Guide to the Differences Between Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Essential Oils

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• The Plant Family and Genus of Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Essential Oils
• What is Lavender Essential Oil?
• What is True Lavender Essential Oil?
• Why Lavandula officinalis is Now Lavandula angustifolia
• Lavender Essential Oil Chemical Composition
• Lavender Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
• Lavender Essential Oil Aroma
• Lavender Essential Oil Adulteration
• Lavender Absolute and CO2 Extract
• Lavender Essential Oil Chart
• What is French Maillette Lavender Essential Oil?
• What If I Don't Love the Scent of Lavender Essential Oil?
• Lavender Essential Oil Safety
• What is Lavandin Essential Oil?
• Lavandin Essential Oil Chemical Composition
• Lavandin Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
• Lavandin Essential Oil Aroma
• What's the Difference Between Lavandin Grosso, Lavandin Abrialis and Lavandin Super Essential Oils?
• Lavandin Essential Oil Comparison Chart
• Lavandin Essential Oil Safety
• What is Spike Lavender Essential Oil?
• Spike Lavender Essential Oil Chemical Composition
• Spike Lavender Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
• Spike Lavender Essential Oil Aroma
• Spike Lavender Essential Oil Chart
• Spike Lavender Essential Oil Safety
• The Color of Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Essential Oils
• Essential Oil Yields for Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender
• Quick Comparison Chart for Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender
• Lavender Stoechas Essential Oil
• Lavender Stoechas Essential Oil Safety
• About the Data Mentioned in this Guide
• Recommended Reading
• References

Introduction

Understanding the differences between Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Essential Oils is crucial so that you can make informed decisions when choosing between them for your specific needs.

This practical guide explores the unique characteristics of each of these remarkable essential oils, offering valuable insights into their distinct properties and best uses.

The Plant Family and Genus of Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Essential Oils

Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender all belong to the Lamiaceae plant family.

The Lamiaceae plant family also includes basil, clary sage, peppermint, marjoram, thyme, oregano, patchouli and other herbs. This family is well-known for its aromatic plants, which include many herbs widely used in both culinary and medicinal applications.

Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender are derived from plants within the Lavandula genus, which is part of the Lamiaceae family.¹

What is Lavender Essential Oil?

Lavender Essential Oil is derived from the lavender species Lavandula angustifolia.

Lavender has a long history of use dating back to ancient times. It is native to the Mediterranean, but it is now cultivated in various parts of the world, including France, Bulgaria, Greece and to a very small extent, the USA.

Lavender Essential Oil is produced by the steam distillation of lavender buds. The production of Lavender Essential Oil requires a large quantity of flowers, because the oil yield is relatively low.

What is True Lavender Essential Oil?

Sometimes, you will find the term True Lavender Essential Oil being used.

The term true lavender is used to refer to Lavender from the specific species Lavandula angustifolia.²

Lavender Essential Oil that is steam distilled from Lavandula angustifolia is widely considered to be true lavender due to its therapeutic properties, composition and smooth aroma compared to other Lavandula species.

Why Lavandula officinalis is Now Lavandula angustifolia

The botanical name Lavandula officinalis is synonymous with Lavandula angustifolia.³

Lavandula officinalis was historically used to refer to what is now known as Lavandula angustifolia, but the name was changed due to advancements in botanical classification.

Lavandula officinalis is now considered an outdated synonym.

Lavender Essential Oil Chemical Composition

Lavender essential oil contains high levels of linalool and linalyl acetate, which contribute to its calming and soothing properties.⁴

Lavender Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Lavender Essential Oil is especially helpful for its calming, soothing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial benefits. It is a versatile oil for emotional, skincare, health and wellness applications.

Lavender Essential Oil is a popular choice for body care products because it can help soothe the skin and promote a sense of well-being.

Below is a summary of the common uses for Lavender Oil:^5,6,7,8

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Skin Care
• Acne
• Cuts
• Burns
• Headaches
• Tension
• Natural Perfumery

Lavender Essential Oil Aroma

Lavender essential oil has a sweet, floral aroma with herbaceous undertones.

How the Location and Altitude of Lavender Impacts Its Aroma and Composition

The location of where the lavender is grown plays a significant role in the aroma and chemical composition of the lavender.

Factors such as the geographic location, altitude, climate and soil conditions all contribute to variations in the properties of Lavender Essential Oil. For example, Lavandula angustifolia grown at higher altitudes tends to have a sweeter, more delicate aroma with higher levels of linalyl acetate.⁹

Lavender Essential Oil Adulteration

Adam Christensen, of Essential Validation Services has reported that France exports twice as much Lavender Essential Oil as they produce every year.¹⁰

Because the yield of Lavandin Essential Oil is higher than that of Lavender Oil,¹¹ there is a significant temptation for some distillers and suppliers to adulterate True Lavender Oil with that of Lavandin Oil.

It goes beyond the scope of this article to go into all the possible adulteration risks for Lavender, Lavandin or Spike Lavender Essential Oils, but it is beneficial to ensure that you purchase your essential oils from companies that perform independent GC-MS or GC-FID testing of their essential oils to ensure their oil has not been adulterated and to ensure that the oil is the correct species.

Lavender Absolute and CO2 Extract

Lavender CO2 Extract offers a more complete aromatic profile, capturing both the volatile and heavier components that are often lost in steam distillation. The aroma is typically more true to the aroma of fresh lavender buds.^{12, 13}

Lavender Absolute is concentrated and highly aromatic. It is produced via solvent extraction, and it has a more concentrated aroma than that of the essential oil that is more reminiscent of the true aroma of the plant when compared to the essential oil.^{14, 15}

Lavender Essential Oil Chart

* The data ranges shown above that are not in parenthesis are based on ISO Standards.¹⁶ Not all components listed on the ISO Standard are included above.

* The data ranges shown above that are in parenthesis are based on my personal notes of various GC-MS / GC-FID reports that I have studied.

What is French Maillette Lavender Essential Oil?

Lavender Maillette Essential Oil is a cultivated variety of Lavandula angustifolia that is known for its sweet, soft and refined floral aroma.

Lavender Maillette Oil typically possesses a higher composition of linalyl acetate.¹⁷ This contributes to its softer and slightly fruitier aroma and its calming properties. (Having said that, it's always best to study the GC-MS report for the specific lot that you wish to buy to verify its composition.)

What If I Don't Love the Scent of Lavender Essential Oil?

Although Lavender Essential Oil is widely popular, not everyone loves the aroma.

AromaWeb's Guide to Lavender Essential Oil Alternatives offers tips and info on other essential oils that provide similar calming and therapeutic benefits to that of Lavender Essential Oil.

Lavender Essential Oil Safety

Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using Lavender Essential Oil.

Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended.¹⁸

Lavender Essential Oil should be diluted before application to the skin. Although some aromatherapy books claim that Lavender Essential Oil can be used undiluted on the skin, this is a very unsafe practice and is strongly discouraged. There are individuals that have developed severe sensitization and other complications from using it undiluted.

What is Lavandin Essential Oil?

Lavandin Essential Oil is steam distilled from the species Lavandula intermedia.

Sometimes you will see the synonym Lavandula hybrid used instead of Lavandula intermedia.

The steam distillation process for Lavandin Essential Oil is similar to that of lavender, but the oil yield is higher for lavandin, making it a more cost-effective option for essential oil production.

Lavandin is a hybrid of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia).¹⁹

Lavandin is cultivated in multiple countries, including France and Italy.

It is believed that Lavandula intermedia has been produced for at least 100 years and likely developed naturally as a hybrid between true lavender and spike lavender because both grow in overlapping regions of the Mediterranean.²⁰

Lavandin Essential Oil Chemical Composition

Typically, Lavandin Essential Oil possesses a higher camphor and 1,8 cineole content compared to Lavender Essential Oil²¹, making Lavandin more stimulating and decongesting.

Lavandin Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Due to its greater camphor and cineole composition, Lavandin Essential Oil is typically a better choice than Lavender Essential Oil for addressing respiratory issues and relieving muscular aches and pains. It is a good choice for the following applications:^{22, 23}

• Menstrual Cramps
• Muscular Aches and Pains
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Respiratory Concerns

Lavandin Essential Oil Aroma

Lavandin Essential Oil has a similar aroma to Lavender Oil but is slightly sharper and more intense. It is often used in perfumery and as a fragrance in soaps and detergents.

What's the Difference Between Lavandin Grosso, Lavandin Abrialis and Lavandin Super Essential Oils?

Lavandin Super tends to have a sweeter, less camphorous aroma than either Lavandin Gross or Lavandin Abrialis.

The chart shown below offers a good comparison between the three commercially available Lavandin Essential Oils.

Lavandin Essential Oil Comparison Chart

* The data ranges shown above that are not in parenthesis for Lavandin Grosso and Lavandin Abrialis Essential Oils are based on ISO Standards.^{24, 25} Not all components listed on the ISO Standard are included above. The data ranges shown above that are not in parenthesis for Lavandin Super are based on the data presented in Essential Oil Safety Second Edition by Robert Tisserand.

* The data ranges shown above that are in parenthesis are based on my personal notes of various GC-MS / GC-FID reports that I have studied.

Lavandin Essential Oil Safety

Robert Tisserand indicates that Lavandin Oil may inhibit blood clotting and pose a drug interaction hazard.²⁶

Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended.

Lavandin Essential Oil should be diluted before application to the skin. Although some aromatherapy books may claim that Lavandin Essential Oil can be used undiluted on the skin, this is a very unsafe practice and is strongly discouraged. There are individuals that have developed severe sensitization and other complications from using it undiluted.

What is Spike Lavender Essential Oil?

Spike Lavender Essential Oil is derived from the Lavandula latifolia plant.

It is cultivated in Spain and Portugal and in other Mediterranean countries.

The distillation process for Spike Lavender Essential Oil is relatively similar to that of Lavender and Lavandin Oils.

Spike Lavender Essential Oil Chemical Composition

Spike Lavender Essential Oil contains a significant amount of camphor and 1,8-cineole.²⁷ These constituents gives it strong expectorant and mucolytic properties.

Spike Lavender Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Because of its composition of 1,8-cineole and camphor, Spike Lavender Essential Oil is especially useful for addressing respiratory issues and relieving muscular aches and pains.

It is a well suited for the following applications:^{28, 29}

• Muscular Aches and Pains
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Respiratory Concerns

Spike Lavender Essential Oil is much more stimulating than either True Lavender or Lavandin Essential Oils. Therefore, it should not be used for insomnia, stress reduction or for calming the mind.

Spike Lavender Essential Oil Aroma

Spike Lavender Essential Oil has a fresh, herbaceous and camphorous aroma.

Spike Lavender Essential Oil Chart

* The data ranges shown above that are not in parenthesis are based on ISO Standards³⁰. Not all components listed on the ISO Standard are included above.

* The data ranges shown above that are in parenthesis are based on my personal notes of various GC-MS / GC-FID reports that I have studied.

Spike Lavender Essential Oil Safety

Spike Lavender Essential Oil should be used with care. Robert Tisserand does not specify any contraindications for Spike Lavender Essential Oil, but he states that it may be mildly neurotoxic.³¹

Lavandin Essential Oil should be diluted before application to the skin. Although some aromatherapy books may claim that Lavandin Essential Oil can be used undiluted on the skin, this is a very unsafe practice and is strongly discouraged. There are individuals that have developed severe sensitization and other complications from using it undiluted.

The Color of Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Essential Oils

This photograph demonstrates that Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Essential Oils are all virtually clear. Unfortunately, the test tube holder shown in the pictures has a green bottom, but hopefully you can still tell that the oils are all virtually clear. Sometimes, Lavender, Lavandin or Spike Lavender Oil is pale yellow in color.

Essential Oil Yields for Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender

The term essential oil yield refers to the amount of essential oil extracted from a given quantity of lavender, lavandin, spike lavender or other plant material, typically expressed as a percentage (%) or in kilograms per hectare (kg/ha).

The table shown below cites the typical average essential oil yields for Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender according to Maria Lis-Balchin in the book Lavender: The Genus Lavandula.³²

The abbreviation ha stands for hectare, which is a unit of area measurement commonly used in agriculture.

In Aromatica Volume I, Peter Holmes informs us that the percentage yield for Lavender Essential Oil is only 1-1.5%.³³

The Essential Oil Maker's Handbook indicates the yield for is 2.5-3% for Lavender Oil and is 3-5% for Lavandin Oil. No data is specifically provided for Spike Lavender.³⁴

Based on Lis-Balchin's statistics shown above and using these percentages for Lavender Oil, we can surmise that the approximate yield is 3%-9% for Lavandin Oil and 1.25-3.75% for Spike Lavender Essential Oil.

Quick Comparison Chart for Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender

One Final Lavender Oil:

Lavender Stoechas Essential Oil

Also known as Seville Lavender or Spanish Lavender, Lavender Stoechas Essential Oil is a less common essential oil that has a different aromatic profile and chemistry than that of True Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Essential Oils.

The botanical name for Lavender Stoechas Essential Oil is Lavandula stoechas.

Unlike True Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender oils, Lavender Stoechas Essential Oils can contain over 50% ketones including approximately 16.4-56.2% camphor and 14.9-49.1%% fenchone. It also contains 3.6-14.5% cineole.³⁵

The significant amount of these components gives Lavender Stoechas Essential Oil a sharp, medicinal aroma.

Its potency and chemical profile make it less versatile than True Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender Oils.

Lavender Stoechas Essential Oil Safety

Lavender Stoechas should be used with great caution. It's an essential oil that should be reserved for those with advanced aromatherapy training.

Robert Tisserand indicates that it may be neurotoxic due to its significant camphor content and recommends avoiding it in pregnant, breastfeeding and children.³⁶

If you are considering using this oil, reading Tisserand's full profile is recommended.

About the Data Mentioned in this Guide

This guide presents data ranges based on the ISO standards available to me at the time, as well as GC-MS reports that I have personally assessed.

While this information can be used as a helpful reference for Lavandula essential oils that you are considering purchasing or using, it's important to note that not all essential oil constituents will fall precisely within these ranges.

Essential oil composition can vary significantly due to numerous factors affecting the botanical material, including altitude, climate, rainfall, soil conditions, geographic location, the material of the still, distillation length and the expertise and strategies of the distiller.

Additionally, variations may arise due to seasonal shifts, harvesting techniques and post-distillation handling.

As a result, while this guide serves as a helpful reference, it is always advisable to review lot specific GC-MS reports from your specific supplier to understand the unique composition of the essential oil you are purchasing.

Recommended Reading

Lavender: The Genus Lavandula
Author: Maria Lis-Balchin (Editor)
Lavender: The Genus Lavandula is a comprehensive reference that delves into the taxonomy, cultivation, phytochemistry, distillation, pharmacology, and various applications of the species Lavandula. It explores the use of Lavandula essential oils in perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy, highlighting their antimicrobial properties. It also discusses the historical significance of lavender and its role in traditional remedies. This work serves as an authoritative resource for researchers, practitioners and enthusiasts interested in the multifaceted aspects of the Lavandula genus.

The link will take you directly to Amazon's detail page for this book. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Your cost to Amazon.com will not increase if you use these links to make your purchase.

Aromatica Volume 1: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Principles and Profiles
Author: Peter Holmes LAc, MH
Aromatica Volume 1 provides an insightful, eloquent and intriguing perspective regarding the background, energetics and the clinical applications of essential oils and essential oil therapy. At the heart of the book lies a 242-page Materia Aromatica section that includes detailed profiles for 30 essential oils.

Essential Oils Third Edition: A Comprehensive Handbook for Aromatic Therapy
Author: Jennifer Peace Rhind
Within this third edition of Essential Oils, author Jennifer Peace Rhind has outdone herself. Compared to the second edition, this updated edition is at least double in size and is well referenced.

Essential Oil Maker's Handbook: Extracting, Distilling & Enjoying Plant Essences
Authors: Betinna Malle and Helge Schmickl
The Essential Oil Maker's Handbook is a beautiful hardcover book that is presented using a writing style that makes it easy to grasp the process and requirements for essential oil distillation. It is well organized and rich in color photography.

Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals
Authors: Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young
The second edition of Essential Oil Safety is invaluable to the serious aromatherapy student, aromatherapy practitioner, health care professional, and everyone seriously interested in understanding the safety precautions and contraindications for essential oils. For everyone past the stage of enjoying "recipe" style aromatherapy books and that seeks solid knowledge about the safe and effective use of essential oils, this book is an absolute must-have.

References

¹ Maria Lis-Balchin (Editor), Lavender: The Genus Lavandula (London: Taylor & Francis, 2002), 2-3.

²Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 121-122.

³Maria Lis-Balchin, BSc, PhD, Aromatherapy Science (United Kingdom: Pharmaceutical Press, 2006), 219.

⁴Maria Lis-Balchin, BSc, PhD, Aromatherapy Science (United Kingdom: Pharmaceutical Press, 2006), 223.

⁵Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2016), 598.

⁶Peter Holmes LAc, MH, Aromatica Volume 1: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Principles and Profiles (London and Philadelphia: Singing Dragon, 2016), 229-231.

⁷Jennifer Pressimone, JennScents(R) Holistic Aromatherapy Comprehensive Guide (Clermont, FL: JennScents, Inc., 2015), 120.

⁸Jennifer Peace Rhind, Essential Oils Third Edition: A Comprehensive Handbook for Aromatic Therapy (London and Philadelphia: Singing Dragon, 2019, Table 10.11.

⁹Holmes, Aromatica Volume 1, 226.

¹⁰Adam Christensen, Conference Presentation: The Chemistry of Essential Oil Adulteration: How, Why and What You Need to Know. May, 2018, Atlanta, GA. Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild Conference, Presentation PDF, 1.

¹¹Maria Lis-Balchin (Editor), Lavender: The Genus Lavandula (London: Taylor & Francis, 2002), 56.

¹²Madeleine Kerkhof, CO2 Extracts in Aromatherapy. (The Netherlands: Kicozo, 2018 (First English Edition). Page 90.

¹³Mark Webb, Course: CO2 Extracts: The How, What, Where, When & Why. v1.3 - v1.6. 2017-2019.

¹⁴Steffen Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin (Reprint Edition. Elizabeth, NJ: Pathfinder., 2017), 345.

¹⁵Holmes, Aromatica Volume 1, 226.

¹⁶ISO:3515:2002 International Standard for Oil of Lavender, 2002.

¹⁷Wendy Robbins, Lavender GC-MS Component Spreadsheet. Used for personal research, 2023-2025.

¹⁸Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition. (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 325-328.

¹⁹Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 119.

²⁰Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition, 597.

²¹Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, 325.

²²Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition, 597.

²³Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 119-120.

²⁴ISO:8902 International Standard for Oil of Lavandin Grosso, 2009.

²⁵ISO:3054 International Standard for Oil of Lavandin Abrial, 2017.

²⁶Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition , 325.

²⁷Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition , 329.

²⁸Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition, 598.

²⁹Neryls Purchon and Lora Cantele, Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness (Toronto ON: Robert Rose, 2014), 72.

³⁰ISO:4719:2012 International Standard for Oil of Spike Lavender, 2012.

³¹Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, 329.

³²Maria Lis-Balchin (Editor), Lavender: The Genus Lavandula (London: Taylor & Francis, 2002), 56.

³³Holmes, Aromatica Volume 1, 225.

³⁴Betinna Malle and Helge Schmickl, The Essential Oil Maker's Handbook (Austin, TX: Spikehorn Press, 2015),80.

³⁵Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, 328.

³⁶Ibid.

General Safety Information

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. For general dilution information, read AromaWeb's Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Before using this or any essential oil, carefully read AromaWeb's Essential Oil Safety Information page. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Shelf Life

View Shelf Life Information

Important Information About the Profiles

The essential oil information provided on AromaWeb is intended for basic educational purposes only. The references to safety information, test results, constituents and percentages is generalized information. Essential oils can vary greatly in composition. The data is not necessary complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The essential oil photos are intended to represent the typical and approximate color of each essential oil. However, essential oil composition and color can vary based on harvesting, distillation, age of the essential oil and other factors. Profiles for several CO2 Extracts and absolutes are included within the directory, and are denoted as such.