Lavandula Angustifolia

Worst

Fragrance Synthetic and Natural

No known benefits

Lavandula Angustifolia at a glance

  • Plant-based volatile oil taken from lavender
  • Contains fragrant compounds like linalool
  • Can cause short-term and long-term skin sensitization
  • Used in cosmetics in creams and lotions at concentrations between 0.015% and 0.1%

Lavandula Angustifolia description

_Lavandula angustifolia_ is the Latin name for lavender. Primarily a fragrance ingredient, it may have beneficial properties for skin but is also a potential sensitizer due to its fragrance components. The oil form is more likely to aggravate skin than the extract form, especially if you can detect lavender’s distinctive scent. In-vitro research indicates that components of lavender oil, specifically linalool and linalyl acetate, can have damaging effects on skin in as low a concentration as 0.25%. When exposed to air, these components oxidise, meaning their potential for causing a reaction increases. If you’re wondering why lavender oil doesn’t appear to be problematic for some people, it’s because research has demonstrated that you don’t always need to immediately see or feel the sensitising effects for your skin to suffer damage.

Lavandula Angustifolia references

  • Dermatitis, 2019, pages 116-128
  • Acta Dermato-Venereologica, June 2016, pages 679-683
  • Cell Proliferation, June 2004, pages 221-229

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.