London has a strong range of options for buying essential oils — from organic-certified high street shops like Neal’s Yard Remedies and Holland & Barrett, to independent brands like Earl of East and London Musk, to online retailers that deliver across the city. Prices typically range from £3–£8 for a single-note oil and £15–£25 for curated blends.
London is one of the best cities in the world to get into aromatherapy. The range of shops, brands, and markets is genuinely impressive — whether you’re after a classic lavender oil from an organic specialist, a beautifully packaged blend from a homegrown lifestyle brand, or a budget-friendly starter set to experiment with at home.
But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Some shops lean heavily into the wellness angle; others focus on aesthetics and home fragrance. Some stock pure, single-note therapeutic oils; others go all-in on curated blends. And then there’s the quality question — not every bottle on a shelf is what it says it is.
This guide covers the best places to buy essential oils in London, from well-known high street names to under-the-radar independents, plus a few tips on what to look for before you hand over your money.
High Street & Health Shops
These are the easiest places to start, especially if you want to smell before you buy.
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Neal’s Yard Remedies is probably the most recognised name in UK aromatherapy. The brand has been around for decades, and its commitment to organic, responsibly sourced ingredients has only grown stronger over time. Neal’s Yard Remedies is certified cruelty-free, holds Soil Association Organic certification, and is a carbon-neutral company — which matters if you care about where your products come from.
The essential oil range is extensive. At the time of writing, Neal’s Yard Remedies stocks 48 essential oils and blends, ranging from an everyday Eucalyptus Organic Essential Oil (10ml, £10) to a more premium Rose Absolute Essential Oil (2.5ml, £35). Popular options include Frankincense Organic Essential Oil (£26), Lavender Organic Essential Oil (£15), and the brand’s ready-to-use Remedies to Roll range (from £17), which are pre-diluted and great for beginners.
Neal’s Yard Remedies has 8 London locations, many of which are found inside Whole Foods Market stores:
- Camden – 49 Parkway, NW1 7PN
- Clapham Junction – 305–311 Lavender Hill, SW11 1LN
- Crouch End – 14 Topsfield Parade, N8 8PR
- Fulham – 2/6 Fulham Broadway, SW6 1AA
- Kensington – 63–97 Kensington High Street, W8 5SE
- Westfield London – Unit 1105, Ground Floor, W12 7GD
- Piccadilly – 20 Glasshouse Street, W1B 5AR
- Stoke Newington – 32–40 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0LX
Neal’s Yard Remedies is rated Excellent (4.8/5) on Trustpilot, and the in-store staff are generally very knowledgeable if you want a recommendation.
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett has over 30 London locations, which makes it one of the most accessible options for picking up essential oils on a weekday. The chain stocks several reputable brands, most notably Tisserand Aromatherapy — one of the UK’s oldest and most trusted essential oil companies, founded in 1974.
Tisserand oils are 100% natural, and the brand offers everything from single-note classics like tea tree and peppermint to more complex mood-boosting blends. Prices at Holland & Barrett are generally affordable, and the stores often run promotions. It’s a solid choice if you want a reliable oil without making a special trip.
Whole Foods Market
Even if you’re not shopping for Neal’s Yard Remedies specifically, Whole Foods London stores are good places to browse essential oils from multiple brands in one visit. The Camden, Kensington, and Piccadilly branches are particularly well-stocked, and you’ll often find both organic single oils and pre-blended aromatherapy products on the shelves.
Independent & Specialist Shops
If you’d rather skip the high street, London has some brilliant independent brands with physical presence in the city.
Earl of East
Earl of East is a London-born lifestyle brand with a serious focus on fragrance. The brand sells 100% essential oil blends — all ethically sourced, traceable to origin, and made using UK suppliers. Their aesthetic leans minimalist and modern, which makes their products popular both as home fragrance and as gifts.
Earl of East carries distinctive blends like Shinrin-Yoku (cedarwood, oakmoss, black pepper) and Onsen (a Japanese-inspired bath blend), each sold in 10ml bottles. The brand has a physical store in Hackney and ships across the UK (free delivery over £50).
If you appreciate the craft behind a blend as much as the scent itself, Earl of East is well worth a visit.
London Musk
London Musk is a well-established independent fragrance and essential oil retailer with three physical locations across East London:
- 17 Market Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 6AQ
- Unit 7 Coke Street, Whitechapel, London E1 1ER
- 232–236 Green Street, Forest Gate, London E7 8LE
The brand has been operating for over 11 years and holds a 4.8/5 Google rating. London Musk is particularly good for affordable single-note oils, with individual bottles typically priced between £3 and £8 — which is great value if you’re building a collection or want to experiment with blending. The stores also offer free shipping on online orders over £30 for those who prefer to browse from home.
Aromatherapy Associates
For a more luxury experience, Aromatherapy Associates is a London-based brand with a strong reputation. The brand was voted World’s Best Aromatherapy Brand at the World Spa Awards 2024, and all its products are handcrafted in the UK. Aromatherapy Associates is cruelty-free, vegan, and B Corp certified — a high bar that speaks to their commitment to both quality and sustainability.
Their products are available via the brand’s own website and through selected stockists across London. If you’re looking for a premium gift or want to treat yourself, this is a strong choice.
Buying Essential Oils Online (with London Delivery)
Sometimes you just want the convenience of having oils delivered to your door. All of the brands above offer online shopping, but here’s a quick breakdown of what each does best:
- nealsyardremedies.com – Best for organic, certified oils. Free delivery on orders over £50.
- earlofeast.com – Best for artisanal blends and beautiful packaging. Free UK delivery over £50.
- tisserand.com – Good range of single oils and blends from a brand with nearly 50 years of experience.
- aromatherapyassociates.com – Best for luxury blends and spa-quality products.
- londonmusk.com – Best for budget-friendly oils. Free shipping over £30.
How to Spot a Quality Essential Oil (Before You Buy)
Not all essential oils are made equal. Here are a few things to check before buying, whether you’re shopping in-store or online.
Does the bottle list the botanical name?
Pure essential oils should display the Latin botanical name of the plant — for example, Lavandula angustifolia for lavender. If the label just says “Lavender Oil” with no further detail, it could be a synthetic fragrance oil in disguise.
Is the extraction method listed?
Reputable oils will state how they were made. Most essential oils are steam distilled; citrus oils are cold pressed. If there’s no mention of extraction at all, that’s a red flag.
Does the price make sense?
A realistic benchmark for the UK market is £3–£8 for a 5–10ml bottle of a common oil like lavender, peppermint, or tea tree. Rare or labour-intensive oils — like rose or frankincense — will naturally cost more. If a 10ml bottle is priced under £2 with no sourcing information, it’s worth being sceptical.
Is there GC-MS testing data available?
GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) reports verify the chemical composition of an oil. Not every budget brand provides them, but the better specialist retailers often do. It’s a good signal that a company takes purity seriously.
Does the label say “Fragrance Oil” or “Perfume Oil”?
These are not essential oils. They’re synthetic aromatic compounds designed to smell like the real thing — fine for candles and room sprays, but not suitable for aromatherapy, skincare, or therapeutic use. Always check the label.
A Few Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Oils
Once you’ve made your purchase, a little care goes a long way.
Storage matters. Heat and light degrade essential oils faster than most people realise. Keep them in dark glass bottles, away from direct sunlight. A kitchen cupboard or bathroom cabinet works well.
Dilute before applying to skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated. Mixing just 1–3 drops with a carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond oil) is the standard approach for topical use, and it also makes your bottles last significantly longer.
Start with versatile oils. Lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus oils like lemon and orange are good all-rounders. They work for aromatherapy, skincare, and even natural cleaning — meaning every bottle earns its shelf space.
Finding the Right Shop for You
London genuinely has something for every kind of essential oil shopper. Neal’s Yard Remedies is the go-to for organic credentials and a wide product range. Holland & Barrett offers convenience and the trusted Tisserand range. Earl of East and Aromatherapy Associates are ideal if you want something beautifully crafted and gift-worthy. And London Musk is hard to beat for value if you’re stocking up or experimenting with blends.
Wherever you end up buying, take a moment to check the label. A good essential oil should tell you exactly what it is, where it came from, and how it was made. The ones that do are almost always the ones worth buying.