Top 10 Most Expensive Essential Oils In The World

Introduction

Top 10 Most Expensive Essential Oils: Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts used for their scents and benefits. Some oils are very expensive because they are rare, hard to produce, or need a lot of raw materials. The top 10 most expensive essential oils include Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Agarwood, Neroli, and others. These oils are valued for their strong aromas and special healing properties.

For example, Rose oil requires thousands of petals to make just a small amount. Agarwood, also called Oud, is rare and comes from special trees. The cost of these oils can be very high, making them a luxury in perfumes and aromatherapy. Their unique qualities make them highly prized worldwide.

History of Essential Oils

• Ancient Egypt (around 4500 BC): Egyptians used aromatic oils in cosmetics and ointments. They created mixtures from herbs like aniseed, cedar, and myrrh for perfumes and medicines.
• China (2697 to 2597 BC): During the reign of the Yellow Emperor, aromatic oils were used in traditional medicine. His book, “The Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine,” discusses several aromatics.
• India (around 2000 BC): Traditional Indian medicine, known as Ayurveda, incorporates essential oils. Texts list over 700 substances, including cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, and sandalwood, that are used for healing.
• Greece (500 to 400 BC): Greeks adopted essential oil knowledge from the Egyptians. They used oils like thyme, saffron, marjoram, cumin, and peppermint for health purposes.
• Middle Ages (5th to 15th century): The use of essential oils declined in Europe due to the Catholic Church’s disapproval.
• 18th to 19th centuries: Chemists identified active components in medicinal plants, such as caffeine and morphine.
• 1910: French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered lavender oil’s healing properties after a lab accident, leading to its use as an antiseptic.
• World War II (1939 to 1945): French surgeon Jean Valnet used essential oils as antiseptics to treat wounded soldiers.
• Modern times: Essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and alternative medicine.

Essential Oils Market and Popularity Analysis

• The global essential oil market size was valued at USD 24.75 billion in 2024.
• The market is projected to reach from USD 26.71 billion in 2025 to USD 49.07 billion by 2033.
• The market’s annual growth rate will be 7.9% during the forecast period (2025 to 2033).
• The North American region is the largest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.23% during the forecast period. It is followed by Europe (8.7%), Asia-Pacific (9.2%), and the LAMEA region (8.4%).
• Essential oils are seen as part of a holistic approach to managing stress, enhancing mood, and improving sleep, among other benefits.
• As the demand for clean beauty products increases, essential oils are often included in skincare formulations for their perceived anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties.
• Essential oils are often viewed as a more eco-friendly option compared to synthetic fragrances or chemical-based products.

Benefits of Expensive Essential Oils

• Aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender and bergamot can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
• Certain essential oils, such as lavender and bergamot, possess mild sedative properties that can enhance sleep quality by promoting relaxation and calming the mind.
• Many essential oils, including thyme and oregano, exhibit antimicrobial effects, which can help combat bacterial and fungal infections.
• Essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help treat acne and other skin conditions.
• Similarly, rosemary and clary sage can promote hair growth and improve scalp health.
• Other oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, have analgesic properties that can help alleviate headaches, muscle pain, and menstrual cramps.
• Peppermint and ginger oil can aid in digestion and alleviate symptoms such as nausea and indigestion.

Top 10 Most Expensive Essential Oils In The World

1. Bulgarian Rose Oil: USD 1,980
2. Jasmine Sambac Oil: USD 1,500
3. Sandalwood Oil (Indian): USD 492
4. Tuberose Oil: USD 1,600
5. Oudh (Agarwood) Oil: USD 850
6. Frangipani Oil: USD 1,500
7. Neroli Oil: USD 354
8. Chamomile Oil (Roman): USD 144
9. Immortelle (Helichrysum) Oil: USD 1,800
10. Himalayan Lavender Oil: USD 50

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#1. Bulgarian Rose Oil

(Source: bulgariarosefestival.com)

• Appearance: Light yellow with a greenish tinge.
• Consistency: Similar to almond oil.
• Aroma: Strong, with a sharp balsamic note.
• Major Components: Citronellol (24-35%), Geraniol (13-22%) and Nonadecane (8-15%)
• Minor Components: Nerol (5-12%), Phenylethyl Alcohol (Up to 3%) and Farnesol (At least 1.4%).
• Additional Constituents: eugenol (up to 2.5%), Methyl Eugenol (up to 2%), Geranyl Acetate (up to 1.5%), and Linalool (1 to 3%).
• Hydrocarbons: Nonadecene (C19) (2 to 5%), Nonadecane (C19) (8 to15%), Heneicosane (C21) (3 to 5.5%) and Tricosane (C23) (0.5 to 1.5%).

#2. Jasmine Sambac Oil

(Source: dbrexportsindia.com)

• Botanical Name: Jasminum sambac
• Extraction Method: Solvent extraction
• Origin: India
• CAS Number: 91770 – 14-8
• FEMA Number: 2598
• EINECS Number: 294-797-4
• Appearance: Dark brown to yellowish liquid
• Odour: Intensely floral with musky undertones
• Specific Gravity at 25°C: 0.850 to 0.870
• Refractive Index at 25°C: 1.460 to 1.486
• Chemical Composition: Benzyl Benzoate (15.63%), Jasmine (9.90%), Linalool (8.58%), Isophytol (7.56%), and Geranyl Acetate (5.63%).

#3. Sandalwood Oil (Indian)

(Source: shivaexportsindia.com)

• Appearance: Pale yellow to yellow liquid.
• Odour: Sweet, woody, and spicy.
• Specific Gravity at 20°C: 0.9650 – 0.9830.
• Optical Rotation at 20°C: -20.00° to -14.00°.
• Refractive Index at 20°C: 1.5000 – 1.5100.
• Flashpoint: >100°C.
• Main Constituents: Alpha-santol (50 to 60%) and beta-santol (20 to 25%).
• CAS Number: 84787-70-2.
• Botanical Source: Santalum album.
• Regulatory Status: Complies with ISO 3518:2002 standards.

#4. Tuberose Oil

(Source: pujaperfumery.com)

• Appearance: Yellow liquid
• Odour: Sweet, floral, rich
• Specific Gravity: 0.915 – 0.969 at 20°C
• Refractive Index: 1.475 – 1.500 at 20°C
• Solubility: Soluble in alcohols and fixed oils; insoluble in water
• Major Chemical Components: Methyl Benzoate, Methyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate and Pentacosane.
• Extraction Methods: Cold Enfleurage (Traditional method yielding 0.3137%), Hot Enfleurage (Higher yield at 6.5808%), and Solvent Extraction (Utilizes hexane or petroleum ether).
• Microbial Analysis: Aerobic Mesophilic Bacterial Count < 100 CFU/g
• Solvent Residue: Complies with IFRA standards

(Source: unichempharm.rs)

#5. Oudh (Agarwood) Oil

(Source: attarkannauj.com)

• Botanical Name: Aquilaria malaccensis
• Extraction Method: Steam distillation of resinous wood
• Aroma Profile: Bitter-sweet, woody, with animalic and leather notes
• Colour: Dark amber to brown
• Viscosity: Medium to high
• Density: Approximately 0.95 g/cm³
• Refractive Index: 1.515 to 1.520
• Flash Point: Approximately 100°C
• Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oils; insoluble in water
• Shelf Life: Indefinite when stored properly

#6. Frangipani Oil

(Source: wholesalebotanics.com)

• Botanical Name: Plumeria alba
• CAS Number: 94350-02-4
• EINECS Number: 305-220-3
• Extraction Method: Organic Extraction (Hexane Free)
• Origin: India
• Part Used: Flowers
• Note Classification: Middle Note
• Frangipani oil’s composition includes Sesquiterpenes (α-Cedrene), Monoterpenes (Limonene, Linalool), Esters (Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate) and Aromatic Compounds (Caryophyllene Oxide, (E, E)-α-Farnesene).

(Source: madarcorporation.com)

#7. Neroli Oil

(Source: littleextralove.com)

• Neroli oil is extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree.
• The oil is produced mainly in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt.
• It has a sweet, honeyed aroma with green and spicy notes.
• Extraction Method: Steam distillation of fresh blossoms.
• Chemical Composition: Contains compounds such as linalool, limonene, farnesol, geraniol, and citral.
• Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid.
• Density: Approximately 0.88 g/cm³.
• Refractive Index: Around 1.470.
• Optical Rotation: Typically between +10° to +15°.
• Neroli oil is extensively used in perfumery.
• It is also utilized in aromatherapy and as a flavoring agent in beverages.

#8. Chamomile Oil (Roman)

(Source: pranarom.com)

• Extraction Method: Steam distillation of the flowering plant.
• Country of Origin: France.
• Cultivation: Organically cultivated.
• Aroma: Fruity, aromatic, warm, and herbaceous.
• Active Constituents: Isoamyl methacrylate, isobutyl angelate, isoamyl angelate, methyallyl angelate, trans-pinocarveol, 2-methylbutyl angelate, isobutyl butyrate, and isoamyl isobutyrate.
• Chemical Composition Analysis: Esters (75%), Aliphatic Aldehydes (2%), Ketones (3%), Sesquiterpenes (3%), Lactones and Coumarins (2%), Monoterpenes (5%) and Alcohols (5%).
• Color: Light blue, turning yellow upon oxidation.

#9. Immortelle (Helichrysum) Oil

(Source: rkaroma.com)

• Botanical Name: Helichrysum italicum
• Extraction Method: Steam distillation of flowers
• Colour: Pale yellow to golden
• Consistency: Thin
• Aromatic Profile: Sweet, honey-like, with herbal and floral notes
• Major Constituents: Neryl acetate, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, gamma-curcumene, and linalool
• Origin: Primarily cultivated in the Mediterranean region
• Specific Gravity: Approximately 0.900–0.930
• Refractive Index: 1.460–1.470
• Flash Point: >100°C
• Key Components: Up to 52% in French varieties, Alpha-Pinene, Limonene, Linalool and Beta-Caryophyllene.

#10. Himalayan Lavender Oil

(Source: amazon.in)

• Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
• Extraction Method: Steam distillation of flowers
• Color: Pale yellow to light amber
• Aroma: Floral, sweet, and herbaceous
• Major Constituents: Linalyl acetate (39.10%), Linalool (29.7%), α-Terpineol (4.35%) and Trans-caryophyllene (3.76%).
• Essential Oil Content: Approximately 0.55% on a dry weight basis
• Purity: High-quality oil with minimal adulteration
• Cultivation Altitude: Grown at elevations around 1,100 meters in Kashmir.

Usage of the Expensive Essential Oils

Conclusion

The article highlights the high cost of essential oils, focusing on the factors that make them expensive. These include the rarity of the plants, the time-consuming production process, and the quality of the oil extracted. Some oils, like rose and sandalwood, are particularly costly due to their limited supply and the large amount of plant material needed to produce just a small amount of oil. Despite the price, these oils are prized for their therapeutic benefits, making them valuable in wellness practices and high-end skincare products.

Essential oils are expensive because they come from rare plants, and making them takes a lot of time and effort. Oils like rose and sandalwood are especially costly because they require many plants to make even a little. However, these oils are valuable because they help with health and are used in fancy skincare products.