The best lavender essential oil is a must-have product to boost your mental well-being, pamper your skin, and surround yourself with a soothing aroma. This amazing oil can even make it easier to sleep if you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or even cramps. According to expert aromatherapist and founder of The Fragrance People, Arti Jain, “100% lavender oil has a variety of potential benefits and uses. Lavender oil's calming scent is widely used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. (Moreover), its relaxing properties may also help improve sleep quality.” 

“It is also popular in skincare, as it possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. In addition to this, lavender oil is often used as a natural insect repellent. Lastly, it's also incorporated into many household products for its pleasant scent and antimicrobial properties,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon. 

However, finding a good lavender oil can be tricky because some brands mix it with other fillers, making it less effective. But don't worry, we did the hard work for you. We checked out lots of lavender oils, looking at things like how pure and strong they are and what people who used them had to say.

We've compiled the top 11 lavender essential oils that not only offer pure and reliable quality but also provide an exceptional and soothing aroma. Whether you're a fan of the best-smelling essential oils for aromatherapy, relaxation, or natural stress relief, we have got you covered. Our options are free from harsh chemicals, ensuring a delightful and authentic experience. So, check out our recommendations below and get ready to enjoy the goodness of lavender oil.

Lavender oil comes from lavender flowers and is best made through steam distillation of fresh buds. You can use lavender oil by applying it to your scalp and skin, ingesting it, or inhaling it through aromatherapy. According to a research paper published in the National Library of Medicine, it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving (analgesic) effects. Further research found it has antifungal, antidepressant, and antibacterial properties. Thus, it can be useful for skin, hair, and mental health, but it's not a complete solution on its own.

Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “100% pure lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to its calming and relaxing properties, which can help to alleviate stress and promote better sleep. It is also popular in skincare, as it possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities that can help in treating minor burns, acne and other skin irritations. In addition to this, lavender oil is often used as a natural insect repellent. Lastly, it's also incorporated into many household products for its pleasant scent and antimicrobial properties.”

Below are a few lavender essential oils that can help soothe your senses and make you feel rejuvenated.

• 1
  Best for Relaxation

  L’OCCITANE En Provence Lavender Essential Oil

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Immerse yourself in the delightful scent of pure lavender oil and bid farewell to all your tensions with this oil calming your senses. L’OCCITANE lavender oil offers a natural and subtle scent to help you unwind after a hectic day and feel good. The brand boasts of using premium-quality lavender that is sourced from farmers’ cooperatives in Haute-Provence to bring you the best aroma of lavender. It is simple to use — you can mix 4 to 5 drops of oil in a massage oil or dilute 15 to 20 drops in your bath water to elevate your self-care ritual.

2

Editor's Pick

Handcraft Blends Lavender Essential Oil

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This essential oil brand stands out for its pure, natural formula, making it a top choice among users. Made in a special lab, this oil goes through rigorous tests to make sure it works well. It doesn't have any extra additives or fillers, which is an added bonus. You can use it to make your space smell nice or make your skin feel fresh and clean. Our experts highly recommend this lavender oil, which has received numerous positive ratings. It also pairs well with cedarwood, clary sage, clove, geranium, rose, lemon, neroli, rosemary, vetiver, and sandalwood.

3

Best for Cosmetic Use

SVA Organics Lavender Oil

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Extracted from lavender cultivated in Bulgaria, this oil undergoes steam distillation, resulting in a completely pure and natural formula. It boasts sweet floral and herbaceous scents, making it ideal for aromatherapy or adding to your bath. Its calming and relaxing aroma serves various purposes, like reducing stress, improving sleep, and soothing sore muscles. Plus, it works wonders for your skin, offering a pampering experience you'll adore. We were impressed by its thin, clear, and colorless consistency, which has won over users, including us. This makes it one of our top choices for premium quality therapeutic-grade oil.

4

Best for DIY Projects

Gya Labs Lavender Essential Oil

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Similar to many other lavender oils, this completely natural product from Gya Labs is incredibly versatile, suitable for aromatherapy, and safe for use on both the skin and hair. Whether you're using it with diffusers or as sprays, its floral yet earthy aroma is cherished for its calming effects. Packed in a convenient 10ml bottle, it's easy to use and store. Plus, it's crafted from high-quality ingredients, devoid of harmful chemicals, ensuring safety for all skin types. So, if you're seeking a natural, multipurpose solution, this lavender essential oil is your go-to option.

5

Best for Aromatherapy

Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Lavender Essential Oil

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This lavender oil is a combination of Lavandula angustifolia from Bulgaria and Lavandula hybrida from France, creating a pure and harmonious blend. Packaged in a long-lasting 4 fl oz bottle, it's an ideal choice for lavender enthusiasts seeking tranquility. Its refreshing aroma effortlessly blends with other scents, evolving into a delightful floral note over time. Not only does it alleviate stress and anxiety, but it also nurtures relaxation. Perfect for skincare and hair care, this essential oil is a versatile gem. If you adore aromatherapy and natural oils, then this product is a must-have.

6

Best Cruelty-free Product

UpNature Lavender Essential Oil

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This lavender oil from UpNature is absolutely pure and gentle without any added toxins or fillers. It is also unfiltered and undiluted, ensuring maximum effectiveness and maintaining the highest therapeutic grade. This soothing oil is a natural sleep aid, promising a good night's rest. When mixed with a carrier oil, its skin benefits are remarkable. Just 10 drops per ounce of carrier oil can heal sunburn, dry skin, cuts, and scrapes. You can make the most of this versatile premium product by using it in diffusers, candles, lotions, and spray bottles.

7

US Organic 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil

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In this small bottle, you'll find the essence of high-quality Bulgarian lavenders. It's not just any lavender oil—it's 100% pure and Certified USDA Organic, ensuring top-notch quality without any dilution. Extracted through the steam distillation method, its concentrated nature requires dilution with a carrier oil like US jojoba oil, argan oil, or coconut oil. We recommend this to maintain its potent yet gentle effects. Plus, it's cruelty-free, containing no toxins, preservatives, or additives, making it a natural and trustworthy choice for your aromatherapy needs.

8

Best Affordable Oil

Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil

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This enchanting little bottle is your go-to solution when seeking top-quality yet affordable lavender essential oil. This essential oil is well-liked by aromatherapists and is undiluted; thus ensures authenticity and meets your needs effectively. Mix it with carrier oils like coconut or almond for a hair tonic, or use it to ease sore muscles. Its convenient 10 mL size is perfect for on-the-go use, and the high-quality ingredients ensure top-notch performance. Whether you're a seasoned essential oil user or a beginner, Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil is a must-have for any home or office.

9

Best Subtle Fragrance

doTERRA Lavender Oil

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This is one of the finest lavender oils on the market, which is perfect for unwinding your mind and body. Simply add it to your bath for stress-free soaking, or apply it to your neck and temples for relaxation. You can also enhance your sleep by adding a few drops to pillows, bedding, or the soles of your feet. It is expertly crafted from top-quality natural ingredients, ensuring it meets therapeutic-grade standards. Plus, its delightful powdery, floral, and light fragrance is bound to delight your senses.

10

Best Packaging

MAYJAM Lavender Essential Oil

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If you want to reduce your daily exposure to toxins, consider MAYJAM's Lavender Essential Oil. This versatile product can enhance your well-being through applications like massage, diffusing, soap crafting, and more. Its enduring aroma creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. In a generous 30ml size, it offers great value for regular essential oil users. We love the exceptional quality of the product, from the bottle to the dropper. The ample quantity at this price point is impressive. The packaging is top-notch, and its subtle, enduring fragrance strikes the perfect balance—never too sweet or overwhelming.

11

Best Massaging Oil

Sun Essential Oils Lavender

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This long-lasting oil is a must-have from Sun Essential Oils and is ideal for those seeking a natural way to relax and unwind. Our experts loved diluting and using it in a mist bottle for hair and skin. This 4-fluid-ounce lavender essential oil is also excellent for aromatherapy, massages, and various therapeutic uses. It's crafted from high-quality lavender flowers, offering a calming scent ideal for all your homemade beauty and skincare products. With its convenient size and superb quality, this lavender essential oil is a fantastic addition to any natural wellness routine, making relaxation and self-care effortless.

12

Best Calming Fragrance

Brooklyn Botany Lavender Essential Oil

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This undiluted and pure essential oil from Brooklyn Botany stands out as one of the best on the market, offering both quality and affordability. In a convenient 4 fl. oz size with an easy-to-use dropper, this natural oil is free from parabens and sulfates, making it ideal for diffusers. This lavender oil is renowned for promoting relaxation and reducing stress and can also be applied to the skin when mixed with a carrier oil, offering healing benefits. Further, its exceptional quality and purity make it a valuable addition to any essential oil collection.

When picking the perfect lavender essential oil, you have to check out the benefits, cost, origin, and contents. A reputable brand will share all this info, and you should definitely read up on it. To make things easy, our experts have crafted a helpful guide covering everything you need to know about purchasing lavender oil.

1. Packaging

Always choose lavender oil in a dark glass bottle. Avoid clear or plastic ones, as they don't protect the oil from direct sunlight and UV rays, which can spoil it. Also, look for bottles with glass droppers for easy use.

2. Type of Lavender Flower

Opt for Lavandula angustifolia from Bulgaria for exceptional aromatherapy benefits. If you're looking for a more economical option, Lavandula hybrida (Lavandin) is suitable, although it's not as superior as the former. Try to steer clear of Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender) as it gives a strong, lower-quality scent. Additionally, prioritize organically grown lavender for a natural choice.

3. Aromatic Profile

Lavender oil smells different based on its ingredients. Linalool gives it a fresh, flowery scent, while linalyl acetate and lavandulyl acetate make it sweet or fruity. Likewise, camphor and 1,8-cineole add a spicy or herbal hint.

4. Extraction Method

Pick lavender oils extracted through steam distillation for purity and quality. This method ensures you get a high-quality product.

5. Check Purity

Check for labels stating 100% pure essential oil without additives. Consider certified options like USDA-certified organic lavender essential oil or fair trade and ECOCERT-verified lavender oils. Look for companies providing detailed reports on the oil's chemical constituents for quality assurance.

6. Price And Quality

Be cautious with extremely low-priced fragrance oils, as they might be adulterated. They are usually high in ingredients like camphor. Whereas pure lavender oils sourced from Bulgaria and France are generally pricier due to their quality. Likewise, oils with high esters, especially from high-altitude French regions, are finer but cost more. However, not all pricier products ensure quality; thus, check ingredients and certifications.  

7. Reviews And Reputation

Research brands read reviews, and consider their reputation. Positive feedback indicates quality, helping you make a trustworthy choice. Your comfort with the brand is also crucial in making the right decision.

Lavender oil serves various purposes, from soothing bug bites to calming anxiety, treating dandruff, and creating a tranquil room ambiance. Here, discover the best ways to utilize our recommended lavender essential oil products for optimal results.

1. Skincare

For the skincare and haircare use of lavender oil, Jain suggests, “Dilute it well with a carrier oil before applying it topically.” To soothe skin issues like sunburns, insect bites, acne, and wounds, mix 10 to 12 drops of lavender oil with 1 fluid ounce (30ml) of carrier oil such as sweet almond, olive, argan, or coconut oils and use them topically. Avoid applying pure essential oil directly on the skin to prevent skin irritation. This mixture also acts as a natural insect repellent.

2. Haircare

Enhance hair health and enjoy a calming hair experience by adding a few drops of lavender oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner. For promoting hair growth, blend it with other essential oils for hair growth or carrier oils like avocado, coconut, jojoba, almond, or argan oil and massage the oil mixture onto your scalp to boost blood circulation and encourage hair growth.

3. Inhalation for Relieving Anxiety

“For aromatherapy, you can inhale it directly, diffuse it in the air, or add it to bathwater,” says Jain. To alleviate anxiety, rub 2-3 drops of diluted lavender oil in your palms and deeply inhale. Apply it on your chest, neck, or back for the same calming effect. Lavender oil's soothing properties reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and facilitate better sleep.

4. Pain Relief

For pain relief, add 1-2 drops of lavender oil to 1 teaspoon of massage oil. During a massage, its relaxing aroma eases sore muscles, sprains, and joint pain. Further, lavender oil's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are effective for muscle tension. 

5. Diffuse Lavender Oil 

Diffuse lavender essential oil using a commercial humidifier or essential oil diffuser during a massage or DIY spa session to enhance its pain-relieving effects. If you lack a diffuser, place a cotton ball or tissue dipped in lavender oil nearby for a similar effect.

“Lavender oil can be diffused for 30-60 minutes at a time. It's recommended to diffuse essential oils for short periods with breaks in between to avoid overexposure, which could lead to headaches, nausea, or other negative effects,” says Dr. Chacon. 

She further adds, “Prolonged exposure doesn't increase benefits as our bodies can only process a certain amount of oil. Over time, we might also develop an olfactory adaptation where we stop recognizing the scent even though it's still present. Therefore, it's generally more effective and safer to diffuse essential oils in short, intermittent periods,”

Lavender oil helps you relax, eases pain, and makes your skin better. It can help you sleep well, soothe pains, and make you feel good overall. Many studies show these benefits, making it a popular choice for natural remedies and aromatherapy. Let's have a peek at them. 

1. Anxiety Relief

Lavender smells sweet and flowery, and it can make people feel less anxious. Even though there haven't been many big studies on this, lots of smaller ones show that it might help. For instance, a 2005 scientific study found that smelling lavender made 200 people less anxious before going to the dentist. Another pilot study in the National Library of Medicine showed that lavender-essential-oil-based aromatherapy sessions helped soothe anxiety in postpartum women, enhancing overall well-being. 

2. Improved Sleep 

Lavender essential oil helps you relax and sleep better. You can use it by putting a few drops on your temples or spraying it on your pillow. A 2015 study with college students showed that using lavender oil along with good sleep habits improved sleep and energy during the day.

3. Promotes Skin And Hair Health 

Lavender oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it effective against various skin issues, including canker sores, acne, and age spots. You can mix a few drops of lavender oil with carrier oils or to your face or body wash for easy application. A study in 2016 found that putting lavender oil on your skin helps heal wounds by promoting collagen synthesis. 

Another clinical study showed that massaging lavender oil and other oils like thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood on your scalp every day can help with hair loss problems.

4. Relieves Pain

Lavender oil serves as a natural painkiller, offering relief when applied directly to the affected area. Studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and pain intensity for various health issues.

A 2014 scientific study showed that a mix of lavender, marjoram, peppermint, and black pepper oils helped with neck pain when used every day. Another study in 2016 found that massaging with lavender oil can ease period pain, offering a natural solution for PMS and cramps.

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam