The essential oil of true lavender is used in the formulation of many skincare products, and can be found in the ingredient list under its INCI name "Lavandula Angustifolia Oil". This botanical extract, known for its purifying, soothing and antibacterial properties, can be applied to the skin or scalp. However, it is necessary to carry out certain checks before using it. Here, we discuss the various contraindications and precautions to be taken for safe use.
What are the contraindications for the use of true lavender essential oil?
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 7 min of reading
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The essential oil of true lavender in a nutshell.
The true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also known as fine lavender, is a flowering plant from the Lamiaceae family, cultivated in the Mediterranean basin and flourishing in hilly or mountainous regions. It has been used since antiquity, originally for its olfactory qualities, and gradually also for its soothing, purifying and anti-inflammatory properties.
Thetrue lavender extract is the result of ahydrodistillationprocess. The upper parts of the plant (flowering tops only) are harvested in summer, during the flowering period, then dried before being steam distilled. Two distinct liquids are obtained at the end of the process: the hydrosol and the essential oil. The latter is primarily composed of linalyl acetate (25 to 46%), which belongs to the terpene family, and linalool (20 to 45%), a monoterpenic alcohol. It also contains the following active ingredients:
| Active Ingredients | Mass percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Terpinen-4-ol | ≤ 6 % |
| Lavandulyl Acetate | ≤ 5 % |
| Octanone-3 | ≤ 2.5% |
| Eucalyptol | ≤ 2.5% |
| Alpha-Terpineol | ≤ 2 % |
| Camphor | ≤ 1.2% |
| Geraniol | ≤ 1.5% |
| Limonene | ≤ 1% |
| Coumarin | ≤ 0.2% |
This biochemical composition endows it with several virtues. Notably, it inhibits certain nociceptors, the receptors responsible for transmitting pain in the body, giving it a soothing action. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties make it an ingredient of choice for relieving sunburn and soothing irritated skin, after an insect bite for example.
The use of true lavender essential oil is also recommended for skin prone to blemishes or acne. Its active ingredients work in synergy to limit the proliferation of certain bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes, which is responsible for the appearance of spots. By altering the external membranes of the bacteria, they inhibit their ability to communicate with each other via molecular mediators.
Finally, true lavender essential oil can be incorporated into a haircare treatment to purify the scalp and act against certain parasites such as lice. Used in synergy with essential oils of linalool thyme, rosemary, and Atlas cedar, it could also help to combat hair loss.
Are there any contraindications to the topical use of true lavender essential oil?
The essential oil of true lavender is a staple in aromatherapy and has the advantage of being very gentle. It is suitable for all skin types and is not irritating or photosensitising. Furthermore, this botanical extract is not currently listed as a confirmed endocrine disruptor and is not considered a SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) by the European REACH Regulation.
The topical application of true lavender essential oil is however advised against as a precautionary principle for the following individuals:
To pregnant or breastfeeding women.
For children under the age of three.
What precautions should be taken before applying true lavender essential oil?
The essential oil of true lavender contains potentially allergenic biochemical compounds such as linalool, geraniol, limonene, and coumarin. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a tolerance test before incorporating it into a skincare routine.
To test the true lavender essential oil, apply two drops in the crook of your elbow and wait for at least 24 hours. If no adverse reaction is observed, you can use it on the skin or scalp.
The use of an excessive amount of true lavender essential oil can be harmful, thus it is preferable to apply it in small quantities to avoid any risk of overdosage. It is also recommended for sensitive skin to dilute it: 20% essential oil in 80% vegetable oil. Furthermore, like all essential oils, the one derived from true lavender should not be applied to the mucous membranes, nor around the eye area.
Regarding storage conditions, keep the bottle at room temperature, as high heat can cause the oil to evaporate. It is also recommended to keep the essential oil out of direct light, as this can potentially degrade it. Finally, it is necessary to store the true lavender essential oil in a tightly sealed bottle to prevent it from oxidising when exposed to air and to adhere to the expiry date indicated on the bottle. Its oxidation can lead to a deterioration of the active ingredients it contains and a loss of their effectiveness.
Sources
MORETTI M. D. & co. Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine (2002).
WILKINSON J. M. & co. Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research: PTR (2002).
VILJOEN A. M. & co. Linalool – a review of a biologically active compound of commercial significance. Natural Product Communications (2008).
DE OLIVEIRA J. R. & co. Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil. Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2015).
HOLLINGER J. C. & al. The application of natural ingredients in the treatment of alopecias, 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).
National REACH Regulatory Assistance Service: https://reach-info.ineris.fr/SVHC
