Lavender Essential Oil: Uses, Types and How to Use It Safely

Lavender is probably the best-known essential oil. Its fresh, floral scent turns up in soaps, candles, pillow sprays and bath products, and it is often the first oil people buy. This guide explains what lavender oil is, how the different types compare, what the research does and does not show, and how to use it safely at home.

What lavender essential oil is

Lavender essential oil is distilled from the flowering tops of lavender plants, usually by steam distillation. It takes a large amount of plant material to make a small bottle of oil, which is why pure lavender oil is concentrated and should be used a few drops at a time.

The oil’s scent comes mainly from two compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate. Their balance varies with the variety of lavender, where it was grown and the weather that year, so two bottles of lavender oil can smell noticeably different.

True lavender, lavandin and spike lavender

Not every bottle labeled “lavender” contains the same plant. Check the Latin name on the label:

• True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), sometimes called English lavender, has a soft, sweet floral scent. It is the type most often used in aromatherapy and the one most research has focused on.
• Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid that produces more oil per plant, so it is cheaper. Its scent is sharper and more camphor-like. It is widely used in cleaning products and soaps.
• Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) has a strong, herbal, camphor-rich scent and is less suitable for relaxing blends.

None of these is “bad”, but they are different oils. If a product just says “lavender oil” with no Latin name, it is hard to know what you are buying.

What the research says

Lavender is one of the most studied essential oils. Some small studies suggest that inhaling lavender scent may help some people feel calmer or more relaxed, for example before a medical procedure, and some people find it helps them wind down at bedtime. However, many studies are small or short, and results are mixed. Lavender is not a treatment for anxiety disorders, insomnia or any other medical condition, and anyone with ongoing sleep or mood problems should talk to a doctor.

In other words, lavender is best thought of as a pleasant scent that many people find relaxing, rather than a medicine.

How to use lavender oil

Diffusing

Add a few drops to a water-based diffuser and run it for 30 to 60 minutes in a ventilated room. Longer is not better; most people stop noticing a scent after a while anyway. Keep diffusers away from babies, people with asthma and pets, especially cats.

On the skin, diluted

Lavender is considered one of the gentler oils, but it should still be diluted before it touches skin. For adults, a 1 to 2 percent dilution is a common guideline, which is about 6 to 12 drops in two tablespoons (30 ml) of a carrier oil like jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil. Do a patch test first, and stop if you notice redness or itching.

In the bath

Essential oils don’t mix with water, so drops float on top and can touch the skin undiluted. Mix 3 to 5 drops into a tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented liquid soap before adding it to the bath.

On linens

A light mist made from a few drops in a small spray bottle of water (shaken before each use) can scent pillowcases and drawers. Spray lightly and let it dry before use, and test on a hidden spot first, since oils can stain some fabrics.

Buying a good lavender oil

• Look for the Latin name, country of origin and, ideally, a batch or lot number on the label.
• Choose dark glass bottles with a dropper cap, which protect the oil from light.
• Be wary of very low prices for “true lavender”, which may mean the oil is lavandin or has been diluted.
• Terms like “therapeutic grade” are marketing language, not an official standard.

Safety notes

• Do not swallow lavender oil or add it to food or drinks.
• Keep it out of reach of children, and see our guide to essential oils and kids before using it around young children.
• Avoid the eyes and the inside of the nose, and wash your hands after handling.
• Oxidized (old) lavender oil is more likely to irritate skin, so store it tightly capped in a cool, dark place and replace it after a couple of years.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.

For more general tips, see our essential oil safety rules, and for another gentle floral oil, our guide to chamomile essential oil.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put lavender oil directly on my skin?

It is better not to. Even though lavender is mild compared with many oils, undiluted use can cause irritation or allergic reactions over time. Always dilute it in a carrier oil first.

Does lavender oil go bad?

Yes. Over time and with exposure to air and light, it oxidizes, loses its scent and becomes more irritating. Most lavender oil keeps well for around two to three years if stored properly.

Is lavender oil safe around pets?

Lavender is lower risk than many oils, but cats are sensitive to essential oils in general. Read our guide to essential oils and pets before diffusing it in a home with animals.

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