Lavender is on top of the list when it comes to the most sort out essential oils, widely known for its many benefits that cut across health, skin, hair, and pharmaceuticals. More people are beginning to appreciate the essence of essential oils and turning to this natural form of therapy.
Table of Contents
- Types of the lavender plant
- What to be on the lookout for when purchasing lavender essential oils>
- The best lavender essential oils in the market
- Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
- Sky Organic Lavender Essential Oil
- Calmoura Organic Lavender Essential Oils
- Viva Naturals Lavender Essential Oil
- Eden Gardens Lavender Essential Oil
- doTerra Lavender Essential Oil
- Hand Craft Blends Lavender Essential
- Majestic Pure Lavender Essential
- Precautions when using lavender oils
- Takeaway
An increase in awareness and popularity translates into a bigger market with more and more companies diving into the market to create products. Deciding on the best products worth purchasing is not an easy task. Especially when every company is claiming that their products are the best only to dig deeper and find out that most of the lavender essential oils brands labeled as the best don't cut.
In this post, we will review the best lavender essential oils but before then, let us get to understand the basics of this magical plant.
Types of the lavender plant
Lavender belongs to the mint family and is one of the 47 flowering plants in the mint group. The plant can grow successfully in the Mediterranean, Europe, southeast India, Eastern Africa, Asia, and Australia. There are over 30 known subspecies of lavender most of which are viable to make lavender essential oil.
The two primary species are Lavandula angustifolia [English lavender] and Lavandula latifolia [Spike lavender]. Lavender essential oil extracted from these two species is considered the best but differs in chemical composition and uses.
i. English Lavender
English lavender, True lavender or Lavandula angustifolia is believed to produce high-quality essential oils compared to other species. It grows like a shrub and is native to the Mediterranean basin. Uses include but not limited to:
- Relieve pain
- Alleviate mild insomnia
- Aids in healing wounds
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- Treats menstrual pain
- Ideal for massage
- Promotes relaxation
ii. Spike Lavender
Spike lavender famously know by the botanical name Lavandula litafolia is rich in camphor a natural smelling compound that makes it ideal for fragrance. Lavandula litafolia is more aromatic compared to other species and particularly useful in the pharmaceutical industry. Used include but not limited to:
- Eases headache
- Treats respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, bronchitis, flu, and common cold
- Can be used to sanitize surfaces.
What to be on the lookout for when purchasing lavender essential oils
Since essential oils are not regulated by FDA [Food and Drug Association], companies are tempted to make unsubstantiated claims about the efficacy of the product to sway more customers. It is up to you to source your oil from a trustworthy brand.
To arrive at the best lavender essential oil in a market with all these misleading adverts and unsubstantiated efficiency claims, you should come up with a list of things to look out for to determine whether the product cuts or not.
i. Species of plant the oil is sourced from
What to be on the lookout for when purchasing lavender essential oilsAs we noted earlier, there way over 30 species of the lavender plant, the best lavender essential oils are derived from English or French lavender. Check the product label for Lavandula angustifolia or LavandulaLavandula litafolia . Ascertain whether there are other ingredients included. The best lavender essential oils should be pure with no additives. If the product label doesn’t read 100% pure chances are that it’s blended with other oils.
ii. Method of extraction
The method of extraction makes a huge difference to the quality of the oil. The best lavender essential oils are extracted through steam distillation and this is what you should go for. If the method of extraction is not indicated on the product label, consult with the manufacturer. It is not always clear how you can do this but if you are shopping online it's much easier. You can reach the company through customer support that is if they have one of which most reputable brands always have customer support services.
iii. Price
Cost plays a major role in determining whether you will purchase a product or not. Cheaper isn't always better but also expensive doesn't guarantee high quality. Price is only a guide and we recommend that you make quality your priority when deciding on the best lavender essential oils worth purchasing.
iv. How it’s packed
Buy lavender oil in dark-colored bottles. Never buy oils packed in clear plastic containers. Why dark-colored bottles? To protect the oil from direct sunlight which can degrade the oil.
The best lavender essential oils in the market
It all had to get down to this, a review on the best lavender essential oils. We understand that arriving at the best product isn't always easy, for this reason, we will be reviewing 8 of the best lavender essential oils diversely to ensure that we accommodate the needs of every buyer out there.
Let’s get down to it.
1. Plant Therapy Lavender Essential oil
Taking up the top spot is Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil, one of the most popular lavender essential oil and we are all going to understand why. To begin with, plant therapy has an incredibly sweet, floral-herbal scent and is priced with its many therapeutic properties.
This magical oil is extracted through steam distillation from the true lavender plant; Lavandula angustifolia. It is 100% pure, non-GMO, cruelty-free, and USDA organic certified. The company has subjected the product to multiple efficacy tests from essential oils professionals and third-party laboratories. Their slogan is to impact positively on as many people as possible while selling high-quality essential oil at pocket-friendly prices.
Pros:
- Safe to use on kids and the entire family
- Affordable prices
- Third-party tested
- USDA organic certified
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- The scent might be too strong for some people
- Bottles not filled to the top
2. Sky Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Sky Organic Lavender Essential Oil has a unique soothing potent fragrance that is floral and soft, ideal for anyone not into strong scents. The oil is ethically sourced, 100% pure, and extracted through steam distillation from organically grown French lavender.
Sky Organic is USDA-approved, cruelty-free, vegan, and, wait for it… you get a free book on how to use essential oils on your first purchase. The company is family-owned with the founder driven by the urge to create truly natural health and beauty alternatives after her difficulties sourcing high-quality products in the current market.
Pros:
- Soothing and relaxing fragrance
- Sourced from organically grown lavender
- No fillers or additives
- Reliable manufacturer
Cons:
- Only available in small sizes
- Has no oil glass dropper
3. Calmoura Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Calmoura takes pride in producing some of the best essential oils in today's market and one of their own, Calmoura Organic Lavender Essential Oils has proven to be a force to reckon with. To begin with, the oil is highly concentrated, undiluted, and extracted through steam distillation from organically grown French lavender sourced in the US.
Calmoura Organic Lavender Essential Oil is 100% pure, therapeutic grade, and certified organic. It can be used in a diffuser, making soap, skin & hair care products, massage, and for an aromatic bath.
Pros
- 365 days money-back guarantee
- Therapeutic grade
- Has a dropper
- Highly concentrated
- Heals the body, mind, and soul
Cons
- The size options are inadequate
4. Viva Naturals Lavender Essential Oil
l is a brand founded on the principles of simplicity, sustainability, and goodwill. The oil is extracted through steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops of Bulgarian Lavandula angustifolia. No filler or additives and the final product is independently tested for purity by a third party.
Viva Naturals Lavender Essential Oil is USDA organic certified, non-GMO, and designed to maintain a life balance that benefits the mind, body, and soul
Pros:
- Has a bulb dropper to reduce spills and wastage
- Has a great smell
- Third-party tested for purity
- USDA organic certified
Cons
- Low fragrance
5. Eden Gardens Lavender Essential Oil
Eden Gardens is a top-notch brand that believes they set the standards in the production of essential oil. Eden Gardens Lavender Essential Oil was founded in 2009 and one of their own, Eden Gardens Lavender Essential Oil has been top-rated on Amazon for close to a decade.
This magical lavender essential oil is 100% pure therapeutic grade; no additives or fillers. That's not all, before releasing the oil it undergoes multiple rounds of testing. Perhaps explaining why this particular brand is one of the historically most popular essential oils.
The oil is cruelty-free, vegan, and extracted through steam distillation from lavender plants sourced from Bulgaria.
Pros
- No questions asked return policy
- Comes in various sizes
- Bounded by the principles of safety, quality, and sustainability
- Third-party tested for purity
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t come with a glass oil dropper
6. doTerra Lavender Essential Oil
doTerra self proclaims themselves as a gift to earth. doTerra Lavender Essential Oil has unlimited applications and over the years since 2008 cemented its legacy as a top lavender essential oil brand.
The company employs modern technology and techniques to extract its oil from locally sourced organic grown lavenders.
Pros
- Reputable brand
- Diverse uses
- Employs modern technology
Cons
- Inconsistent fragrance
- Expensive
7. Hand Craft Blends Lavender Essential Oil
Oil is a top-notch brand that is versatile, independently tested, and bottled in the USA. Least assured that the oil high quality and 100% pure; no additives or fillers.
Hand Craft Blends Lavender Essential Oil is FDA-registered and packed in amber glass bottles. We also can't ignore the free glass dropper that helps reduce spoils and wastage.
Pros:
- Packed in amber glass bottles
- FDA registered
- Comes with a no-spill glass dropper
Cons
- Lacks enough size options to choose from
8. Majestic Pure Lavender Essential Oil
Majestic Pure Lavender Essential Oil is a blend of 2 pure lavender oils sourced from Lavandula angustifolia from Bulgaria and Lavandula hybrida from France, all extracted through steam distillation. This essential oil is ranked as therapeutic grade and is packed in the USA.
The product label has precise instructions on how to use the oil and warns that the oil is purely for external use only.
Pros:
- Therapeutic grade oil
- A blend of 2 pure lavender oils
- Pocket friendly
- Has a glass dropper
Cons:
- Potentially toxic to children and pets
- Inconsistent aroma
Precautions when using lavender oils
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Storage
If not stored properly, plat oils deteriorate fast due to chemical reactions. To retain the freshness for longer periods store them in a cold and dark place. This is why it is always recommended that you buy essential oil packed in dark bottles. You could also refrigerate the oils through it's not always necessary. Avoid storing the oil with food products but if you must do it, put it in an airtight bag.
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Dilute the oil
Always dilute essential oils with water or carrier oil. Even after doing so, do a patch test on a small part of your skin before applying it oil to sensitive parts of the body.
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Don't consume it
Unless the oil is indicated food grade, never consume lavender essential oils directly.
Takeaway
There you have it on 8 of the best lavender essential oils, how to arrive at the best products, and precautions. Is lavender essential oil something you should have on your shelves? That’s up to you but we highly recommend that you give it a trial.
