The objectives of this study were to verify if inhaling rose and ylang-ylang essential oils has any effect on one's perception of self-esteem, and compare their efficiency. The study was approved by the University of São Paulo Hospital Research Ethics Committee. Participants were 43 workers from the Sanitation Department and from the Materials and Sterilization Center, and the study took place from May to July 2009. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: two that received the essential oils and a third that received placebo (rose essence). The self-esteem evaluation was performed using a scale validated in Brazil, which was applied before using the aromas, as well as 30 and 60 days after the use. Results showed that the sample consisted of 88.6% individuals with medium and high self-esteem, and that the essential oils did not make any significant changes to their perception of self-esteem.