Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) is an essential oil or extract used in skincare primarily as a fragrance and for purported soothing and antimicrobial properties. It contains compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be sensitizing.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact allergy / allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Driven by oxidized linalool and other constituents; risk increases with oxidation over time. |
Skin irritation | Uncommon | More likely with higher concentrations or sensitive skin. |
Photosensitivity | Rare | Reported occasionally but less common than with citrus oils. |
Cytotoxicity to skin cells in vitro | Rare | Observed in laboratory studies at higher concentrations; clinical relevance uncertain. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.