Adding a few drops of aromatic oil to your löyly water is one of the simplest ways to level up a sauna session. But where should you actually buy those oils? Below you will find seven reliable places to shop—from sauna-specific retailers to general marketplaces—plus guidance on which scents to grab first and how to use them safely.
Why Use Essential Oils in a Sauna?
Essential oils transform a standard sauna session into a multi-sensory ritual. When diluted in water and poured over hot stones, they release aromatic steam that fills the cabin with fragrance. Popular choices include eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, citrus blends, and pine—each delivering a distinct atmosphere, from invigorating to deeply calming.
Many sauna enthusiasts enjoy eucalyptus for its refreshing, airway-opening quality, lavender for its calming effect, and peppermint for a cool, energizing sensation. Beyond single oils, pre-made blends designed specifically for sauna use are becoming widely available.
7 Best Places to Buy Sauna Essential Oils
1. Sauna Manufacturer Stores
Companies that build saunas often sell companion aromatherapy products. Almost Heaven Saunas, for example, offers individual Harvia-branded bottles in scents like citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, birch, apple, and pine. They also carry an essential oil box with eight scents including pine, ylang ylang, lavender, cedarwood, frankincense, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon oil. Buying from a sauna manufacturer gives you confidence the oils are formulated for high-heat environments.
2. Specialty Sauna Retailers Online
Sites like Saunas.com and Sun Valley Saunas stock curated aromatherapy collections. Saunas.com carries a range of single oils including eucalyptus, birch, peppermint, citrus, and tea tree, all chosen specifically for sauna use. Sun Valley Saunas sells the Mr.Steam® Aromas line in 1-liter bottles. These specialty shops often include application instructions alongside each product.
3. Amazon
Amazon is the most convenient option for sheer variety and fast shipping. You can search for "essential oils for sauna" and find hundreds of results—single oils like eucalyptus in 4 oz bottles, multi-packs, and sauna-specific blends from brands like Plant Therapy, Cliganic, and Nexon Botanics. Prices start under $10 for a single bottle. Read reviews carefully and look for 100% pure, therapeutic-grade labels.
4. Holy Banya
Holy Banya specializes in authentic Russian banya (sauna) traditions and carries a well-organized essential oil collection. Their lineup includes eucalyptus, mint, citrus, tea tree, and herbal blends. They position their products around specific goals—relaxation, energy, skincare, or seasonal comfort—which makes it easy for beginners to choose.
5. North Shore Sauna (saunatent.com)
If you are into portable tent saunas, North Shore Sauna sells their own "Sauna In Nature" essential oil blend made from eucalyptus, cedarwood, laurel, and black spruce. Customer reviews describe the blend as not overpowering and a "must have" addition. It is designed for use with a löyly bucket—add 3–4 drops per 100 ml of water before tossing it on the rocks.
6. Health-Food and Wellness Stores
Brick-and-mortar shops like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and local co-ops stock essential oil brands such as NOW Foods, Aura Cacia, and Plant Therapy. The advantage here is you can smell testers before buying. Just make sure the oil is 100% pure essential oil (not a fragrance oil) and that it does not contain synthetic additives—those can produce unpleasant fumes on hot stones.
7. Direct-to-Consumer Essential Oil Brands
Brands like Plant Therapy, Rocky Mountain Oils, and Edens Garden sell through their own websites with detailed sourcing and testing documentation. Ordering direct often means access to larger sizes at lower per-ounce costs, plus subscription discounts. These brands are not sauna-specific, but their pure single oils and custom blends work perfectly when diluted properly.
Popular Scents to Start With
| Essential Oil | Aroma Profile | Sauna Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Eucalyptus | Sharp, camphorous, cool | Invigorating and airway-opening |
| Lavender | Floral, soft, herbal | Calming and wind-down |
| Peppermint | Minty, crisp, cooling | Energizing morning sessions |
| Pine / Black Spruce | Woody, resinous, fresh | Forest-like, grounding |
| Citrus (Lemon, Orange) | Bright, zesty, uplifting | Mood-boosting, refreshing |
| Tea Tree | Medicinal, clean, sharp | Purifying and refreshing |
| Birch | Sweet, woody, wintergreen | Traditional Nordic feel |
How to Use Essential Oils in Your Sauna Safely
- Always dilute first. Add 3–5 drops of essential oil to a full bucket or bowl of water. Never pour undiluted oil directly onto hot sauna stones—this can cause the oil to smoke or create an overpowering burst of fragrance.
- Use pure, therapeutic-grade oils. Synthetic fragrance oils may contain chemicals that release irritating fumes at high temperatures. Look for "100% pure essential oil" on the label.
- Store properly. Keep oils in dark glass bottles away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve potency.
- Start with one scent. If you are new to sauna aromatherapy, begin with a single oil like eucalyptus before experimenting with blends. This lets you gauge how intense the aroma feels in your particular sauna space.
- Ventilate. Good airflow prevents scent buildup and keeps your sauna session comfortable. Crack a vent or open the door briefly between rounds.
Key Takeaways
- You can buy sauna-ready essential oils from sauna manufacturers, specialty sauna retailers, Amazon, wellness brands, and health-food stores.
- Eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint are the three most popular starter scents for sauna aromatherapy.
- Always dilute oils in water before applying to hot stones—never pour them directly onto the rocks.
- Look for 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and avoid synthetic fragrance oils.
- Pair your oils with quality sauna accessories—like a felt sauna hat from All Day Sauna Co.—to get the most out of every session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any essential oil in a sauna?
Most pure essential oils work well in a sauna as long as you dilute them in water first. Avoid synthetic fragrance oils, as they can produce irritating fumes on hot stones. Stick with well-known sauna-friendly options like eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, pine, and tea tree.
How many drops of essential oil should I add to my sauna water?
A good starting point is 3–5 drops per full bucket of water (roughly 2–4 liters). You can adjust up or down depending on your sauna size and scent preference. Less is usually more—you can always add another drop, but you cannot take one away once it is on the stones.
Is it safe to put essential oils directly on sauna stones?
No. Pouring undiluted essential oil directly on hot stones can cause the oil to smoke or even ignite, and it may damage your stones over time. Always mix the oil into water first, then ladle the scented water onto the stones.
Where is the cheapest place to buy essential oils for a sauna?
Amazon and direct-to-consumer brands like Plant Therapy or Edens Garden tend to offer the lowest per-ounce prices. Single 4 oz bottles of eucalyptus or lavender often start under $10. Buying larger sizes (8 oz or 16 oz) or subscribing to auto-ship programs can save you even more.
Do I need special sauna essential oils, or can I use regular ones?
You do not need a product specifically labeled "sauna oil." Any 100% pure essential oil will work. Sauna-branded oils are simply regular essential oils packaged for the sauna market, sometimes in convenient blends. The key is purity—no synthetic additives, no carrier-oil fillers.