All aromatherapists know: every person is different.
Each person experiences aromas and tastes differently, and individuals will always have personal preferences.
However, when blending for a targeted group, such as men or women, it’s helpful to have a few “general” favorites in mind. For example, many men prefer heartier spices and woodier scents when choosing aromatic fragrances.
Whether you’re looking to work with aromas and blends yourself or you’re looking to create formulas for your clients (or favorite dudes!), here are 5 essential oils for men to get you started:
Top 5 Essential Oils for Men
1. Black Pepper Essential Oil
Black pepper Piper nigrum (L.) has a rich history. Pliny once spoke of it as “more expensive than gold.” Today, it is one of the most commonly used spices and a favorite aroma for men.
Black pepper has a spicy, sporty, and woody aroma that adds a classic and robust vibe to men’s blends. It’s also ideal in after-exercise formulas.
Try black pepper with cardamom Elettaria cardamomum (L.), lavender Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.), marjoram Origanum majorana (L.), rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (L.), and/or rose attar Rosa damascene (Mill.).
2. Bay Essential Oil
Bay Laurus nobilis (L.) also has interesting historic roots. It was once known as Daphne to the ancient Greeks because the nymph Daphne eluded the love-struck Apollo by transforming into a bay tree. The god of music and poetry then took the bay tree as his emblem. (Hence the term: poet laureate.)
Bay essential oil has a sweet, uplifting aroma with a hint of spice.
Try bay with bergamot Citrus aurantium (L.) var. bergamia, black pepper P. nigrum, cypress Cupressus sempervirens (L.), juniper Juniperus communis (L.), and/or vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides (Nash).
3. Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil
Woody and rustic, copaiba balsam Copaifera officinalis (Jacq.) L. is a unique and hearty base note for men’s blends. It promotes nourished and cleansed skin, so copaiba is a fantastic addition to homemade aftershave and other bath products for men.
Try copaiba balsam with cypress C. sempervirens, frankincense Boswellia spp., lemon Citrus limonum (Risso), nutmeg Myristica fragrans (Houtt.), and/or sandalwood Santalum album (L.).
4. Sandalwood Essential Oil
A beloved classic of men’s blends and fragrances, sandalwood S. album essential oil’s distinct, sweet, woody, and long-lasting aroma is uplifting and invigorating. It’s a favorite choice for men’s soaps, aftershave, and colognes.
It’s important to know that all sandalwood is not created equal. Due to overharvesting and slow replanting, the S. album tree is vulnerable. Because of this, the ACHS College Store, the Apothecary Shoppe, sources sandalwood essential oil exclusively from a sustainable sandalwood plantation in northern Australia. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to know where your oils are coming from and how they’re produced—so you can feel good about your purchase and smell great, too!
Try sandalwood with benzoin Styrax benzoin (Dryand.), bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia, black pepper P. nigrum, clove Syzygium aromaticum (L.), and/or myrrh Commiphora myrrha (Engl.).
5. Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver roots have been used to fragrance fabrics and clothing for centuries. The roots have even been used to create traditional, aromatic baskets and mats.
With a deep, husky, earthy aroma, vetiver V. zizanioides essential oil’s strength is a superb fixative in blends for men. An added benefit: vetiver V. zizanioides is uplifting and has been said to promote concentration and focus.
Try vetiver with bay L. nobilis, black pepper P. nigrum, Atlas cedarwood Cedrus atlantica (G.Manetti), cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Blume), and/or sandalwood S. album.
THE NATURALIST MEN’S FRAGRANCE SPRAY 
Copaiba balsam Copaifera officinalis oil: 10 drops
Black pepper Piper nigrum oil: 10 drops
Sandalwood Santalum album oil: 1 drop
Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides oil: 1 drop
Alcohol: 1 tablespoon
Filtered water: To fill bottle
Add essential oils and alcohol to a two-ounce spray bottle and shake well. Add filtered water to fill bottle and shake again. Spray upward into the air as a room freshener or use as a natural body spray.
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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
