What is "LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA OIL" and what does it do?

Role: EMOLLIENT

Family: Lavender essential oil

Comedogenic index: 0

Lavender extracts and oils, from the Lavandula angustifolia plant, are mainly used in skin care products for their fragrance. These ingredients contain significant quantities of aromatic compounds, particularly linalyl acetate and linalool, which can sensitize the skin in the short and long term. Although lavender has a pleasant fragrance and recognized aromatherapeutic benefits, these are best enjoyed through scented candles or essential oil diffusers, rather than by direct application to the skin.

Benefits of Lavender
Aromatic properties: Lavender is prized for its pleasant fragrance. It is often used as a fragrance ingredient in natural products. Its scent is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties, supported by scientific studies. Lavender aromatherapy can reduce anxiety and improve the experience of patients in hospitals.
Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties: Lavender oil has notable antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Although studies have confirmed anti-inflammatory properties, they mainly concern lavender leaf essential oil, which differs chemically from the oil extracted from the flowers.

Disadvantages of Lavender in Skin Care
Irritancy: The main components of lavender oil, linalyl acetate (approx. 50%) and linalool (approx. 35%), can be irritating. These compounds auto-oxidize on contact with air, forming powerful allergens.
Cytotoxicity: Lavender oil can be cytotoxic at concentrations as low as 0.25%.
Increased sensitivity: A Japanese study revealed a significant increase in sensitivity to lavender oil, probably due to increased exposure.

Officinal Lavender: A Shrub in the Lamiaceae Family
Lavandula Angustifolia, commonly known as lavender officinalis, is a dense shrub in the Lamiaceae family. It is one of three varieties of lavender endemic to France, alongside lavender aspic and lavender stoechas.

Essential Oil Extraction Process
To obtain True Lavender essential oil, the flowers are first dried to reduce their water content. They are then subjected to steam distillation. This process releases two products: the hydrolate and the essential oil, the latter separating and floating on the surface of the floral water. True lavender essential oil is rich in terpene esters, notably linalyl acetate, and also contains monoterpenols such as terpinene-1-ol-4 and linalool.

Find out more about "Inci" cosmetic ingredients