What Are the Best Neroli Oil Alternatives, and When Do You Need Them?
Let’s be real: neroli oil is such a staple in my aromatherapy kit that I’ve definitely panicked when I’ve run out mid-diffuser session. Whether you can’t find it at your local health store, it’s out of stock online, or you just want to try something similar for a different vibe, having go-to neroli oil alternatives is a total game-changer. I’ve tested so many options over the years, and the top picks are actually way more accessible than you might think. Let’s walk through everything you need to know, from the best substitutes to how to use them just like neroli.
The Top 3 Neroli Oil Alternatives You Can Grab Right Now
First things first: the most common and effective neroli oil substitutes are actually three floral oils that you’ve probably heard of before. I used to think they’d all smell the same, but turns out each has its own unique twist—though they all work beautifully in a pinch. Here’s the breakdown:
- Jasmine absolute oil
- Ylang-ylang oil
- Other sweet citrus floral oils (but the two above are the most reliable)
Let me tell you, I was shocked the first time I swapped jasmine for neroli in my DIY face mist. It didn’t smell identical, but it had that same warm, dreamy floral vibe that makes me feel instantly calm. No weird afterthought, just good, soothing scent. Perfect for when I needed a quick mood boost after a stressful day at work.
Wait, How Are These Different From Neroli Oil?
Okay, let’s get specific so you don’t grab the wrong oil by accident. Neroli oil is made from the fresh blossoms of the bitter orange tree, right? It has that bright, sweet, slightly green floral scent that’s equal parts calming and uplifting. Jasmine absolute is made from jasmine flowers, and it’s richer, more honeyed, and a little more sensual. Ylang-ylang, on the other hand, is from the cananga tree, and it’s got a tropical, fruity-floral smell that’s way more exotic than neroli.
But here’s the thing: even though they aren’t identical, they all hit that same “relaxing floral” note that makes neroli so popular. You can swap them one-to-one in most recipes, too—no need to adjust amounts unless you’re super sensitive to strong scents. I usually just use the same number of drops as the recipe calls for for neroli, and it works perfectly.
Let’s Talk About What Makes Neroli Oil So Great First
Before we dive deeper into alternatives, let’s recap why neroli is such a beloved oil in the first place. I swear by it for so many little daily issues. For one, it’s a total lifesaver for anxiety and nervous tension. I keep a 10ml roller bottle of neroi mixed with sweet almond oil in my bag, and I just swipe a little on my temples and neck whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed. It takes like 10 minutes, and suddenly that tight feeling in my chest starts to loosen up.
It’s also amazing for sleep! I add a couple drops to my warm evening bath, and I sleep like a rock. I’ve even used it when I was pregnant with my first kid—my midwife recommended it to help with the constant nervous energy that comes with waiting for a baby to arrive. It’s totally safe for pregnancy, too, as long as you dilute it properly (never use undiluted essential oil on your skin, by the way—total no-go).
Oh, and don’t even get me started on how good it is for skin. Marie Antoinette supposedly used neroli water to brighten her dull, tired skin, and let me tell you, that trend has stuck around for a reason. I make my own toner by mixing a few drops of neroli oil with distilled water and a little witch hazel, and it leaves my skin feeling soft and glowing. It’s also great for clearing up acne— I do a steam treatment once a week with neroli, juniper, and lavender oil, and my breakouts clear up way faster.
Other Cool Neroli Oil Uses You Might Not Know About
Okay, quick side note because I can’t keep this to myself: neroli isn’t just for aromatherapy and skin care. Did you know it’s one of the original ingredients in first-ever cologne? Back in the early 1700s, perfume makers mixed neroli oil with bergamot oil to create that iconic Eau de Cologne scent that’s still popular today. Crazy, right?
And if you don’t want to mess with essential oils at all, you can even grow a sweet orange tree in a pot on your windowsill! The blossoms will smell just like neroli, and you can even dry them to make your own herbal tea. I tried this last year, and my apartment smelled like a fancy spa for weeks. It’s such a low-effort way to get that neroli vibe without buying any products.
How to Use Each Neroli Oil Alternative
Now that you know the top substitutes, let’s go over exactly how to use them so you get the same results as neroli. I’ve tested each of these in all the same ways I use neroli, so I can promise they work.
Using Jasmine Absolute as a Neroli Alternative
Jasmine absolute is my go-to substitute for neroli, honestly. It’s a little more intense, so I usually use one fewer drop if I’m using it in a diffuser, but for topical uses, it’s totally fine to swap one-to-one. Here are my favorite ways to use it:
- Anxiety relief: Mix 3 drops of jasmine absolute with 10ml of sweet almond oil, then massage into your temples, neck, and wrists. I do this right before a big meeting, and it keeps my nerves from spiking.
- Nighttime bath: Add 2 drops to your warm bath water, just like you would with neroli. It helps you unwind after a long day, and the scent is so cozy.
- DIY skin toner: Mix 2 drops of jasmine absolute with 4 ounces of distilled water and a teaspoon of witch hazel. Shake it up and spritz it on your face after washing it. It’s great for dry, sensitive skin.
One thing to note: jasmine can be a little heavier than neroli, so if you have oily skin, you might want to mix it with a few drops of tea tree oil to keep breakouts at bay. I’ve never had an issue, but better safe than sorry!
Using Ylang-Ylang Oil as a Neroli Alternative
Ylang-ylang is a little more tropical than neroli, but it still has that same calming floral scent. It’s actually perfect for people who love bright, sunny scents. I use it a lot during the summer months because it makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even when I’m stuck at my desk.
Here’s how to use it:
- Diffuser: Add 3 drops of ylang-ylang to your diffuser, and pair it with a drop of bergamot for an even closer match to classic cologne. It smells amazing, and it helps clear your head.
- PMT relief: Mix 3 drops of ylang-ylang with 10ml of jojoba oil, and massage it into your lower belly and lower back a few days before your period starts. It helps ease cramps and mood swings, just like neroli.
- Hair mist: Mix a drop of ylang-ylang with a bottle of leave-in conditioner, and spritz it on your hair after washing it. It adds a lovely, subtle scent that lasts all day.
Pro tip: ylang-ylang can be a little strong if you use too much, so start with fewer drops and adjust as needed. I usually use 2 drops in my diffuser instead of 3, just because I prefer a milder scent.
Other Lesser-Known Neroli Oil Alternatives
If you can’t find jasmine or ylang-ylang, there are a few other options that work in a pinch. Here are my favorites:
- Petitgrain oil: This is made from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, so it has a similar citrusy-floral scent to neroli. It’s a little more earthy, but it’s a perfect substitute if you want something that’s made from the same plant as neroli.
- Rose absolute oil: Rose has a rich, romantic scent that’s similar to neroli, but it’s a little more intense. It’s great for skin care and aromatherapy, but it’s usually more expensive than the other substitutes.
- Orange blossom absolute: Wait, this is basically neroli! Sometimes it’s sold under a different name, so if you see orange blossom absolute at the store, grab it— it’s the exact same thing.
I’ve used petitgrain oil when I couldn’t find neroli or jasmine, and it worked perfectly. It’s a little more understated, but it still has that calming effect that I love.
How to Properly Dilute Essential Oils (No More Mistakes!)
Before I wrap this up, I need to talk about one super important thing: never use undiluted essential oil on your skin. I know it’s tempting to just dab a little straight from the bottle, but that can cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The general rule is to use 2-3 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. For a 10ml roller bottle, that’s about 12-18 drops of essential oil total. I usually make a batch of 10ml and keep it in my bag for on-the-go use.
If you’re using essential oils in a bath, add 3-4 drops first, and mix them with a little bit of carrier oil or Epsom salt first. This keeps the oil from floating on top of the water and irritating your skin. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I poured straight neroli oil into my bath once— it made my skin red and itchy for hours. Not fun!
Final Thoughts on Neroli Oil Alternatives
At the end of the day, if you’re out of neroli oil, don’t stress! There are plenty of great substitutes that will give you the same calming, uplifting vibe. My top pick is jasmine absolute, just because it’s easy to find and it smells so cozy, but ylang-ylang is also a great option if you want something a little more tropical.
Remember, even though these oils aren’t identical, they all work beautifully for anxiety, sleep, and skin care. And if you really can’t find any of these substitutes, just grow a sweet orange tree! The blossoms will smell just like neroli, and it’s a fun project to do at home.
I hope this guide helped you find the perfect neroli oil alternative for your needs. Let me know in the comments which substitute you try first—I’d love to hear how it works for you!
