Lavandula officinalis (lavender) is an essential oil-derived botanical used in skincare for its aroma and purported soothing and antimicrobial properties. It contains components like linalool and linalyl acetate that can oxidize and become sensitizing over time.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Linalool and its oxidation products are recognized contact allergens. |
Skin irritation | Uncommon | Can cause redness or stinging, especially on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Photosensitivity | Rare | Reported less commonly than with citrus oils but possible. |
Cytotoxicity to skin cells (in vitro) | Rare | Demonstrated 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.