Comparing Popular & Related Essential Oils

Do you know the difference between Tea Tree and Australian Ericifolia? What about Cypress and Blue Cypress? Or Peppermint and Wintergreen? If these related essential oils have you scratching your head in confusion, then this post is for you!

Many classic pairs seem interchangeable on the surface. And while it’s true that you can use many of these oils in place of each other, they’re unique enough that you’ll want to keep both on hand. Use our infographic to help you pick a favorite from popular pairs or discover the benefits of a duo!

This or that . . . or why not both? Comparing essential oils Peppermint, wintergreen, frankincense, sacred frankincense

This comparison chart is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to comparing essential oils. If you want to see an even better breakdown of each EO pair, dive deep with us below!

Tea Tree vs. Australian Ericifolia: How they’re different

Although they share the same genus, these two essential oils are entirely different species. A household staple, Tea Tree may be more well known, but Australian Ericifolia’s light, sweet scent is in a class of its own.

Tea Tree

• Latin name: Melaleuca alternifolia
• Aroma: Sharp and astringent
• Perfect for: eliminating odors from extra-smelly places like garbage cans and gym bags
• Also called: Melaleuca oil
• Add to: homemade cleaners

Australian Ericifolia

• Latin name: Melaleuca ericifolia
• Aroma: Subtly clean with floral notes
• Perfect for: revitalizing your spirit after a long day
• Also called: Lavender Tea Tree
• Add to: Base Oil and rub into chest and shoulders

How they’re similar

Both Tea Tree and Australian Ericifolia fight musty odors with clean smells. They’re also cousins in the myrtaceae family.

Here’s how to use them:

• Freshen any space by diffusing.
• Get gorgeous, healthy-looking hair by adding a few drops to some carrier oil and massaging into your scalp.
• Add to your skin care routine to make blemishes less noticeable.

Peppermint vs. Wintergreen: How they’re different

You can always rely on Peppermint to get the job done, but Wintergreen is a breath of fresh air in more ways than one! You may be surprised to learn that these oils aren’t related; in fact, wintergreen isn’t even a part of the mint family.

Peppermint

• Latin name: Mentha piperita
• Constituents: menthol, menthone, and menthofuran
• Aroma: Refreshing and cool
• Perfect for: keeping it fresh

Wintergreen

• Latin name: Gaultheria procumbens
• Constituent: methyl salicylate
• Aroma: Sweet and shivery
• Perfect for: Staying cool
• Add to: thick foot cream for a tingly massage

How they’re similar

Though Wintergreen and Peppermint aren’t family members, they have a similar minty-fresh scent! Use either when you’re in need of a little refresh-mint.

Here’s how to use them:

• Dilute with carrier oil for a post-workout massage.
• Diffuse with Lemon or Geranium during the afternoon slump.

Lemon vs. Grapefruit: How they’re different

Lemon’s aroma is all business, while Grapefruit’s aroma has a hint of playfulness. But which one is more a-peeling to you? Read on to discover the difference between these citrus essential oils.

Lemon

• Latin name: Citrus limon
• Constituents: linalyl acetate, linalool, and ocimene
• Aroma: clean and tangy
• Perfect for: removing sticky residue from adhesives
• Add to: baking soda and water for a quick DIY cleaning scrub

Grapefruit

• Latin name: Citrus paradisi
• Constituents: sabinene, limonene, and nootkatone
• Aroma: sweet and bright
• Perfect for: creating a DIY exfoliating salt scrub
• Add to: car vent diffuser for cheerier commutes

How they’re similar

Lemon and Grapefruit are sweet and tangy, just like the citrus fruits they come from. They’re also photosensitive, so remember to use them out of the sun!* Pair their light, bright scents with almost any other oil.

Here’s how to use them:

• Add to your nighttime face cleanser for an extra glow.
• Use in DIY cleaners for a bright scent.
• Make your own perfume or body spray.

Cypress vs. Blue Cypress: How they’re different

Cypress and blue cypress are both evergreens, but the two trees have very different genes. Because of this, the oils are more different than you might think. See why you want both Cypress and Blue Cypress in your collection.

Cypress

• Latin name: Cupressus sempervirens
• Origin: the leaves, nuts, and stem of the Mediterranean cypress tree
• Constituents: alpha-pinene, limonene, and delta-3 carene
• Aroma: Energetic and bright
• Perfect for: Adding to shampoo for a burst of evergreen freshness

Blue Cypress

• Latin name: Callitris intratropica
• Origin: the wood of the blue cypress tree that is native to Australia
• Constituents: guaiol, alpha-eudesmol, beta-eudesmol, and gamma-eudesmol
• Aroma: Woodsy with a touch of lemony sweetness
• Perfect for: Boosting the moisturizing effect of your favorite hand lotion

How they’re similar

When you’re pining for a forest-fresh scent, you can’t go wrong with either EO. Both Blue Cypress and Cypress smell like a stroll in the woods and add an invigorating aroma to massage, especially after a workout.

Here’s how to use them:

• Mix with face wash for an energizing, wake-you-up scent.
• Take your senses on a tour with diffuser blends.
• Make a DIY surface cleaner with ½ cup vinegar, 1 cup water, and 15–20 drops of essential oil.

Idaho Blue Spruce vs. Northern Lights Black Spruce: How they’re different

For a pleasing, peace-promoting scent, Idaho Blue Spruce is the way to go. But with an aroma as bright as the aurora borealis, Northern Lights Black Spruce nearly steals the show.

Idaho Blue Spruce

• Latin name: Picea pungens
• Origin: St. Marie’s Lavender Farm and Distillery in Idaho, USA
• Constituents: alpha-pinene and limonene
• Perfect for: adding to aftershave

Northern Lights Black Spruce

• Latin name: Picea mariana
• Origin: Northern Lights Fort Nelson in British Columbia, Canada
• Constituents: alpha-pinene, camphene, and beta-pinene
• Perfect for: rubbing into the bottoms of your feet

How they’re similar

Both come from self-owned farms, so you can be confident that they’re good-quality, pure essential oils. The trees they are distilled from are also closely related cousins.

Here’s how to use them:

• Add to massage oil and rub into shoulders, feet, and back.
• Diffuse with Cedarwood and Lime for a chilly coastal blend.
• Combine them with other woodsy oils for a warm, fresh scent.
• Add a drop to hair oil and smooth over hair to tame flyaways.

Frankincense vs. Sacred Frankincense: How they’re different

No single oil is perfect for every task, but Frankincense sure comes close! As one of the most popular essential oils, it’s used for everything from yoga to skin care, whereas Sacred Frankincense™ is more commonly used for meditation and prayer.

Frankincense

• Latin name: Boswellia carterii
• Origin: Somalia
• Aroma: earthy and deep with a hint of woodiness
• Perfect for: trying resin burning—a different way to experience the wonder of Frankincense
• Add to: an uplifting foot bath

Sacred Frankincense

• Latin name: Boswellia sacra
• Origin: Oman
• Aroma: rich and sweet
• Perfect for: creating grounding diffuser blends with Lemon
• Add to: bathwater for a relaxing and tranquil soak

How they’re similar

Because Frankincense and Sacred Frankincense have the same constituents—alpha-pinene, limonene, and sabinene—you can use them in many of the same ways. Diffuse either one to increase your sense of spiritual awareness, grounding, and purpose.

Here’s how to use them:

• Diffuse during meditation or spiritual study.
• Wear a drop on your wrist or chest before beginning your yoga practice.
• Mix with moisturizer to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone.
• Add 8–10 drops to 1 cup of Epsom salt for a tranquil bath.