Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
A calming, floral single oil — one of the most versatile oils in a starter collection.
How to use it
3–5 drops alone, or with cedarwood for a grounding evening blend.
Dilute 1–3% in a carrier oil; a common pick for dry patches and after-sun routines.
Safety in detail
- Phototoxic
- No
- Not phototoxic — but oxidised (old, air-exposed) lavender oil can trigger contact allergy; store it sealed, cool and dark.
- Dilute in a carrier oil for skin use, and patch-test if your skin is sensitive.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Sources: Bråred Christensson et al. (2012), Contact Dermatitis · Prusinowska et al. (2014), Herba Polonica
Composition & chemistry
Aggregated from 142 GC-MS samples across 38 peer-reviewed open-access studies (2018–2026). Figures are the distribution across those samples — median with interquartile range — not a single reading.
- Oxygenated monoterpene 86.5%
- Monoterpene hydrocarbon 6.4%
- Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon 2.9%
- Unclassified 2.4%
- Oxygenated sesquiterpene 1.1%
- Aliphatic / small aromatic 0.6%
| Constituent | Median | Typical range | Max | Detected in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| linalool ↗ C10H18O | 27.2% | 18.1–34.5% | 45.3% | |
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| linalyl acetate ↗ C12H20O2 | 19.1% | 12.2–26.6% | 41.2% | |
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| camphor ↗ C10H16O | 3.4% | 0.4–6.4% | 33.3% | |
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| borneol ↗ C10H18O | 3.1% | 1.7–6.0% | 24.5% | |
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| 1,8-cineole ↗ C10H18O | 2.2% | 1.4–6.0% | 34.3% | |
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| lavandulyl acetate ↗ C12H20O2 | 2.1% | 1.0–4.3% | 23.5% | |
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| terpinen-4-ol ↗ C10H18O | 2.0% | 0.9–6.4% | 12.9% | |
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| β-caryophyllene ↗ C15H24 | 1.5% | 0.6–2.6% | 4.5% | |
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| α-terpineol ↗ C10H18O | 1.1% | 0.5–1.9% | 9.7% | |
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| (e)-β-ocimene ↗ C10H16 | 1.1% | 0.5–3.1% | 11.0% | |
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| geranyl acetate ↗ C12H20O2 | 1.0% | 0.4–1.9% | 4.8% | |
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| caryophyllene oxide ↗ C15H24O | 1.0% | 0.4–1.6% | 11.4% | |
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+ 123 more compounds reported across the dataset.
38 peer-reviewed sources behind these figures
- Pokajewicz K, Białoń M, Svydenko L, Fedin R, Hudz N. (2021). Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of the New Cultivars of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Bred in Ukraine. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Chen K, Liu Y, Nie J, Wang G, Xiao J, Wu H. (2026). Bioactive Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Lavender Essential Oil: Molecular Mechanisms, Current Evidence, and Future Perspectives. International journal of molecular sciences.
- Asadi M, Nasiri Y, Rasouli F, Kakaei K, Morshedloo MR, Ercisli S, Skrovankova S, Mlcek J. (2025). Application of graphene oxide nanoparticles for improvement of growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and essential oil quality and yield of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. under green manure incorporation. BMC plant biology.
- Pokajewicz K, Białoń M, Svydenko L, Hudz N, Balwierz R, Marciniak D, Wieczorek PP. (2022). Comparative Evaluation of the Essential Oil of the New Ukrainian Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia Cultivars Grown on the Same Plots. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Tanase C, Tanase C, Ștefănescu R, Darkó B, Muntean DL, Fărcaş AC, Socaci SA. (2020). Biochemical and Histo-Anatomical Responses of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. to Spruce and Beech Bark Extracts Application. Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
- Bogdan MA, Bungau S, Tit DM, Zaha DC, Nechifor AC, Behl T, Chambre D, Lupitu AI, Copolovici L, Copolovici DM. (2021). Chemical Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils Extracted from Three Different Varieties (Moldoveanca 4, Vis Magic 10, and Alba 7) of Lavandula angustifolia. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Najar B, Pistelli L, Fratini F. (2022). Exploitation of Marginal Hilly Land in Tuscany through the Cultivation of Lavandula angustifolia Mill.: Characterization of Its Essential Oil and Antibacterial Activity. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Zawadzińska A, Wesołowska A, Skutnik E, Rabiza-Świder J, Salachna P. (2025). Changes in Growth and Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from Flowers and Leafy Stems of <i>Lavandula angustifolia</i> Grown in Media Amended with Bark and Sewage Sludge. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Massoud RI, Bouaziz M, Abdallah H, Zeiz A, Flamini G, El-Dakdouki MH. (2024). Comparative Study on the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Essential Oils of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia Cultivated in Lebanon. ACS omega.
- Caprari C, Fantasma F, Monaco P, Divino F, Iorizzi M, Ranalli G, Fasano F, Saviano G. (2023). Chemical Profiles, In Vitro Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Four Different Lavandula angustifolia L. EOs. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Ilić ZS, Milenković L, Stanojević L, Milenković A, Šunić L, Ćirković B, Božović D, Cvetković D, Stanojević J. (2026). Effect of Light Modification by Shading Nets on Yield, Composition, and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Lavandula angustifolia</i> Mill. Essential Oil. Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
- Mac Sweeney E, Pieracci Y, Popescu VS, Angius G, Flamini G, Pistelli L, Abate G, Mastinu A. (2025). Phytochemical Characterization and Potential Anti-Oxidative Activity of Lavandula angustifolia subsp. pyrenaica (DC.), Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel cv Grosso, and cv Super Essential Oils Compared to a Commercial Lavender Essential Oil. Chemistry & biodiversity.
- Wilson TM, Poulson A, Packer C, Carlson RE, Buch RM. (2021). Essential Oil Profile and Yield of Corolla, Calyx, Leaf, and Whole Flowering Top of Cultivated Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae) from Utah. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Białoń M, Krzyśko-Łupicka T, Nowakowska-Bogdan E, Wieczorek PP. (2019). Chemical Composition of Two Different Lavender Essential Oils and Their Effect on Facial Skin Microbiota. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Ciobotaru GV, Goje ID, Dehelean CA, Danciu C, Magyari-Pavel IZ, Moacă EA, Muntean D, Imbrea IM, Sărățeanu V, Pop G. (2025). Analysis of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Migratory Properties of the Essential Oils Obtained from Cultivated Medicinal <i>Lamiaceae</i> Species. Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
- Kırkıncı S, Gercek YC, Baştürk FN, Yıldırım N, Gıdık B, Bayram NE. (2024). Evaluation of lavender essential oils and by-products using microwave hydrodistillation and conventional hydrodistillation. Scientific reports.
- Székely-Szentmiklósi I, Rédai EM, Szabó ZI, Kovács B, Albert C, Gergely AL, Székely-Szentmiklósi B, Sipos E. (2024). Microencapsulation by Complex Coacervation of Lavender Oil Obtained by Steam Distillation at Semi-Industrial Scale. Foods (Basel, Switzerland).
- EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Villa RE, Azimonti G, Bonos E, Christensen H, Durjava M, Dusemund B, Gehring R, Glandorf B, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, Marcon F, Nebbia C, Pechová A, Prieto-Maradona M, Röhe I, Theodoridou K, Bastos ML, Brantom P, Chesson A, Schlatter J, Westendorf J, Manini P. (2024). Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the flowering tops of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl). EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority.
- Gedikoğlu A, Öztürk Hİ, Özçoban A. (2024). Analysis of the Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Qualities of Microwave and Supercritical CO2-Extracted Lavender Essential Oils Cultivated in a Hyperarid Region of Türkiye. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- De Falco E, Rigano D, Fico V, Vitti A, Barile G, Pergola M. (2023). Spontaneous Officinal Plants in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park: Tradition, Protection, Enhancement, and Recovery. Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
- Biltekin SN, Karadaǧ AE, Demirci B, Demirci F. (2022). ACE2 and LOX Enzyme Inhibitions of Different Lavender Essential Oils and Major Components Linalool and Camphor. ACS omega.
- Di Vito M, Smolka A, Proto MR, Barbanti L, Gelmini F, Napoli E, Bellardi MG, Mattarelli P, Beretta G, Sanguinetti M, Bugli F. (2021). Is the Antimicrobial Activity of Hydrolates Lower than That of Essential Oils? Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland).
- Caprari C, Fantasma F, Divino F, Bucci A, Iorizzi M, Naclerio G, Ranalli G, Saviano G. (2021). Chemical Profile, In Vitro Biological Activity and Comparison of Essential Oils from Fresh and Dried Flowers of Lavandula angustifolia L. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Saifi M, Didouh N, Aissaoui N, Khiri Z, Medjahdi K, Achek R, Daoud I, Araujo R. (2026). Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Potential of Lavandula latifolia and Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oils Against Bacillus cereus Isolated From Pipelines of Dairy Industry. Chemistry & biodiversity.
- Bassinello V, Boriollo MFG, Barbosa JP, Bernardo WLC, Oliveira MC, Dias CTDS, Sousa CP. (2026). Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil as a Developmental Inhibitor of Candida Species and Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland).
- Takenoya F, Shibato J, Yamashita M, Kanzaki M, Yamazaki Y, Chiba Y, Hirabayashi T, Shioda S, Rakwal R. (2026). Lavender Essential Oil-Induced Enhancement of Exercise-Responsive Myokine Expression and Alteration of Muscle-Related Gene Networks in an in Vitro Muscle Contraction Model. International journal of molecular sciences.
- Piga GK, Cossu M, Giannini V, Frabboni L, Disciglio G, Tarantino A, Pistillo OM, Racioppo A, Garau M, Garau G, Melito S. (2026). Seed priming with lavender essential oil increases germination and seedling growth in saline and potentially toxic elements-contaminated soils. PeerJ.
- Abouelela MB, El-Taher EM, Shawky EM, Baky MH. (2026). Uncovering adulteration and quality variations in commercial lavender essential oils from the Egyptian market using GC-MS and chemometrics. Scientific reports.
- Malaspina P, Polito F, La Neve A, De Feo V, Cornara L, Trombetta D, Smeriglio A. (2026). Essential Oils from Pruning Residues of <i>Lavandula angustifolia</i> Mill. 'Essence Purple' and <i>Helichrysum italicum</i> (Roth) G.Don: Phytotoxic and Ecotoxicological Evaluation. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Wang L, Hu H, Sun X, Jiao Z, Zhang H, Luo W, Huang X. (2026). Exploring the antibacterial mechanism and application of lavender essential oil based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Scientific reports.
- Zhou Y, Pei T, Zhou X, Xu ML, Gao H, Wang L, Gao Y. (2025). An Investigation into the Biological Activities of Four Lamiaceae Essential Oils Against Thrips flavus, Crops, and Weeds. Plants (Basel, Switzerland).
- Angulo SM, Occhieppo VB, Moya C, Crespo R, Bregonzio C. (2025). Anxiolytic-like Effect Characterization of Essential Oil from Local Lavender Cultivation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland).
- Stamova S, Ermenlieva N, Tsankova G, Georgieva E. (2025). Antimicrobial Activity of Lavender Essential Oil from <i>Lavandula angustifolia</i> Mill.: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland).
- Adaszyńska-Skwirzyńska M, Yu YH, Konieczka P, Kozłowski K, Witkowska D, Dybus A, Hukowska-Szematowicz B, Jędrzejczak-Silicka M, Bucław M, Bartkowiak A. (2025). Chemical Composition, Cytotoxicity, and Encapsulation of Lavender Essential Oil (<i>Lavandula angustifolia</i>) in Alginate Hydrogel-Application and Therapeutic Effect on Animal Model. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Rosner O, Livne S, Bsharat M, Dviker S, Jeffet U, Matalon S, Sterer N. (2024). Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil Inhibits the Ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to Produce Volatile Sulfide Compounds, a Key Components in Oral Malodor. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Batiha GE, Teibo JO, Wasef L, Shaheen HM, Shaheen HM, Akomolafe AP, Teibo TKA, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Garbeeb AI, Alexiou A, Papadakis M. (2023). A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula species. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology.
- Dong G, Bai X, Aimila A, Aisa HA, Maiwulanjiang M. (2020). Study on Lavender Essential Oil Chemical Compositions by GC-MS and Improved pGC. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).
- Lesage-Meessen L, Bou M, Ginies C, Chevret D, Navarro D, Drula E, Bonnin E, Del Río JC, Odinot E, Bisotto A, Berrin JG, Sigoillot JC, Faulds CB, Lomascolo A. (2018). Lavender- and lavandin-distilled straws: an untapped feedstock with great potential for the production of high-added value compounds and fungal enzymes. Biotechnology for biofuels.
Every figure above traces to a named table in one of these open-access papers. How this was built →
- Linalool — a floral alcohol that produced anxiolytic-like effects through odour exposure in mice Harada et al. (2018), Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
The name likely traces to the Latin lavare — to wash — from scenting Roman bathwater.
What the research says
An honest read of the published research — what has actually been studied, at what stage. Not medical advice or a promise of results.
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Inhaled lavender has been tested for sleep quality and anxiety in small randomized trials — for example compared with peppermint for sleep in hospital patients. Results are promising but preliminary, not a substitute for medical care.
Mahdavikian et al. (2020), Sleep Science and Practice -
A 2014 review compiled lavender's composition and its reported calming and biological effects — most of which remain preclinical or based on small studies.
Prusinowska et al. (2014), Herba Polonica
Evidence & sources
Peer-reviewed research on Lavender's chemistry and safety. These describe composition and documented effects — not health or treatment claims.
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil is dominated by the ester linalyl acetate and the alcohol linalool, which together define its soft floral character; proportions vary widely by cultivar and origin.
Śmigielski et al. (2013), Journal of Essential Oil Research -
Air-oxidised linalool is a recognised, common cause of fragrance contact allergy — the reason lavender oil should be stored well-sealed and not used once old.
Bråred Christensson et al. (2012), Contact Dermatitis
Frequently asked questions
Is lavender oil safe to put on skin?
Generally yes, well diluted in a carrier oil. Lavender is not phototoxic, but patch-test first — oxidised (old) lavender can occasionally cause contact allergy. Bråred Christensson et al. (2012), Contact Dermatitis
Does lavender actually help with sleep?
Small randomized studies suggest inhaled lavender may improve sleep quality, but the evidence is preliminary. Treat it as a relaxing bedtime scent, not a treatment for insomnia. Mahdavikian et al. (2020), Sleep Science and Practice
What's the difference between lavender and lavandin?
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is higher in linalyl acetate and prized for its soft aroma; lavandin, a hybrid, is higher in camphor and cineole and smells sharper and more medicinal.
Is lavender oil phototoxic?
No. Unlike citrus oils such as bergamot, lavender is not phototoxic, so it doesn't require avoiding the sun after topical use.
Gallery
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the oil most people reach for first, and for good reason — it’s floral, slightly herbaceous, gentle enough for daily use, and forgiving of beginner mistakes in a way sharper oils like peppermint or clove aren’t. Young Living steam-distills it from flowering tops harvested at peak potency, typically from high-altitude lavender fields.
From Provence to the diffuser
Lavender has been cultivated for its scent since antiquity — the name likely traces to the Latin lavare, “to wash,” from its use scenting bathwater in Roman times. Provence, France remains the plant’s most iconic growing region, though commercial lavender is now grown at scale across several continents, with altitude and soil affecting the balance of linalool and linalyl acetate that defines a given batch’s aroma.
Aroma character
Soft, floral, and slightly herbaceous, with none of the sharpness of mint or citrus oils — often described as the most universally pleasant of all essential oils, which is part of why it’s the default recommendation for anyone starting a collection.
In the diffuser
3–5 drops alone creates a calming atmosphere, or pair it with cedarwood for a grounding evening blend, or with citrus for a brighter daytime one.
On skin
Dilute to 1–3% in a carrier oil. It’s a common pick for minor scrapes, dry patches, and after-sun routines, and works as a gentle base note in scalp and hair blends — see our hair growth guide for more.
What pairs well
Lavender blends easily with almost anything — cedarwood, bergamot, lemon, ylang ylang, and frankincense are all common partners.
Sourcing note
Oil quality varies enormously by distillation method, harvest timing, and growing conditions — a rushed or overheated distillation can strip out the delicate top notes that make good lavender smell the way it does. This is why we point to Young Living specifically rather than a generic “lavender oil” recommendation.
Found in these blends
Lavender is one of the oils inside 31 Young Living blends.