# Lavender essential oil

> A calming, floral single oil — one of the most versatile oils in a starter collection.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/lavender

Type: Single oil

## At a glance

- **Botanical name:** Lavandula angustifolia
- **Plant part:** Flowering tops
- **Extraction:** Steam-distilled
- **Aroma:** Soft, floral, herbaceous
- **Origin:** Provence, France
- **Blends with:** Cedarwood, bergamot, lemon

## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate)

Based on 142 GC-MS samples from 38 peer-reviewed papers (2018–2026); Strong evidence base. 135 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range):

| Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| linalool | Oxygenated monoterpene | 27.19 | 18.14–34.46 | 45.3 | 32 |
| linalyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 19.1 | 12.18–26.61 | 41.2 | 33 |
| camphor | Oxygenated monoterpene | 3.39 | 0.43–6.4 | 33.26 | 30 |
| borneol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 3.14 | 1.74–6.05 | 24.5 | 28 |
| 1,8-cineole | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2.19 | 1.35–6.03 | 34.3 | 33 |
| terpinen-4-ol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2.04 | 0.93–6.4 | 12.87 | 31 |
| lavandulyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2.09 | 1–4.31 | 23.5 | 28 |
| α-terpineol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 1.11 | 0.49–1.92 | 9.66 | 31 |
| β-caryophyllene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 1.47 | 0.58–2.59 | 4.47 | 21 |
| caryophyllene oxide | Oxygenated sesquiterpene | 0.98 | 0.42–1.56 | 11.45 | 23 |
| (e)-β-ocimene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 1.09 | 0.51–3.09 | 11 | 18 |
| geranyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 1.02 | 0.43–1.88 | 4.79 | 18 |

Chemotypes seen in the samples: linalool (50% of samples), linalyl acetate (23% of samples), borneol (9% of samples).

## Key constituents

- **Linalool** (25-45%) — A floral, slightly spicy alcohol responsible for much of lavender's calming reputation
- **Linalyl acetate** (25-45%) — An ester that adds sweetness and rounds out the floral character

## How to use it

- **In the diffuser:** 3–5 drops alone, or with cedarwood for a grounding evening blend.
- **On skin:** Dilute 1–3% in a carrier oil; a common pick for dry patches and after-sun routines.

## Safety

- For topical use, dilute in a carrier oil and keep out of reach of children.
- 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.

## What the research says

- 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 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s41606-020-00047-x)
- 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 (https://doi.org/10.2478/hepo-2014-0010)

## Evidence

- 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 (https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2013.775080)
- 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 (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2012.02134.x)

## 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.

### 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.

### 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.

## Sources (GC-MS studies)

- Pokajewicz K, Białoń M, Svydenko L, Fedin R, Hudz N. Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of the New Cultivars of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Bred in Ukraine. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2021. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8465323
- Chen K, Liu Y, Nie J, Wang G, Xiao J, Wu H. Bioactive Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Lavender Essential Oil: Molecular Mechanisms, Current Evidence, and Future Perspectives. _International journal of molecular sciences_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13466918
- Asadi M, Nasiri Y, Rasouli F, Kakaei K, Morshedloo MR, Ercisli S, Skrovankova S, Mlcek J. 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_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12487077
- Pokajewicz K, Białoń M, Svydenko L, Hudz N, Balwierz R, Marciniak D, Wieczorek PP. 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)_, 2022. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9000678
- Tanase C, Tanase C, Ștefănescu R, Darkó B, Muntean DL, Fărcaş AC, Socaci SA. Biochemical and Histo-Anatomical Responses of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. to Spruce and Beech Bark Extracts Application. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2020. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC7412563
- Bogdan MA, Bungau S, Tit DM, Zaha DC, Nechifor AC, Behl T, Chambre D, Lupitu AI, Copolovici L, Copolovici DM. 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)_, 2021. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8303575
- Najar B, Pistelli L, Fratini F. 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)_, 2022. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9148000
- Zawadzińska A, Wesołowska A, Skutnik E, Rabiza-Świder J, Salachna P. 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)_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12693513
- Massoud RI, Bouaziz M, Abdallah H, Zeiz A, Flamini G, El-Dakdouki MH. 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_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11256343
- Caprari C, Fantasma F, Monaco P, Divino F, Iorizzi M, Ranalli G, Fasano F, Saviano G. Chemical Profiles, In Vitro Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Four Different Lavandula angustifolia L. EOs. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9822278
- Ilić ZS, Milenković L, Stanojević L, Milenković A, Šunić L, Ćirković B, Božović D, Cvetković D, Stanojević J. Effect of Light Modification by Shading Nets on Yield, Composition, and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Lavandula angustifolia</i> Mill. Essential Oil. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12899250
- Mac Sweeney E, Pieracci Y, Popescu VS, Angius G, Flamini G, Pistelli L, Abate G, Mastinu A. 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_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12270360
- Wilson TM, Poulson A, Packer C, Carlson RE, Buch RM. Essential Oil Profile and Yield of Corolla, Calyx, Leaf, and Whole Flowering Top of Cultivated Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae) from Utah. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2021. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8072768
- Białoń M, Krzyśko-Łupicka T, Nowakowska-Bogdan E, Wieczorek PP. Chemical Composition of Two Different Lavender Essential Oils and Their Effect on Facial Skin Microbiota. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2019. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC6767019
- Ciobotaru GV, Goje ID, Dehelean CA, Danciu C, Magyari-Pavel IZ, Moacă EA, Muntean D, Imbrea IM, Sărățeanu V, Pop G. 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)_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11944916
- Kırkıncı S, Gercek YC, Baştürk FN, Yıldırım N, Gıdık B, Bayram NE. Evaluation of lavender essential oils and by-products using microwave hydrodistillation and conventional hydrodistillation. _Scientific reports_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11385625
- Székely-Szentmiklósi I, Rédai EM, Szabó ZI, Kovács B, Albert C, Gergely AL, Székely-Szentmiklósi B, Sipos E. Microencapsulation by Complex Coacervation of Lavender Oil Obtained by Steam Distillation at Semi-Industrial Scale. _Foods (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11431322
- 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. 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_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11513610
- Gedikoğlu A, Öztürk Hİ, Özçoban A. 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)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11643999
- De Falco E, Rigano D, Fico V, Vitti A, Barile G, Pergola M. Spontaneous Officinal Plants in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park: Tradition, Protection, Enhancement, and Recovery. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9919598
- …and 18 more on the canonical page.

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._