beneficial during hot and humid summer days. It may also repel insects.

Eucalyptus has a sharp, refreshing aroma that opens the airways and supports respiratory health, which can be helpful when summer allergens are high. Its antimicrobial and cooling effects also make it great for DIY cooling sprays.

Eucalyptus can help reduce muscle soreness after outdoor activity as well.

5. Spearmint

Similar to peppermint, spearmint essential oil provides a cooling sensation. It can help relieve tension, improve focus and offer a refreshing aroma.

Milder than peppermint, spearmint provides a gentle cooling sensation and a fresh, minty aroma that lifts energy without being overpowering. It’s ideal for those sensitive to strong oils and works well in blends for kids.

Spearmint supports digestion, soothes headaches, and is effective in summer deodorant or breath-freshening sprays.

6. Geranium

Geranium essential oil has a lovely floral scent and can help balance emotions. It may also act as a natural insect repellent.

Geranium essential oil is balancing for skin, helping regulate oil production and combat acne and breakouts caused by heat and sweat. It also has a floral scent that uplifts mood and helps with hormone balance, perfect for PMS or menopausal symptoms worsened by summer stress or heat.

7. Tea tree

Tea tree essential oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making it useful for minor cuts, scrapes or bug bites that are more common during the summer.

With strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is great for managing skin irritation, acne and athlete’s foot, common summer skin conditions. It can be added to DIY deodorant, foot sprays or scalp treatments.

Tea tree also acts as a natural insect deterrent and supports immune health.

8. Cedarwood

Naturally grounding with a woody scent, cedarwood essential oil helps repel insects and promote calmness. It also supports oily skin, making it ideal for summer breakouts.

Cedarwood has a warm, woody aroma that grounds and calms the nervous system. In summer, it’s especially valued for its insect-repelling qualities and its ability to help with oily or acne-prone skin. It can be used in natural colognes, nighttime diffusions or after-sun skin care.

9. Basil

This invigorating oil helps boost mental clarity and acts as a natural insect repellent. It may also ease muscle tension from outdoor activity.

Basil essential oil sharpens focus and clears mental fog that can come with heat fatigue. It also relieves muscle aches and acts as a strong insect repellent.

Add to massage blends or diffuser mixes for a sharp, herbaceous lift.

10. Chamomile (Roman or German)

Known for its soothing properties, chamomile essential oil calms irritated skin from sun exposure and supports relaxation, especially when heat disrupts sleep.

Chamomile is calming and anti-inflammatory. It’s ideal for soothing skin inflamed by sun or insect bites. It also helps promote restful sleep and relieves tension when summer nights are restless due to heat.

11. Citronella

A well-known natural bug repellent, citronella oil keeps mosquitoes at bay. It’s also energizing and deodorizing, ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Famous for this bug-repelling power, citronella is a must-have during summer evenings outdoors. It also helps neutralize odors and supports a clean, fresh-smelling environment when diffused or used in homemade body sprays.

12. Lemongrass

This citrusy oil is another insect-repelling powerhouse. It also works as a skin toner, can reduce body odor and is mentally clarifying.

With its citrusy, fresh scent, lemongrass oil is both invigorating and purifying. It’s also known for supporting the lymphatic system and relieving muscle aches.

13. Lemon balm (Melissa)

Melissa essential oil has antiviral and calming effects, making it great for stress, immunity and summer skin issues. This gentle, citrus-floral oil helps soothe anxiety and emotional stress.

It adds a subtle, calming element to blends meant for relaxation.

14. Helichrysum

Sometimes called “liquid gold,” helichrysum essential oil is excellent for after-sun care. It promotes skin regeneration and reduces inflammation and redness.

A powerhouse for skin regeneration, helichrysum supports healing from sunburns, cuts and bruises. It reduces inflammation, redness and irritation and is frequently used in after-sun skin care and facial serums.

15. Jasmine

This rich, floral oil boosts mood and libido and is often used in summer perfumes. It helps hydrate dry skin and soothes nervous tension.

Jasmine essential oil’s floral aroma is uplifting, sensual and stress-relieving. In summer, it hydrates sun-exposed skin and enhances mood.

It’s often used in natural perfumes or as a soothing nighttime oil.

16. Neroli

Neroli oil is great for sensitive skin and stress relief. It balances oil production, making it beneficial for skin exposed to sweat and sun.

It also helps reduce acne, irritation and signs of stress on the skin. Its gentle floral scent promotes emotional balance and calms restlessness.

17. Rose

A luxurious floral oil with cooling and hydrating effects, rose oil supports emotional wellness, soothes sun-parched skin and reduces inflammation.

Rose essential oil is cooling, hydrating and perfect for mature or sun-stressed skin. It helps tone, reduce inflammation and support mood during the hormonal shifts that summer heat can exacerbate.

It’s a luxurious addition to mists and serums.

18. Ylang ylang

This sweet, exotic floral oil helps lower stress and regulate oil production. It also acts as a natural perfume or hair moisturizer during summer.

Ylang ylang oil has calming and uplifting effects. It helps reduce stress, balance skin oils and adds depth to summer perfumes. It also supports heart health and libido during warmer months.

19. Carrot seed

Carrot seed oil provides antioxidant support and is excellent for mature or sun-damaged skin. It may also offer mild natural SPF benefits.

This oil is rich in antioxidants and known for its skin-repairing abilities. It may offer mild UV protection and is a great addition to after-sun care or facial oils for mature or dry skin, along with other skin-soothing essential oils for summer.

20. Cypress

Cypress oil improves circulation, reduces swelling and is a natural deodorizer. It helps prevent clogged pores from summer sweating.

Cypress improves lymphatic flow, making it ideal for reducing swelling and water retention during humid days. It also helps tighten pores, especially in DIY body sprays and toners.

21. Lime

With a crisp, energizing aroma, lime essential oil uplifts mood and supports digestion. It also acts as an antiseptic for minor cuts or skin irritations.

Lime oil is crisp, fresh and great for clearing the mind. It has antibacterial properties and adds a lively aroma to diffusers or homemade cleaning sprays.

Like other citrus essential oils for summer, avoid sun exposure after skin application.

22. Rosemary

This clarifying herb oil supports focus, helps balance oily skin and scalp, and can provide natural sun protection in hair care routines.

Rosemary oil is invigorating and improves focus and circulation. Because it helps balance oily hair and scalp, it’s ideal for summer hair rinses.

It also provides antioxidant support to protect the skin against environmental stress.

23. Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil soothes inflamed skin, improves mental clarity, and adds a warm, grounding note to summer blends or after-sun treatments.

This earthy, rich oil is grounding and deeply hydrating, especially for dry, sun-exposed skin. It soothes irritation, calms the mind, and can be used in meditation blends or after-sun treatments to restore moisture.

24. Patchouli

Often used for skin issues, patchouli oil helps with dryness or irritation and works well in earthy summer fragrances or deodorants.

Patchouli has a musky aroma and is deeply calming. It supports skin regeneration and can ease inflammation.

It’s especially helpful for heat rashes and summer skin stress.

25. Ginger

Ginger essential oil stimulates circulation, supports digestion (often sluggish in the heat) and adds warmth to blends on cooler summer nights.

In cooler summer evenings, it’s great for muscle relief and travel sickness. When used in small amounts, ginger oil adds an energizing kick to blends.

26. Juniper berry

Refreshing and detoxifying, juniper berry oil helps with water retention and adds a crisp note to room sprays or body mists.

Juniper berry oil detoxifies and cleanses the skin and body. It is effective in body oils or bath blends for lymphatic drainage.

Its crisp, woody scent is also emotionally uplifting.

27. Clary sage

Clary sage oil is calming and balancing for hormones and emotions. It’s especially useful during summer PMS or menopausal symptoms.

It also promotes restful sleep and helps relieve muscle cramps and stress.

28. Hyssop

The lesser-known hyssop oil has antiviral, decongestant and circulation-supporting benefits. It can be diffused to ease seasonal respiratory issues.

Hyssop is an underrated oil that has a refreshing, slightly minty aroma that blends well with eucalyptus or citrus oils.

29. Marjoram

Sweet marjoram essential oil soothes muscle tension, supports restful sleep and has calming effects perfect for relaxing on hot, busy summer evenings.

It’s excellent for winding down after an active summer day and supports deep sleep. Add it to massage oils, or blend with lavender for nighttime use.

30. Bergamot

With its bright, citrusy aroma, bergamot oil is uplifting and stress-relieving. It supports emotional balance and can also help purify the skin.

This citrus-floral oil improves mood, making it great for summer anxiety or burnout. It helps balance oily skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes.

Avoid sun exposure after applying to skin due to photosensitivity, like other citrus essential oils for summer.

Remember to dilute essential oils for summer properly before using them on the skin, and follow safety guidelines. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using these essential oils for summer.

How to use essential oils for summer

• Diffusion: Use an essential oil diffuser to disperse the aroma of your chosen essential oils throughout your living space. This can create a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere. Citrus oils like lemon, orange or grapefruit are particularly invigorating when diffused.
• Topical application: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil, before applying them to your skin. You can create a cooling body oil by combining a few drops of peppermint or spearmint oil with a carrier oil and massaging it onto your skin. Remember to perform a patch test first, and avoid direct sunlight after applying photosensitive oils like citrus oils.
• Cooling mist: Create a cooling mist by combining distilled water, aloe vera gel, and a few drops of peppermint, spearmint or lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before use, and spritz it on your face or body to cool down on hot days.
• Refreshing bath: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a warm bath for a refreshing and relaxing experience. Eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender oils work well for this purpose. You can also mix them with Epsom salts for added relaxation. You can try the following DIY bath recipes: Relaxing Bath Recipe with Lavender Oil & Epsom Salt or Homemade Bubble Bath with Lavender & Chamomile.
• Homemade bug repellent: Create a natural bug repellent by combining essential oils, like citronella, lemongrass or lavender, with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or witch hazel. Apply the mixture to exposed areas of skin before going outdoors to help keep bugs away. You can try this All-Natural Homemade Bug Spray as well, which combines witch hazel with apple cider vinegar and essential oils for summer like eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella, tea tree and rosemary.
• Aromatherapy inhalation: If you’re out and about, carry a small inhaler or use a tissue to inhale the aroma of your chosen essential oils for summer wellness. This can provide a quick mood boost and refreshing sensation.

Remember to always follow proper dilution ratios, adhere to safety guidelines, and consult a healthcare professional or aromatherapist if you have any concerns or specific health conditions.

Best summer essential oil blends

Try these refreshing and functional essential oil blends for summer to cool down, uplift your mood or keep insects away:

Cooling Body Spray

• 3 drops peppermint
• 3 drops lavender
• 2 drops eucalyptus
• 2 drops helichrysum
• Combine in 4 ounces of distilled water with 1 teaspoon witch hazel. Shake before each use.

Bug-Repelling Outdoor Blend

• 4 drops citronella
• 3 drops lemongrass
• 2 drops cedarwood
• 2 drops basil
• Use in a diffuser, or mix with carrier oil for skin-safe application.

After-Sun Soothing Blend

• 3 drops lavender
• 2 drops chamomile
• 2 drops rose
• 2 drops carrot seed
• Mix with aloe vera gel and coconut oil to apply to sun-exposed skin.

Uplifting Summer Diffuser Blend

• 3 drops lime
• 3 drops bergamot
• 2 drops neroli
• 2 drops ylang ylang
• Simply combine these essential oils for summer in a diffuser.

Evening Relaxation Blend

• 3 drops clary sage
• 2 drops marjoram
• 2 drops sandalwood
• 1 drop jasmine
• Add to a diffuser or diluted in a massage oil base.

Risks and side effects

While essential oils can provide many benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects, especially during the summer season.

Here are a few considerations:

• Photosensitivity: Some essential oils, particularly citrus oils like lemon, orange and grapefruit, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. This may result in an increased risk of sunburn or skin irritation when applied topically. To avoid this, it’s recommended to avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 to 24 hours after applying these oils topically, or use them in a diffuser instead.
• Skin irritation: Essential oils are highly concentrated, and applying them directly to the skin without proper dilution can cause irritation, redness or allergic reactions in some individuals. It’s important to dilute essential oils with a suitable carrier oil before applying them topically, and perform a patch test on a small area of skin before widespread use.
• Respiratory sensitivity: Some people may be sensitive or have respiratory allergies to certain essential oils. Strong, stimulating oils like peppermint or eucalyptus, when inhaled directly or in high concentrations, can trigger coughing, sneezing or breathing difficulties in susceptible individuals. Use essential oils in well-ventilated areas, and discontinue use if any respiratory discomfort occurs.
• Allergic reactions: Essential oils are derived from plants and may contain compounds that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It’s essential to be aware of any known allergies or sensitivities you may have to specific plants or fragrances. Conduct a patch test, and discontinue use if any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling or rash, occur.
• Interactions with medications: Certain essential oils can interact with medications or affect their efficacy. If you’re taking any medications, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils to ensure they are safe for you.

Always use essential oils responsibly, follow proper dilution guidelines, and seek professional advice if you have any concerns or specific health conditions.

Conclusion

• Using essential oils for summer is a natural way to enhance your seasonal wellness routine.
• From cooling the body and repelling insects to soothing sun-damaged skin and boosting mood, these oils offer powerful plant-based support.
• Whether you diffuse them, use them in body sprays or blend them into your skin care, the right summer essential oils can help you stay refreshed, balanced and vibrant all season long.