CAS number 8000-28-0
INCI name Lavandula Angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia oil, or lavender essential oil, is a highly effective ingredient known for its soothing and calming properties. It appears as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a floral, herbaceous scent and is widely used in personal care and cosmetic products. With its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits, it is ideal for creams, serums, and lotions.
Purpose
Lavender oil acts as a natural masking agent, helping to neutralize unwanted odors in cosmetic formulations while enhancing their fragrance. Its moisturizing properties aid in maintaining skin hydration by preventing moisture loss, making it especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. Additionally, its soothing effects help calm irritation, reduce redness, and provide a relaxing sensation, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare and aromatherapy products.
Origin
Lavandula angustifolia oil is extracted through steam distillation of lavender’s flowering tops. The plant material is placed in a distillation chamber with water, where steam passes through, causing the essential oil to evaporate. The vapor is then cooled and condensed back into liquid form, yielding pure lavender oil ready for collection and use.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Lavender Essential Oil |
| Type | Provides soothing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties |
| Source | Extracted from the flowers of the Lavandula angustifolia plant through steam distillation |
| PH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Color | Pale yellow to colorless |
| Odor | Floral, fresh, and slightly herbal |
| Physical state | Thin, mobile liquid |
| Concentration | 0.1%–3% |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Boiling point | 155-175°C |
Natural Calming and Relaxing Properties
Lavender oil is well-known for its soothing aroma, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and tension while promoting relaxation and better sleep. This makes it a popular choice in aromatherapy, sleep aids, and stress-relief products.
Anti-Inflammatory & Skin-Soothing Benefits
Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, lavender oil effectively reduces redness, irritation, and swelling. It helps calm sensitive skin, making it useful in products designed for conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and sunburn relief.
Antimicrobial & Antiseptic Properties
Lavender oil possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective ingredient for acne treatment and skin infections. It helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin, reducing breakouts and promoting a clearer complexion. Additionally, its antifungal properties help combat issues like athlete’s foot and dandruff.
Supports Wound Healing & Scar Reduction
With its regenerative properties, lavender oil accelerates wound healing and reduces scarring. It aids in repairing damaged skin, making it a key ingredient in products for cuts, burns, insect bites, and minor abrasions. Its ability to stimulate collagen production further enhances its wound-healing effects.
Balances Sebum Production
Unlike many essential oils, lavender oil is suitable for both oily and dry skin. It helps regulate sebum production, preventing excessive oiliness while maintaining adequate hydration. This balancing effect makes it beneficial for combination skin types.
Enhances Hair & Scalp Health
Lavender oil is widely used in hair care due to its ability to stimulate hair growth, improve scalp circulation, and reduce dandruff. Its antifungal properties help alleviate scalp conditions such as flakiness and itchiness, while its nourishing effects strengthen hair strands and promote a healthier scalp environment.
Aromatherapeutic & Emotional Benefits
Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its ability to uplift mood, alleviate depression, and provide emotional balance. When diffused or used in massage oils, it helps create a sense of well-being, making it a key ingredient in stress-relief and relaxation blends.
Versatile in Formulations
Due to its compatibility with various ingredients, lavender oil is found in a wide range of personal care products, including creams, lotions, serums, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, and body oils. It blends well with other essential oils such as chamomile, rosemary, and tea tree, enhancing its therapeutic effects.
Gentle & Non-Irritating (When Properly Diluted)
Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that is gentle enough for direct application (in small amounts) on the skin, though dilution is recommended. Its mild nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, when used in appropriate concentrations.
Acts as a Natural Preservative & Fragrance
Beyond its therapeutic properties, lavender oil acts as a natural fragrance in cosmetic formulations, reducing the need for synthetic perfumes. Its antimicrobial properties also help extend the shelf life of certain formulations by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Applications of Lavender Oil in Cosmetics, Hair Care, and Skincare
Cosmetics Applications
- Fragrance Enhancer: Used in perfumes, body mists, and deodorants for its natural floral aroma.
- Natural Preservative: Its antimicrobial properties help extend the shelf life of cosmetic products.
- Makeup Setting Sprays & Mists: Soothes the skin while providing a refreshing and calming effect.
- Lip Balms & Lipsticks: Hydrates and protects lips while adding a mild, pleasant scent.
Hair Care Applications
- Shampoos & Conditioners: Helps reduce dandruff, soothes scalp irritation, and promotes healthy hair growth.
- Scalp Treatments: Used in oils and serums to improve circulation, strengthen hair follicles, and reduce hair fall.
- Hair Masks & Serums: Nourishes and moisturizes hair while adding a natural shine.
- Anti-Frizz & Leave-In Sprays: Tames flyaways and provides a lightweight conditioning effect.
Skincare Applications
- Moisturizers & Creams: Hydrates the skin while reducing redness and irritation.
- Serums & Facial Oils: Provides antioxidant benefits, helping to soothe acne-prone and sensitive skin.
- Face & Body Washes: Acts as a natural antibacterial agent, making it effective for acne treatment.
- Massage Oils & Body Lotions: Offers relaxation benefits while improving skin texture and hydration.
- Face Masks & Scrubs: Helps detoxify the skin and reduce inflammation.
- After-Sun Care Products: Soothes sunburned skin and reduces redness and discomfort.
