U.S. Aromatherapy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis By Product (Consumables, Equipment), By Mode of Delivery (Topical, Aerial, Direct Inhalation), By Application, By Distribution Channel, By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2026

Industry Insights

The U.S. aromatherapy market size was valued at USD 469.93 million in 2018 and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 9.1% over the forecast period. Growing awareness about the therapeutic benefits of essential oils is one of the primary drivers. Essential oils have varied applications. They are widely used by people as a therapeutic measure for various medical conditions.

As per an article by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2016, a clinical trial using inhalation of essential oils was conducted on 50 patients suffering from second- and third-degree burns. The results displayed that the oils were highly effective in reducing pain. Hence, aromatherapy can be used as a complementary therapy for pain relief among burn patients, which aided growth.

An increase in millennials is also expected to aid growth. In 2016, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated a millennial population of 71 million and anticipated this population to surpass that of baby boomers by 2019. Thus, this increase in the millennial population is expected to aid growth. Essential oils are known to possess healing properties. Therapeutic-grade essential oils can positively impact the overall wellness of a patient. These oils have the potential to be natural cleansers and can act as an antibacterial when ingested.

Major players such as doTERRA International, Frontier Natural Products Co-op, and Young Living Essential Oils are all based in the country. They have extensive product portfolios, increasing their penetration through an array of essential oils and other aromatherapy products in the U.S. This country is one of the leaders in aromatherapy retail, according to SPINS survey. The swift growth of its retail and organic sectors are anticipated to collectively boost the aromatherapy market.

Approval of organic essential oils is another major factor anticipated to aid growth. Pharmaceuticals can damage healthy cells along with diseased ones, for instance, in the case of cancer therapy. Thus, extensive research is being carried out to manage brain cancer through essential oil therapy.

Product Insights

On the basis of product, consumables held the largest share in 2018. This is due to an increase in the use of essential oils as therapeutic agents for various conditions. Essential oils can promote natural healing, which increases their growth potential. Consumables include essential oils as well as carrier oils. Essential oils comprise single oils and blended oils. Single oils are further segmented into herbaceous, floral, woody, citrus, earthy, spicy, camphoraceous, and others.

The equipment segment is expected to exhibit lucrative growth over the forecast period due to the introduction of innovative diffusers, which can diffuse essential oils to provide fragrance, and thus are expected to boost the market. In addition, with the introduction of different types of diffusers, preference for them has increased.

Mode of Delivery Insights

On the basis of mode of delivery, topical application dominated in 2018, which can be attributed to an increase in preference for topical application of aromatherapy oils for various skin conditions. Essential oils are proven to be highly effective against chronic skin issues.

Aerial diffusion, on the other hand, is expected to exhibit lucrative growth over the forecast period due to its effectiveness in treating cold and flu. Preference for aerial diffusion has increased with the growing demand for evaporative diffusers, such as AromaMist Ultrasonic Diffuser by Mountain Rose Herbs.

Application Insights

On the basis of application, relaxation led in 2018, which can be attributed to factors such as an increase in the prevalence of anxiety and stress. Preference for natural and herbal treatments has led people to opt for such products to get relief from stress.

People with skin rashes often seek aromatherapy as it can help nourish the skin and reduce inflammation. Synthetic products are not always preferred by people due to their adverse effects. Thus, essential and carrier oils are opted by people for various skin disorders. These oils possess antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, which help various skin and hair conditions.

Distribution Channel Insights

Among the distribution channel, direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales dominated in 2018. This is due to the fact that direct-to-customer is associated with multilevel marketing of aromatherapy products. With respect to aromatherapy, it is crucial to smell fragrances before purchasing the products. Hence, retail stores that offer aromatherapy products are seen to be the largest revenue-generating units.

Major players such as doTERRA International, Young Living Essential Oils, and Mountain Rose Herbs offer products to wholesalers at a discounted rate to boost sales. Such factors are anticipated to propel segment growth over the coming years.

End-use Insights

On the basis of end-use, in 2018, home use dominated the U.S. aromatherapy market, owing to an increase in the use of aromatherapy for relaxation, pain management, treating cold, cough, & insomnia, and skin & hair management at home. People visit spa and wellness centers for relaxation, stress relief, and quick healing & recovery. Spa and wellness centers held a significant share, based on end-use.

Aromatherapy stimulates lymphatic, circulatory, and musculoskeletal systems, thereby enhancing immunity. It is also being used in hospitals and specialty clinics due to various properties: enhances blood circulation, eases digestion; reduces anxiety, nausea, & stress; and helps expedite recovery. As it is a non-invasive technique, its adoption is increasing across various applications, which is expected to aid in the growth of the market.  

U.S. Aromatherapy Market Insights

Some key players are Edens Garden, doTERRA International, Frontier Natural Products Co-op, Mountain Rose Herbs, Young Living Essential Oils, Rocky Mountain Oils, and Plant Therapy Essential Oils. Key strategies undertaken by major players include new product development, strategic partnerships, and regional expansions. For instance, in 2017, Young Living Essential Oils collaborated with Monell Chemical Senses Centre to support recovering anosmia patients.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report provides an analysis on the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2026. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. aromatherapy market report on the basis of product, mode of delivery, application, distribution channel, and end use:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026)

  • Consumables

    • Essential Oils

      • Singles

        • Herbaceous

        • Woody

        • Spicy

        • Floral

        • Citrus

        • Earthy

        • Camphoraceous

        • Others

      • Blends

    • Carrier Oils

  • Equipment

    • Ultrasonic

    • Nebulizing

    • Evaporative

    • Heat

• Mode of Delivery Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026)

  • Topical Application

  • Aerial Diffusion

  • Direct Inhalation

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026)

  • Relaxation

    • Consumables

    • Equipment

  • Skin & Hair Care

    • Consumables

    • Equipment

  • Pain Management

    • Consumables

    • Equipment

  • Cold & Cough

    • Consumables

    • Equipment

  • Insomnia

    • Consumables

    • Equipment

  • Scar Management

    • Consumables

    • Equipment

  • Others

    • Consumables

    • Equipment

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026)

  • DTC

    • Retail

    • E-commerce

  • B2B

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026)

  • Home Use

  • Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Hospitals & Clinics

  • Other