If you’re shopping for lavender essential oil, you’ve probably noticed that not only are there several different types available, but there are also several different price tags. In general, 100% pure, unadulterated Lavandula angustifolia (L. angustifolia) lavender essential oil will cost between $6.99-$17.96 for a 10ml bottle. This is what most people mean when they refer to lavender and, because of that, it is also called “true” lavender – even though there are many other species of lavender.
The price of something being sold as lavender essential oil will depend on a few key items: the species of the oil, whether the oil is synthetic (as opposed to all-natural) and whether the oil is organic.
True unadulterated 100% L. angustifolia essential oil is more costly to produce since the plants yield less essential oil than some other species. This is why this lavender essential oil tends to cost more than some of the other variations.
However, 100% L. angustifolia lavender essential oil is generally considered to be better quality and more aromatically pleasing than other species of lavender oil. It also tends to have more linalool, which is thought to be one of the major constituents for many of the most popular aromatherapy uses of lavender. These uses include producing calming effects and helping to improve sleep quality,[i] and helping to reduce inflammation.[ii]
Cheaper versions of lavender essential oil are Lavandula x intermedia (also called lavandin) which is a cross between English (true) Lavender and Portuguese (spike) Lavender. This species typically yields a much higher quantity (but lower quality) oil that is about 7% and produce more of camphor smell and comes from several chemotypes (Super, Grosso, Abrial, etc.). While it is less expensive than L. angustifolia lavender essential oil, costing sometimes as low as $3.99-4.99 per bottle, the high camphor content means that it is also rarely used for aromatherapy. Instead, lavandin is more useful for scenting cleaning products.
What to Look for When Buying Lavender Essential Oil
When you’re purchasing lavender essential oil, it’s important to look at more than just the cost. In most cases, cheaper lavender essential oil means lower quality oil and fewer of the aromatherapy benefit and constituents studied by researchers.
Look for a lavender essential oil that is 100% Lavandula angustifolia. Anything labeled Lavandula hybrida or Lavandula x intermedia is distilled from lower quality plants and don’t have the same smell or therapeutic benefits than L. angustifolia essential oil. Lavandula angustifolia is the classic lavender used in aromatherapy and is the variation most studied in therapeutic research. It is most popular with aromatherapy experts and researchers because it is high in linalool and linalyl acetate, which are thought to be some of the more impactful constituents in the beneficial effects of lavender.
Look for 100% (and read the fine print). Many big box stores sell “100% pure” lavender oil for as low as $4.99 per bottle, but this “100%” may be misleading. It may be that it is 100% pure lavender diluted in a carrier oil. Also look for phrases such as “fragrance oil,” “perfume oil,” or “nature identical oil” which may refer to a partially or fully synthetic oil.
Lastly, if you can’t find the species listed on the bottle at all, don’t buy it. This probably means the oil is synthetic and will likely have a “fake” smell and none of the therapeutic benefits.
Kashmir lavender is still L. angustifolia but often has a slightly higher cost because it is grown exclusively in the Kashmir region of the Himalayas and is thought to have increased therapeutic properties. This variation of lavender essential oil will typically cost between $6.99-20.96
Organic vs. inorganic. Choosing organic lavender essential oil usually means a higher cost than non-organic lavender essential oil. However, to some people, this differentiation is worth the extra cost! If you are trying to eliminate the possibility of inorganic pesticides in your household, organic essential oils can provide better peace of mind.
Where to Buy Lavender Essential Oil
Many stores offer lavender essential oil but, before you jump at the inexpensive cost, it’s important to read the label. If you do choose to purchase from a supermarket or big box store, make sure the lavender oil is labeled “100% pure essential oil.” Look for words like “undiluted,” “natural,” and avoid words like “synthetic,” “identical,” or “manufacturer/manufactured.” We also recommend being sure the bottle says “Lavandula angustifolia,” as this is the best quality and most well-researched lavender essential oil for aromatherapy.
Instead of purchasing lavender oil from a supermarket or big box store, many people choose to buy from smaller sellers online. This is because these boutique sellers take greater pride in the quality of their oils, list a more significant amount of information about the oil’s origins, and allow the client to better comparison shop to find the best lavender essential oil for their price range.
About Healing Solutions
Healing Solutions is an essential oil company based in Phoenix, Arizona. We take great pride in offering some of the highest quality oils on the market. Because we do not sell through an MLM (Multi Level Marketing) model which involves paying multiple levels of independent sales reps, we are able to offer our oils directly to the consumer at reasonable prices. We believe that everyone—regardless of their budget—should have access to high-quality oils.
Our lavender essential oil is 100% pure therapeutic grade Lavandula angustifolia. We also offer organic Kashmir Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and non-organic Kashmir Lavandula angustifolia essential oil.
[i] Field Ti, Field To, Cullen C et al. Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infants. (2008) Early Human Development 84;6 399:401
[ii] Schilcher H. (1985) Effects and Side-Effects of Essential Oils. In: Svendsen A.B., Scheffer J.J.C. (eds) Essential Oils and Aromatic Plants. Springer, Dordrecht