Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil, Floral, 100 ml

Lavender essential oil does two jobs in a formulation at once: it gives the product a floral fragrance with a herbal undertone and also acts as an active ingredient with a soothing, cooling and cleansing effect on the skin. It is obtained by steam distillation of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) of European origin, followed by filtration.

It is most useful in products for oily, problem and acne-prone skin, in hair and scalp care, and wherever a product should smell pleasant as well as perform its function. It is used in both leave-on and rinse-off products, from facial cleansers and body oils to shampoos.

Key benefits

• Soothing irritated skin – according to the manufacturer, it has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps reduce redness and discomfort. The manufacturer recommends it for products for irritated skin and after sun exposure.
• Antimicrobial effect – the manufacturer states that the oil helps keep the skin clean and acts against unwanted microbes. That is why it appears in formulations for acne-prone skin and in cleansing products.
• Cleansing – it supports the removal of impurities and excess sebum from the skin and hair. It is suitable for facial cleansers, shampoos and scalp products.
• Cooling and refreshing feel – it leaves a feeling of freshness on the skin, which is used in after-sun gels and toners or in summer body products.
• Fragrance – the manufacturer associates the scent of lavender with a feeling of relaxation and reduced tension, and also offers it for hair cosmetics as a soothing aromatic ingredient.

Use in formulations

The oil is soluble in oils and alcohol and does not dissolve in water. In anhydrous products (body and hair oils, balms, pomades) it is added directly; simply mix it well into the finished oil base. In emulsions it is incorporated only during the cooling phase, when the mixture is at a temperature below 40 °C. It can likewise be added afterwards to a finished unscented base, cream or shampoo.

In water-based products without an oil phase, for example toners or hair sprays, the oil must first be combined with a solubiliser and only then added to the water phase. Without a solubiliser it does not disperse in water and the product separates or turns cloudy.

The oil is colourless to pale yellow. The final shade of the product depends on the usage rate and the other ingredients.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial cleansing gels and foams – a rinse-off product for oily and acne-prone skin, where both the cleansing and antimicrobial effects are useful.
• Facial toners and moisturising creams – for skin prone to irritation, with the usage rate set according to IFRA category 5B.
• Body oils, lotions and creams – as a fragrance and soothing ingredient, or in after-sun products for a cooling feel.
• Hand creams and cuticle products – IFRA category 5C.
• Shampoos and rinse-off conditioners – fragrance and cleansing effect, added to the finished base without heating.
• Hair oils, serums, gels and pomades – the manufacturer lists them among the recommended applications, as well as scalp products.
• Perfume compositions and solid perfumes – IFRA category 4.
• Candles – IFRA category 12 has its own limit in the certificate.

Good to know

Handle the undiluted oil with care. A dropper and precise scales are useful when measuring smaller amounts. As with any essential oil, we recommend testing the finished product on a small area of skin before wider use.

The oil is cosmetic and food grade, is vegan, and the manufacturer holds a BRC certificate. It contains no alcohol or preservatives. It comes from Bulgaria.

Frequently asked questions