Lavender Essential Oil Comparison
The differences between Lavandula angustifolia (known as True English Lavender) and Lavandula x intermedia (known as Lavandin Hybrid) lavender essential oil is in camphor level. Lavandula angustifolia is low in camphor (<1%) while Lavandula x intermedia has higher camphor level (approximately around 6-11%).
Lavandula angustifolia
The Lavandula angustifolia or commonly known as True English Lavender is known for calming aromatherapy standard. To better diffrentiate it with other types of lavender, here are the main components to know about Lavandula angustifolia:
Chemical Profile: Exceptionally high in Linalool and Linalyl Acetate (the sweet, relaxing esters); very low in Camphor (<1%).
Aroma: Sweet, powdery, deeply floral, and completely free of medicinal harshness.
Best Spa Uses:
Sleep aids, anxiety-relief treatments, and calming facial steams.
Premium, deeply relaxing massage oils and lotions.
High-end perfumery and ambient reception area diffusion.
Few well known cultivar of lavandula angustifolia are Hidcote, Royal velvet, Folgate, and Super Blue.
Farzaneh valley lavender is the largest culinary lavender farm in the USA, focus primarily on Lavandula angustifolia Super Blue
Lavandula x intermedia
The Lavandula x intermedia is known as the therapeutic muscle & respiratory workhorse. To better diffrentiate it with other types of lavender, here are the main components to know about Lavandula x intermedia:
Chemical Profile: Moderate floral esters, but significantly higher Camphor (6–11%) and 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol).
Aroma: Traditional lavender foundation pierced by sharp, cooling, and medicinal undertones.
Best Spa Uses:
Deep tissue massage balms, muscle recovery rubs, and joint therapies.
Respiratory clearing treatments (e.g., eucalyptus-style steam rooms).
Soaps and strong ambient deodorizing where a scent needs to "throw" well.
Few well known cultivar of lLavandula x intermedia are Grosso, Provence, Phenomenal, and Riverian Thomas.
Lavandula angustifolia Super Blue cultivar has low camphor level (<1%) while Lavandula x intermedia Riverina Thomas cultivar has higher camphor level (approximately around 6-11%).
Synthetic Lavender Oil (Fragrance Oil)
The Synthetic Lavender Oil is considered as one-dimensional scent. To better diffrentiate it with other types of lavender, here are the main components to know about Synthetic Lavender Oil:
Chemical Profile: Created in a lab. Usually consists of isolated synthetic Linalool and Linalyl Acetate but entirely lacks the hundreds of trace botanical compounds (like Lavandulol) that provide natural depth and healing properties.
Aroma: Flat, one-dimensional, and often perceived as "soapy" or artificially sweet.
Best Spa Uses:
Ambient scenting for non-treatment areas (hallways, bathrooms).
Scenting laundry or cleaning supplies.
Offers absolutely zero therapeutic or aromatherapeutic benefits.
