The Science of Lavender

Lavender is one of the most researched botanicals in the world. Here's a plain-language look at what the science actually says — with sources, so you can read further yourself.

Calm, rest, and the nervous system

Lavender's reputation for calm isn't just folklore. A 2022 systematic review of lavender aromatherapy found evidence that inhaled lavender can support relaxation and ease feelings of stress and anxiety, and may help with sleep quality. It's part of why lavender has been used in aromatherapy for centuries — modern research is largely catching up to what tradition already knew.

The calm compound: linalool

Much of lavender's calming reputation traces to a single natural molecule: linalool. In a widely cited study, mice that simply breathed in linalool showed noticeably less anxious behavior — an effect that worked through their sense of smell, and without the sluggishness or motor impairment that can come with sedative medications. This helps explain why inhaling lavender can settle the body so quickly: scent reaches the parts of the brain that govern how safe we feel almost instantly. And it isn't limited to animal studies — a systematic review of patients preparing for surgery found that lavender helped them feel meaningfully calmer beforehand. None of this makes lavender a medicine, but it is a real, research-backed reason that a few breaths of true lavender can help you settle.

Skin

According to Healthline's medically reviewed overview, lavender oil has several potential benefits for skin: it is rich in antioxidants, may help soften the look of redness and blotchiness, and has been studied for its soothing, cleansing qualities. A frequently cited 2016 study found that lavender oil supported the natural healing of skin tissue in wound models. As with any essential oil, lavender should always be diluted in a carrier oil before it touches skin.

Naturally cleansing & antibacterial — what's proven, and what isn't

Here is where we prefer to be honest, because it builds more trust than overselling. A 2023 systematic review examined lavender essential oil's antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA across 23 studies. The results were mixed: some studies found meaningful antibacterial activity, others found little — but the review concluded that lavender appears to work synergistically alongside other antibacterial substances, and called for more research. In short: promising, real, and still being studied. That is the truthful picture, and we would rather give you that than a tidy exaggeration.

Why the quality of the oil matters

Most of this research is conducted on true lavender — Lavandula angustifolia — and the purity and grade of the oil strongly affect the results. This is exactly why we source the way we do: organic, steam-distilled Lavandula angustifolia from Old-World European farms, verified by growers we know by name. Cheap, adulterated, or synthetic "lavender fragrance" is a different thing entirely. Read our story →

Read the research yourself

A note on wellness claims: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns, and patch-test essential oils before use.