In the great wide world of aromatherapy, jasmine essential oil doesn’t get nearly enough attention when compared to more common vials, like your garden-variety lavender. Where lavender might be akin to your favorite comfortable T-shirt that’s part of your weekly rotation, jasmine evokes luxury and might be reserved for specific special occasions, like to slipping on something silky and mysterious. And when you look at jasmine essential oil benefits, you’ll see why it has such an alluring aura.

“Jasmine is mostly known for its emotional and psycho-spiritual affinities,” says aromatherapist Amy Galper, author of the Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy. “It’s been used in ceremony and ritual for centuries in India, and is treasured as a fragrance in the perfume industry for generations. It’s often worn as a devotional oil to bring good luck and blessings, releases inner inhibitions, and can transcend physical love.”

“[Jasmine is] often worn as a devotional oil to bring good luck and blessings, releases inner inhibitions, and can transcend physical love.” —Amy Galper, aromatherapist

Suffice it to say that jasmine essential oil can be a really a fun and sexy addition to your aromatherapy collection. And if you remain unconvinced, here are five specifics on its positive-leaning properties.

5 benefits of jasmine essential oil

1. It’s regarded as an aphrodisiac

First, let’s tackle that “transcending physical love” note that Galper mentioned. She also points out that jasmine is often used as a component in aphrodisiacs, “helping to spiritualize the intimacy of relationships.” So, put it first on your list when you’re looking for aromas to set the mood (followed by ylang-ylang, a more budget-friendly option that may also do the scene-setting trick).

2. It’s a mood-booster

Jasmine essential oil might help you sniff your way out of a funk (and not just because it may mask the scent of odors). One small study published in The Journal of Health Research investigated the effect that inhaling both sweet almond oil and jasmine oil would have on 20 participants, and researchers found the latter to be pleasantly stimulating. The jasmine oil was found to promote feelings of positive well-being, activeness, freshness, and even romance. So keep that in mind the next time your environment is making you feel extra “blah.”

3. It can make you feel more energetic

In addition to making you feel good, research supports that jasmine essential oil benefits extend to potentially giving you a bit of pep, as well. One study that analyzed how a jasmine-oil-infused massage can impact the body found that it increased breathing rate, blood oxygen saturation, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, signaling physical arousal. That means it can make you feel more alert and vigorous, which is helpful if you’ve reached the do-not-caffeinate point in your workday.

4. It has antiseptic properties

Now, to be clear, this certainly does not mean that you want to clean all your wounds with jasmine essential oil going forward. But here’s something cool: One 2018 study found that jasmine oil promotes antimicrobial activities against oral microorganisms such as S. mutans, L. casei, E. coli and all strains of Candida, which can cause oral thrush (or a fungal infection of the mouth). So if you’ve felt like experimenting with toothpaste flavors—ideally with the blessing of your dentist—consider jasmine as a luxe and potentially effective option.

5. It can be good for the skin 

Speaking of which, jasmine oil can be a valuable addition to your skin-care routine. One 2017 study evaluated 90 commercial essential oils to gauge how effective each could be for treating skin diseases. Jasmine was shown to aid with skin conditions like inflammation and psoriasis, plus oily and dry complexions. So, double-check for the ingredients on your skin-care products, and do make sure to confer with your dermatologist or medical provider about what ingredients are best for your skin profile.

3 jasmine essential oil products to use

So, we know that there’s a bounty of jasmine essential oil benefits, but here’s the hiccup: “Jasmine essential oil is incredibly expensive, and it’s challenging to obtain a pure genuine oil,” says Galper. This is largely because, as she says, it takes a lot of blossoms to distill the real essence of the flower. So if you want to experiment with jasmine, know it might cost you. That being said, here’s just a whiff of some jasmine products with specific applications you can use right now.

1. To use jasmine essential oil for a demystifying mood-boost: Jasmine Absolute, $30

For a bottle of plain and simple jasmine essential oil, try Plant Therapy’s Jasmine Absolute. When you need some uplifting, a drop or two should help you get by.

Shop Now:Jasmine Absolute, $30

2. To use jasmine oil in your skin-care routine: Jasmine Aromatic Care, $75

If you’re looking for an all-day luster and a fresh complexion, Parisian brand Darphin has just the product for you. True to its name, you’ll find jasmine in the formulation, along with with ylang ylang, rosewood, and raspberry oils.

Shop Now:Jasmine Aromatic Care, $75

3. To use jasmine oil for your body: Lumière Jasmin Body Glow Oil, $42

To further jasmine’s topical benefits, French Girl Organics has a pumpable body oil. Massage it into your skin for that sultry, romantic aroma, and see how that sensual energy guides your day.

Shop Now:Lumière Jasmin Body Glow Oil, $42

Possible side effects of jasmine essential oil to know about

Galper notes that while jasmine essential oil might not be good for pregnant women to use in their first two trimesters (as is the case with many essential oils, due to lack of research and related concerns on how they can affect a developing fetus), it shouldn’t otherwise bear major side effects. Allergic reactions like dermatitis can happen, but they tend to be rare. If you think you are experiencing a reaction, seek medical attention.

To play it safe, check to see how pure your jasmine is, because a lot of jasmine products on the market are manufactured, “and it’s the adulterations that often trigger allergic responses and adverse reactions,” Galper says. So confirm with the ingredient list when a product says jasmine to ensure it’s not a synthetic aroma in disguise. If it’s pure, you’re definitely in for a treat. Aromatherapy is a delight in any form, but jasmine is pure bottled luxury.

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