Glossary
An essential oil steam-distilled from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia, prized for its calming aroma and gentle skincare properties. Lavender is one of the few essential oils considered mild enough for limited direct skin application and is widely used in natural skincare formulations.
Among the hundreds of essential oils used in aromatherapy and skincare, lavender stands out for its unusually mild profile. While most essential oils require strict dilution to avoid irritation, lavender is one of the very few that aromatherapists consider safe for limited neat (undiluted) application on small areas, such as a minor burn, insect bite, or small cut. That said, dilution is still the safer and more conservative practice for regular skincare use.
Lavender oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate as its primary active compounds. Research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity that helps calm redness and irritation, mild analgesic (pain-relieving) properties useful for minor burns and insect bites, and cicatrisant (wound-healing) activity that supports skin repair. A 2016 study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lavender oil promoted wound healing in rats by increasing collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling.
We use lavender essential oil in select products for both its skincare benefits and its natural fragrance. In our Bug Bar, lavender serves dual duty: its scent contributes to insect deterrence (mosquitoes and no-see-ums dislike certain lavender compounds) while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe any bites that do occur. In our facial and body products, its calming properties complement the moisturizing base of beeswax and natural butters.
Not all lavender oil is equal. True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a different chemical profile from lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), a hybrid that produces more oil per plant but contains higher camphor levels that make it harsher on skin. Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is another distinct species. For skincare, Lavandula angustifolia is the standard, and reputable suppliers specify the species on the bottle.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the mildest essential oils, but sensitivity is always individual. Some people do react to linalool, one of lavender's primary compounds. Patch test before first use, and always use diluted in a carrier product rather than applied neat.
Lavender has moderate insect-repellent properties, particularly against mosquitoes and moths. It is not as potent as DEET or citronella, but it contributes to multi-ingredient natural repellent formulations like our Bug Bar.
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