Lavender oil
Lavender oil suppliers and sourcing guide
Lavender oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tops of true lavender, Lavandula angustifolia (listed in US regulations as Lavandula officinalis), mainly in Bulgaria, France and other parts of Europe. Lavandin oil, from the higher-yielding hybrid Lavandula x intermedia, and spike lavender oil (Lavandula latifolia) are cheaper related oils with more camphor and cineole. Lavender oil is used in cosmetics, fragrance and, at low levels, in food and beverage flavors.
- Also known as
- Lavandula angustifolia oil · Lavandula officinalis oil · True lavender oil · CAS 8000-28-0
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of lavender oil
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
True lavender
Oil from Lavandula angustifolia, graded by linalyl acetate and linalool content and origin.
Lavandin
Oil from the hybrid (for example Grosso or Abrial), higher in camphor and lower in price.
Spike lavender
Oil from Lavandula latifolia, high in cineole and camphor.
Organic
Certified organic lavender oil, widely offered.
Absolute and concrete
Solvent-extracted products used mainly in fine fragrance.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- GC profile
- Gas chromatography of linalyl acetate, linalool, camphor, 1,8-cineole and other markers against the specification for the stated species.
- Physical constants
- Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at a stated temperature, compared with the supplier's specification or the Food Chemicals Codex monograph where one exists.
- Adulteration screen
- Chiral GC of linalool and linalyl acetate and checks of camphor and cineole, which reveal blending with lavandin or synthetic linalyl acetate.
- Appearance and odor
- Color, clarity and odor against a retained standard; off-notes often show up before the GC profile shifts.
- Heavy metals
- Lead and arsenic, typically by ICP-MS, against the supplier's specification.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Keep the oil in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers, cool and out of light; headspace air oxidizes terpenes and dulls the odor. Blanket partly used drums with nitrogen where possible. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is usually retested for odor, peroxide value and GC profile before use.
Lots and expiry dates
Composition varies by species, cultivar, altitude and harvest year, and lavender is often blended with lavandin. Record species, origin and GC profile per lot, and specify the botanical name on purchase orders.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.20 lists lavender (Lavandula officinalis), spike lavender and lavandin among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists lavender oil (CAS 8000-28-0) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Lavender oil suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking lavender oil suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell lavender oil? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of lavender oil can brands buy?
Common forms include true lavender, lavandin, spike lavender, organic and absolute and concrete. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for lavender oil include?
Expect gC profile, physical constants, adulteration screen, appearance and odor and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should lavender oil be stored?
Keep the oil in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers, cool and out of light; headspace air oxidizes terpenes and dulls the odor. Blanket partly used drums with nitrogen where possible. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is usually retested for odor, peroxide value and GC profile before use.
What is the regulatory status of lavender oil?
21 CFR 182.20 lists lavender (Lavandula officinalis), spike lavender and lavandin among essential oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists lavender oil (CAS 8000-28-0) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20.
More flavors, spices and essential oils
- Vanilla extractExtract of vanilla · Pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla beansVanilla planifolia · Vanilla tahitensis
- Vanillin4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde · Vanillic aldehyde
- Ethyl vanillin3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde · Bourbonal
- Natural flavorsNatural flavoring · Natural flavour
- Artificial flavorsArtificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors
- CinnamonCinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) · Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia)
- NutmegMyristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed
- CloveSyzygium aromaticum · Eugenia caryophyllata
- CardamomElettaria cardamomum · Green cardamom
- Black pepperPiper nigrum · Peppercorns
- Cayenne pepperCapsicum annuum · Capsicum frutescens
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