Recognized since antiquity for its pleasant scent and medicinal properties, true lavender is a component in many skincare products under its INCI name "Lavandula Angustifolia Oil". Its flowers yield an essential oil with soothing, purifying, and anti-inflammatory virtues. This article provides key information about this botanical extract: its extraction process, biochemical composition, benefits, and contraindications.
Everything you need to know about true lavender essential oil.
Summary
Published on February 10, 2023, updated on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 9 min of reading
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A few words on true lavender essential oil.
The essential oil of true lavender is extracted from the dried flowers of Lavandula angustifolia. Unlike most essential oils, that of true lavender can be used undiluted. It is included in the formulation of several skincare products due to its soothing and purifying properties.
Also known as true lavender, or fine lavender, Lavandula angustifolia belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This plant grows in the wild at altitudes between 600 and 1,400 meters. It is found in Provence and throughout the Mediterranean basin, as well as in Spain and Italy. True lavender is unique in that it only has one flowering summit on each stem. Its mauve inflorescences emit a characteristic pleasant fragrance.
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How is true lavender essential oil produced?
The essential oil of true lavender is obtained through hydrodistillation from dried flowers. Only the flowering tops are used for its production. Here are the different steps:
The flowers are dried and placed in a large, airtight container that is connected to a boiler. The steam generated in the boiler is directed into the container housing the dried flowers. The heat produced facilitates the extraction of the essential oil and hydrosol.
The steam is then cooled in a coil submerged in a cooling tank. This change in temperature causes it to liquefy. Water and oil, having different densities, are separated in a separator. The pure essential oil, being less dense than water, forms the upper phase of the liquid and can be collected after this step. It must then be stored in a closed container, protected from light and excessive heat.
From an organoleptic perspective, true lavender essential oil is a clear yellow to orange liquid with a floral and herbaceous fragrance. It primarily contains esters (approximately 30% linalyl acetate), monoterpenols (linalool), and monoterpenes (terpinene, limonene).
What are the properties of true lavender essential oil?
When applied topically.
Thetrue lavender essential oil is recognized for its soothing and relaxing properties, due to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate in its composition. These molecules are indeed capable of inhibiting certain nociceptors, receptors responsible for the transmission of pain in the body. It is thus ideal for sensitive or irritated skin, and can also be used in cases of itching or insect bites.
Furthermore, true lavender essential oil is attributed with regenerative and healing properties due to its camphor content. However, studies on this subject contradict each other, but some suggest that its topical application may promote the proliferation of fibroblasts to produce a healing tissue rich in collagen.
The use of true lavender essential oil is also recommended for skin prone to blemishes or acne. The active ingredients it contains work in synergy to limit the proliferation of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Cutibacterium acnes, the latter being involved in the process of acne.
When applied to hair.
Thetrue lavender essential oil can also be used as a hair treatment. It is particularly effective in soothing scalp irritations and redness, and in relieving itchiness. This also helps to limit flaking and thus prevent the appearance of dandruff.
It's also worth noting that its use in synergy with essential oils of thyme linalool, rosemary, and Atlas cedar appears to aid in combating alopecia. Lastly, the essential oil of true lavender is particularly valued for its anti-lice properties. It acts as a repellent against these parasites due to the camphor and linalool it contains.
True Lavender Essential Oil: Instructions for Use and Contraindications.
Thetrue lavender extract, widely used in aromatherapy, is suitable for all skin types and all hair types, and is not irritating. It is not on the list of endocrine disruptors and is not considered a SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern), an extremely concerning substance, by the European REACH Regulation.
Even though it is very gentle, it is however not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young children to use true lavender essential oil. It is also advised for people with sensitive skin to dilute it.
Furthermore, it contains potentially allergenic biochemical compounds. Therefore, it is preferable to conduct a tolerance test before using it. To do this, apply two drops in the crook of your elbow and wait at least 24 hours. If you observe no adverse reaction, the true lavender essential oil can be incorporated into your skin or hair care. However, like all essential oils, the one derived from true lavender should not be applied around the eyes or on the mucous membranes.
In which skincare products can one find true lavender essential oil?
Due to its soothing and purifying properties, thetrue lavender essential oil (INCI name: Lavendula Augustifolia Oil) is included in the formulation of several of our skincare products.
Our exfoliating night cream combines the action of true lavender essential oil with two AHAs, theglycolic acid and mandelic acid. This composition gives it deep-cleansing virtues and allows it to restore the skin's radiance by helping day after day to tighten the dilated pores and reduce the number of open comedones.
Our antioxidant face cream hydrates and protects the skin from cellular oxidation. Its formula includes several natural extracts, including those of lavender, kale (Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract), and ginseng (Panax Ginseng Root Extract). Daily application of this cream helps to prevent premature signs of skin aging and gives the complexion a healthy glow.
Our firming body serum is rich in tightening active ingredients such as retinol and borage oil extract (INCI name: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil). This composition allows it to combat the first signs of skin sagging. It notably helps to firm and smooth the skin of the neck and décolleté, and can also be used on other parts of the body.
Our antioxidant serum is enriched with ferulic acid and ashitaba extract. These ingredients protect the skin from daily aggressors (pollution, tobacco, UV rays...) and work to slow down skin aging, resulting in a brighter and firmer skin.
Sources
MORETTI M. D. & al. Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine (2002).
WILKINSON J. M. & al. Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research: PTR (2002).
VILJOEN A. M. & others. Linalool - a review of a biologically active compound of significant commercial value. Natural Product Communications (2008).
ALTMAN P. M. & al. An ex vivostudy, assessor blind, randomized, parallel group, comparative efficacy trial of the ovicidal activity of three pediculicides after a single application--melaleuca oil and lavender oil, eucalyptus oil and lemon tea tree oil, and a "suffocation" pediculicide. BMC Dermatology (2011).
LIM S. H. & al. Membrane disruption and anti-quorum sensing effects of synergistic interaction between Lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil) in combination with antibiotics against plasmid-conferred multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli.Journal of Applied Microbiology (2014).
DE OLIVEIRA J. R. & others. Antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil. Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2015).
NOBAKHT Z. & al. Impact of Aromatherapy Massage Using Lavender Essential Oil on Pain Levels in Patients Suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2016).
HOLLINGER J. C. & al. The application of natural ingredients in the treatment of hair loss conditions, focusing on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2020).
WYSONG A. & al. The effects of lavender essential oil on wound healing: a review of the current evidence. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2020).
