How is true lavender essential oil obtained?

Also known as true lavender, the lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family. This variety, particularly appreciated for its pleasant fragrance, primarily grows in Provence and in the mountainous or hilly areas of Spain and Italy.

True lavender has been used since antiquity, originally to scent baths and linen. Its therapeutic virtues were gradually discovered and, from the 16th century onwards, it began to be distilled and applied as a wound-healing agent and antiseptic. With the rise of industry and perfumery in the 19th century, lavender cultivation developed in the Mediterranean.

True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) should not be confused with spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) or lavandin, a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender. These three plants do not have the same therapeutic properties.

Thetrue lavender essential oil has soothing and tranquilising properties. Moreover, it has a purifying action and helps to reduce skin irregularities. It is also believed to promote cellular renewal. This essential oil is suitable for all skin types and is particularly recommended for sensitive to irritated skin. It can also be used on scalps, especially fragile scalps. However, the use of this botanical extract is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Only the aerial parts of true lavender are used in the process of essential oil production. This is why a small amount of oil is obtained in each cycle: to produce 20 kg of essential oil, one hectare of true lavender is required. The extraction of true lavender essential oil is achieved through steam distillation (hydrodistillation), using dried flowers.

Here is how this process unfolds:

1. The flowering tops of true lavender are harvested, dried and packed, before being placed in a large container connected to a boiler. The container is then sealed tightly. In the boiler, ideally fuelled by lavender straw from previous distillations, steam is produced.

2. This steam is then directed into the container housing the dried lavender flowers. The increase in temperature triggers the release of the essential oil they contain. The temperature inside the container must be slightly above 71°C, the flash point of true lavender essential oil. Beyond this temperature, it begins to evaporate, allowing the water vapour to become enriched with the essential oil.

3. The water vapour, carrying the essential oil, is then cooled in a coil immersed in a refrigeration tank. This change in temperature liquefies the vapour.

4. Water and oil, of differing densities, are subsequently separated in a separator. The lower phase consists of water lightly charged with essential oil, known as hydrosol. The pure essential oil, less dense than water, forms the upper phase of the liquid and can be collected after this stage.

The essential oil of true lavender should subsequently be stored out of direct light, which could potentially degrade it. Moreover, it should not be exposed to high temperatures, which could cause it to evaporate. Storing the essential oil of true lavender in a tightly sealed bottle is also recommended to prevent it from oxidising when in contact with air.

From an organoleptic perspective, true lavender essential oil presents itself as a clear yellow to orange liquid, emitting a floral and herbaceous fragrance. It primarily contains esters (approximately 30% linalyl acetate), monoterpenols (linalool) and monoterpenes (terpinene, limonene). These compounds are responsible for its purifying and anti-inflammatory properties