Everything you need to know about 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 incorporated into 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 wild at altitudes between 600 and 1,400 metres. It can be found in Provence and throughout the Mediterranean basin, as well as in Spain and Italy. A unique characteristic of true lavender is that it only has one flowering summit on each stem. Its mauve inflorescences emit a pleasant, distinctive fragrance.

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 stages:

1. The flowers are dried and placed in a large, airtight container 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.

2. The steam is then cooled in a coil submerged in a refrigeration 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 stage. 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).

When applied topically.

Thetrue lavender essential oil is recognised 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 treatment for hair. 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 is also noteworthy that its use in synergy with essential oils of thyme linalool, rosemary, and Atlas cedar appears to aid in combating alopecia. Finally, 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.

Thetrue lavender extract, widely used in aromatherapy, is suitable for all skin types and all hair types, and is not irritating. It does not fall under the list of endocrine disruptors and is not considered as 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 advisable to conduct a tolerance test before using it. To do this, apply two drops to the inside 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.

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 ageing 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 act against the first signs of skin sagging. It particularly 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...) and work to slow down skin ageing, for a brighter and firmer skin.

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