Lavender Oil for Skin: Benefits, Risks and How to Use It Safely
Lavender essential oil can be used on skin, but only when it's well diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, and never applied neat. People mainly use it for its calming scent in massage and body oils. Lab studies suggest lavender oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but evidence that it treats skin conditions in people is limited, and it can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially once the oil has oxidized. Always patch test first.
Key takeaways
- Never apply undiluted lavender essential oil to skin. A 1% dilution (about 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil) is a sensible starting point for the face.
- Most of lavender's appeal on skin is aromatic and sensory: a pleasant, relaxing scent in massage oils, body oils and baths.
- Claims that lavender oil heals acne, eczema, burns or scars aren't well supported by human research.
- Oxidized (old or air-exposed) lavender oil is more likely to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Store it tightly closed, cool and away from light.
- Patch test, keep it away from eyes, don't swallow it, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
What's in lavender oil?
True lavender essential oil comes from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia. Its main aromatic compounds are linalool and linalyl acetate, which give lavender its familiar floral scent. Essential oils are extremely concentrated. It takes a large quantity of flowers to produce a small amount of oil, which is why a few drops go a long way and why dilution matters.
Is lavender oil good for your skin? What the evidence says
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the NIH, notes that there isn't enough evidence to support most health uses of lavender, and that topical use can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Here's how the most common skin claims stack up:
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity
In laboratory and animal studies, lavender oil and its components show some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. That's interesting, but results in a petri dish don't automatically translate to benefits on human skin, and the amount used in lab studies isn't the same as a few drops in a body oil.
Acne
Lavender oil is sometimes recommended for breakouts, but there's no strong clinical evidence that it treats acne. Products with well-studied ingredients, along with advice from a dermatologist, are a more reliable route. Adding irritating ingredients to breakout-prone skin can also backfire.
Eczema, burns and wounds
Lavender oil shouldn't be used to treat eczema, burns, cuts or wounds. Broken or inflamed skin absorbs more and is more likely to react, and these conditions deserve proper medical care.
Relaxation and skincare rituals
This is where lavender fits best. A diluted lavender massage or body oil can make a bedtime or self-care routine feel calming, and the scent itself is what most people enjoy. The moisturizing work is done by the carrier oil.
How to use lavender oil on skin safely
1. Choose a carrier oil
Good options include jojoba oil, which is similar to skin's natural sebum (see is jojoba oil comedogenic?), and sweet almond oil, a classic massage oil. Sweet almond oil comes from tree nuts, so skip it if you have a nut allergy.
2. Dilute properly
- Face: about 0.5–1% (1 drop per 1–2 teaspoons of carrier oil)
- Body or massage: about 1–2% (1–2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil)
- Bath: mix a few drops into a tablespoon of carrier oil first. Essential oils don't dissolve in water and can sit on skin undiluted.
3. Patch test
Apply a small amount of your diluted blend to the inside of your forearm, cover it, and wait 24–48 hours. If you notice redness, itching, burning or bumps, wash it off and don't use it.
4. Apply to clean, intact skin
Avoid the eye area, lips, broken skin, rashes and mucous membranes. Wash your hands after use.
5. Store it well
Linalool and linalyl acetate can oxidize when exposed to air, light and heat, and oxidized lavender oil is a recognized cause of allergic contact dermatitis in dermatology research. Keep the cap tight, store the bottle somewhere cool and dark, and replace oil that smells sharp or "off."
Who should avoid lavender oil on skin?
- People with known allergies to lavender, fragrance or linalool
- Anyone with very sensitive skin, active eczema or dermatitis, unless a doctor says otherwise
- Babies and young children: talk to a pediatrician before using any essential oil
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people should check with their doctor first
Never swallow lavender essential oil; it can be harmful if ingested. Keep bottles out of reach of children and pets. If you have animals at home, read is lavender oil safe for dogs and cats?
Simple ways to enjoy lavender in your routine
- Calming body oil: 2 drops of lavender in 2 teaspoons of jojoba or sweet almond oil, massaged into damp skin after a shower.
- Hand and cuticle oil: 1 drop in a teaspoon of carrier oil, worked into cuticles at night.
- Scalp and hair: see our guide to lavender oil for hair.
- Aromatherapy without skin contact: a diffuser is the simplest option if you just want the scent. Our lavender oil uses guide covers more ideas.
About our lavender oil
Soti Organic Lavender Essential Oil is distilled from organically grown lavender on a small family farm in California and bottled in amber glass, with no additives or synthetic fragrance. Because it's 100% pure essential oil, it must be diluted before it touches your skin. Pair it with Soti Organic Jojoba Oil for an easy, lightweight body oil.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Lavender oil isn't a treatment for any skin condition. If you have a skin condition, a reaction, or questions about essential oils, talk to a doctor or dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put lavender oil directly on my skin?
No. Undiluted essential oil can irritate skin and increases the risk of an allergic reaction. Always mix it with a carrier oil first.
Is lavender oil good for your face?
It can be used on the face at a low dilution (around 0.5–1%) if you've patch tested and don't react, but there's limited evidence it improves skin. People with sensitive or reactive skin may do better without it.
Does lavender oil help acne?
Lab studies show antimicrobial activity, but there isn't strong clinical evidence that lavender oil treats acne. See a dermatologist for persistent breakouts.
Can lavender oil cause a rash?
Yes. Lavender oil can cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, and the risk is higher with oxidized oil. Stop using it and wash the area if you get a rash.
What is the best carrier oil for lavender oil?
Jojoba oil and sweet almond oil are popular choices. Jojoba is lightweight and suits most skin types; sweet almond oil is rich and good for massage but should be avoided by anyone with a nut allergy.
Can I use lavender oil on my baby's skin?
Talk to your pediatrician before using any essential oil on babies or young children.
Sources: NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), Lavender fact sheet; peer-reviewed dermatology literature on oxidized linalool and linalyl acetate as contact allergens; laboratory studies on lavender oil's antimicrobial activity.