Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is a steam-distilled floral oil valued for its calming, sweet-herbaceous aroma. It is used in aromatherapy, natural skincare, and DIY candle and soap making. Azlok's lavender oil comes in a 10 ml bottle, and like all pure essential oils, it should be diluted before it touches your skin.
What is lavender oil?
This is a concentrated aromatic oil extracted from lavender flowers through steam distillation. It is colourless to pale, thin in texture, and carries the classic floral scent people associate with relaxation. Its main constituents are linalool (around 26%) and linalyl acetate (around 26%), the two compounds largely responsible for its soft, sweet character. It is soluble in alcohol, not in water, which matters when you are mixing it into homemade products.
Common uses at home
- Aromatherapy and sleep support: Add a few drops to a diffuser in the evening to fill a room with a calming scent.
- Pillow and linen mist: Mix a few drops in a spray with a little alcohol and water, shake well, and lightly spritz bedsheets.
- Skincare: Blend into a carrier oil for a soothing facial or massage oil. Many people like it for occasional blemishes and irritated skin.
- Bath soak: Stir a couple of drops into a spoon of carrier oil or unscented bath salt, then add to warm bathwater.
- Candle and soap making: Lavender is a favourite fragrance in cold-process soap, melt-and-pour bars and soy candles.
- Natural home fragrance: A drop or two on a cotton ball tucked into a cupboard keeps linen smelling fresh.
How to use and dilute it
Essential oils are potent, so never apply lavender oil neat (undiluted) to large areas of skin. A safe everyday guideline is around 1 to 2 percent dilution.
- For a 2% blend, mix about 12 drops of lavender oil into 30 ml of a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, sweet almond or grapeseed.
- For a facial blend or sensitive skin, keep it to about 1% (roughly 6 drops in 30 ml).
- For a diffuser, 3 to 6 drops in water is usually enough for an average room.
- For soap and candles, follow your recipe's recommended fragrance load rather than skin dilution rules.
Blends that work well
Lavender is a friendly oil that mixes easily with many others. It pairs nicely with cedarwood, clary sage, peppermint, tea tree, lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus. For a relaxing evening blend, try lavender with a touch of cedarwood. For a fresh, clarifying mix, combine it with lemon and peppermint. Start with small quantities and adjust to your nose.
Safety notes
- For external use only. Do not ingest essential oils.
- Always patch-test a diluted blend on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use.
- Keep away from children and pets, and store out of reach.
- Avoid contact with eyes and inner ears.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, consult a doctor before regular use.
- Lavender is flammable, so keep it away from open flames and store safely.
Buying and storage tips
Choose lavender oil that clearly states its botanical name (Lavandula angustifolia) and extraction method — this one is steam distilled and made in India. A 10 ml bottle goes a long way because you use it drop by drop. Azlok currently offers this lavender oil at ₹199 with a buy 1 get 1 free deal, which is handy if you make candles or soaps in small batches.
To protect the aroma and shelf life (about 2 years), keep the bottle tightly capped, away from direct sunlight and heat, ideally in a cool, dark place. Amber glass and a cool cupboard are your friends.
FAQ
Can I apply lavender oil directly on my skin?
It is best not to. Dilute it in a carrier oil at about 1 to 2 percent before applying, and always patch-test first to check for sensitivity.
How many drops of lavender oil should I put in a diffuser?
Around 3 to 6 drops in the water reservoir is enough for an average-sized room. Adjust to your preference and the size of the space.
What does lavender oil blend well with?
It blends easily with cedarwood, clary sage, peppermint, tea tree, lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus, making it a versatile base for both relaxing and fresh blends.
How long does lavender oil last?
Stored properly in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed, it keeps for about two years. Heat, light and air speed up its deterioration.
Is this lavender oil safe for candle and soap making?
Yes, lavender is a popular fragrance for soy candles and handmade soaps. Follow your recipe's fragrance load rather than skin-dilution ratios for these projects.