Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have seen the aromatherapy industry boom. Almost every spa and salon has at least one service with an aromatherapy add-on. Traditional aromatherapy is primarily based on essential oils and esters from specific plants said to provide health benefits—including mental health perks. 

With that said, some aromatherapy scents are more popular than others. These are the ones you’ll find in almost every salon or spa around the world.

Lavender

To absolutely no one’s surprise, lavender almost always leads the pack when it comes to popular aromatherapy scents. Lavender has been used as a fragrance for stress relief since the days of antiquity, specifically Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece. 

It also was known for being an aphrodisiac and a sleep inducer back in the day. To many people’s surprise, both its sleep aid qualities and its “spicy” qualities were later backed by science. 

Vanilla

Warming yet surprisingly fresh, it’s hard to hate the smell of vanilla. Much like lavender, vanilla is used for stress reduction and mood enhancement. Some also use it as a sleep aid. Because it works well with other fragrances, vanilla is often mixed with other esters for a custom blend.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is a potent, fresh, and herbal-smelling oil that feels like a nice kick in the teeth when you first inhale it. It’s famous for its ability to reinvigorate, energize, and awaken people. There is also some light proof to suggest it can help reduce inflammation and improve respiration. 

Mint 

It’s not just for your toothpaste anymore! Mint is often used as a fragrance to help refresh and awaken tired souls. It also happens to be a favorite pick for people who want to improve their mental focus via aromatherapy. Besides, it’s such a fresh scent, it’s hard to hate it. 

Lemon, Bergamot, Or Orange

Almost every single citrus fruit ester is going to be popular for aromatherapy treatments. They are often used to help awaken and reenergize tired clients. Many citrus fruit scents, including lemon and bergamot, are known for improving a person’s mood. 

Bergamot, in particular, tends to be a popular and upscale aromatherapy oil choice. This fruit is a relative to lemons and is known for its particularly potent, heady scent. 

Neroli

When you hit the beach this summer, you might smell neroli. Neroli, also known as orange blossom, has a very beachy smell that people often associate with summer months. It’s a great choice for enhancing one’s relaxation and improving your overall mood. 

Chamomile

It’s not just for tea, folks! Chamomile is a great choice for people who want to kick their relaxation up a notch. This daisy-like flower has an enchanting, herbal smell that also works wonderfully as a sleep aid. 

Cedarwood

Smoky and woodsy, cedarwood is a popular choice for aromatherapy treatments geared toward men. This scent enhances relaxation. It also happens to be a great pick for keeping certain bugs (like moths) at bay—which is why it’s often sprayed in upscale linen closets.