Ingredient decoder

Lavender oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Masking
  • Tonic

Lavender oil in plain English

Lavender oil is an essential oil steamed from lavender flowers, used for its calming floral scent. It is rich in linalool, which can become more irritating as it oxidizes in air. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is lavender oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Lavender oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Lavandula angustifolia oil
  • Lavandula officinalis oil
  • True lavender oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is lavender oil comedogenic?

Lavender oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does lavender oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for masking and tonic.

What else is lavender oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, lavender oil can also appear as Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lavender essential oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Lavandula officinalis oil or True lavender oil.

Sources