8 Best Essential Oils for Summertime

Fact Checked

Katie Veldkamp, Certified Aromatherapist

Written by: Lindsay Belnas

Summer is upon us, with it comes sun-kissed skin, beach days, and a temperature rise.

In This Post

  1. 8 Best Summer Essential Oils
  2. Uses & Recipes

What many people don’t realize is that essential oils can make your summer even better. Whether you’re looking to soothe your skin after a long day in the sun, need a refreshing pick-me-up, or repel those pesky bugs, essential oils have got you covered. 

We have rounded up the 8 best summer essential oils to guide you and enhance your summer experience! Check them out!

8 Best Summer Essential Oils

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Geranium Essential Oil

Aroma: Floral & Sweet

Geranium Essential Oil is definitely one of the best for summertime. Not only does it detoxify and promote youthful skin, but it also minimizes the appearance of redness. Plus, it’s a great oil to soothe skin after sun exposure. And let’s not forget that it helps uplift our mood as well!

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Aroma: Sweet & Citrusy

Grapefruit Essential Oil is another standout choice for summer. Not only does it have a bright, refreshing scent, but it also has detoxifying and cleansing properties for the skin. It can promote more youthful-looking skin and help deodorize when sweating in the summer heat.

Disclaimer: This oil is known to be phototoxic. We recommend diluting it if you plan to use it in the sun.

Lavender Essential Oil

Aroma: Fresh & Floral

When it comes to summer skincare, Lavender Essential Oil is a must-have. Its soothing properties make it perfect for those exposed to the sun for an extended period. It helps to soothe your skin after a day in the sun and promotes youthful, healthy skin. Plus, the fresh, floral scent is perfect for uplifting your mood whenever needed. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Aroma: Sweet & Citrusy

One of the best oils for summer is Lemon Essential Oil. This oil can detoxify and brighten your skin and ease seasonal discomfort, such as summer allergies. And let’s not forget, it can uplift your spirits and put you in a sunny state of mind.

Disclaimer: This oil is known to be phototoxic. We recommend diluting it if you plan to use it in the sun.

Lime Essential Oil

Aroma: Fresh & Citrusy

Lime Essential Oil is the unsung hero of summer. It offers many benefits that will make you feel refreshed, energized, and insect-free. It cleanses and brightens your skin while uplifting your mood. As an added bonus, it deters insects from ruining your outdoor adventures.

Disclaimer: This oil is known to be phototoxic. We recommend diluting it if you plan to use it in the sun.

Orange Essential Oil

Aroma: Sweet & Citrusy

Orange Essential Oil is a must-have for any summer essential oil collection. It promotes rest, uplifts your mood, helps center your thoughts, and eases feelings of stress. Plus, it’s great for your skin! The bright and citrusy scent helps to brighten skin and promote a youthful glow.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Aroma: Sharp & Minty

Peppermint Essential Oil is one of the best for summer. It eases seasonal discomfort while also being energizing and refreshing. After a long day of outdoor activity, Peppermint Essential Oil can even soothe tired muscles.

Spearmint Essential Oil

Aroma: Sweet & Minty

Spearmint Essential Oil is an essential oil perfect for cooling down and refreshing your senses in hot weather. This oil has been shown to energize your mind and body while offering a cooling effect that combats the heat. Its calming properties help soothe any summer-related stress or anxiety.

Uses & Recipes

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Protect & Soothe Your Skin

Summer can be a time of fun and sunshine, but it can also wreak havoc on our skin. Luckily, essential oils offer a natural and effective way to protect and soothe skin during these warmer months. Adding a few drops of essential oils to bath recipes can help relax and nourish your skin. You can also create skincare recipes at home using essential oils to combat acne, sunburns, and wrinkles. Try a lip balm infused with essential oils for dry or chapped lips for a refreshing and moisturizing treat.

Tame Your Mane

Essential oils can also tame your hair during the hot summer months. Instead of harsh chemicals, use all-natural shampoo and conditioner with essential oils that support your hair type. Want to rock those beachy waves? Create your own beach hair spray with essential oils. Not only will your hair look great, but you’ll also be giving it some much-needed nourishment while enjoying the benefits of that sweet summer scent.

Beat the Summer Heat

Summer can be brutal, but with the help of essential oils, you can beat the heat! One way to stay cool is to make a cooling spray for an instant refresh. Another option is to create a face mist to soothe and hydrate your skin. Feeling fancy? Try a frozen facial recipe for a spa-like experience. With these easy and creative ways to use essential oils, you’ll be able to enjoy the summer while hardly breaking a sweat!

Get Outdoors!

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but dealing with pesky mosquitos and bugs can be a real buzzkill. Fortunately, essential oils can come to your rescue! Whether you prefer a lotion, spray, or roll-on, plenty of all-natural options can keep those bugs at bay while you soak up the sunshine.

Enjoy Some Summer Scents

As summer rolls around, it’s the perfect time to switch up your usual essential oil routine and incorporate new scents into your arsenal. One great way to do this is by creating a diffuser blend using essential oils reminiscent of summer. You can also experiment with creating custom blends using these summer essential oils, which are perfect for filling your home with refreshing scents. Whether hosting a barbecue, lounging poolside, or simply enjoying a lazy afternoon, incorporating essential oils into your summer routine is a great way to relax, unwind, and savor the season.

Fact Checked

Katie Veldkamp, Certified Aromatherapist

Written by: Lindsay Belnas