What is Lavender Essential Oil?

Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most versatile and beloved essential oils. The scent is soft, floral and herbal, with woody nuances. Our lavender comes from France and is obtained through steam distillation of the flowers of Lavandula Angustifolia, also known as true lavender.

True lavender distinguishes itself from its relatives by a high content of linalool and linalyl acetate, often together more than half of the oil, and a low camphor content. This gives the soft, round scent that brings the typical calming effect with it. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) have a higher camphor content and therefore smell sharper.

Lavender blends beautifully with virtually all other essential oils, including citrus oils such as bergamot and mandarin, floral oils such as geranium and roman chamomile, herbal oils such as rosemary and clary sage, and woody oils such as cedarwood and sandalwood. One of the most universal blending partners in aromatherapy and perfume.

How is Lavender Essential Oil made?

The flowers are harvested during full bloom, usually in June and July, and then converted into essential oil through steam distillation. In this process, water vapor is guided through the plant material, releasing the volatile aroma molecules. The vapor is captured, cooled and separated into water (lavender hydrosol) and the oil itself.

The quality of lavender oil depends greatly on the harvest time, the altitude at which the plant grows and the care of the distillation. Our French lavender comes from traditional lavender regions, where cultivation and processing have been refined for generations.

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

Calming and relaxing
The calming effect of lavender is one of the best-researched properties of essential oils. The scent helps to relax at the end of the day and is widely used in sleep blends, relaxing massages and meditative rituals.

Caring for the skin
Lavender oil is one of the mildest essential oils, making it suitable for virtually all skin types, including sensitive skin. A popular addition to day and night creams, facial oils and body care.

Helps with blemishes
Due to its purifying effect, lavender is a commonly used choice in formulations for combination or blemish-prone skin.

Versatile in DIY
Lavender fits in virtually any blend and in virtually any DIY product. From soap to lip balm, from shampoo to body butter, and from linen spray to meditation diffuser.

Not phototoxic
Lavender can be used during the day in day and body care without worry about sun exposure.

How do you use Lavender Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter when using on the skin. For homemade care products, we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Read the explanation at the bottom for more information. Suitable carriers are for example Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Shea Butter.

In a diffuser for the evening
Add 3 to 5 drops to an aroma diffuser in the bedroom, one hour before bedtime. Optionally combine with Roman Chamomile or Cedarwood for deeper relaxation.

In a relaxing massage oil
Mix lavender with a carrier oil to a working dosage of 1 percent. For 100 grams of massage oil, that means 1 gram of lavender oil. Optionally combine with geranium and bergamot for a richer blend.

On your pillow
A few drops on a cotton sachet under your pillow helps to calm the mind before bedtime. Not directly on the pillow, as lavender can stain fabric.

In a relaxing bath
Mix 5 to 10 drops of lavender oil with a neutral bath gel, bath oil or a tablespoon of sweet almond oil before getting in the bath. Essential oils do not dissolve in water, so always mix first with a fat base.

In a facial care product
Lavender can be incorporated into day and night creams, serums and facial oils for both its caring properties and its gentle scent. Working dosage 0.5 to 1 percent.

In linen spray or in the dryer
A few drops on wool dryer balls gives your laundry a light, fresh lavender scent. Combine with water in a spray bottle for a DIY linen spray, and shake well before use.

Tips when using Lavender Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Always close the bottle tightly after use to prevent oxidation.
• Test first on a small piece of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially with sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not with drops. The size of a drop varies per bottle and oil, making drops unreliable for exact dosages.
• Lavender oil can damage or discolor fabric. Be careful on furniture, bedding and clothing.
• Feel free to combine lavender with other essential oils, it is one of the best blending partners you can find.

Precautions and side effects

Lavender Essential Oil is mild and is considered one of the safest essential oils in use. However, like all essential oils, it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in sensitive skin or at high dosages. Always use diluted, never pure on the skin.

Our practical working dosage: 1 percent
For homemade care products, we recommend a dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Lavender naturally contains allergens such as linalool and geraniol. When you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe, these allergens accumulate and you can quickly exceed the legal allergen limits. A working dosage of 1 percent gives you the space to use multiple oils in one recipe without going over those limits.

For products that you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, more generous maximums apply because the oil does not remain on the skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consultation with an expert. Keep out of reach of children. When in doubt or with sensitive skin, always test first on a small spot and wait 24 hours before using it on larger surfaces.