Ingredient
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is hormone disruptor and absorbed into the body.
- Lavender Oil
- True Lavender Oil
- English Lavender Oil
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
Lavandula angustifolia oil is an essential oil derived from lavender flowers, widely used in cosmetics for fragrance and antimicrobial properties. Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile compounds that can be absorbed through the skin. Some research has suggested that lavender oil may have mild estrogenic effects, raising theoretical concerns during pregnancy. A 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported cases of prepubertal gynecomastia potentially linked to lavender products, though this research focused on repeated direct application. The American Pregnancy Association notes that many aromatherapists recommend avoiding or limiting essential oil use during the first trimester when fetal development is most critical. However, evidence of actual harm from typical cosmetic use is limited. There are no explicit prohibitions from ACOG or the FDA regarding topical lavender oil in cosmetics during pregnancy. Most obstetricians consider occasional use in typical cosmetic concentrations to be low risk, particularly after the first trimester. Many pregnant women choose to minimize exposure to essential oils during early pregnancy as a precautionary measure given limited safety data.
This one changes across the pregnancy.
- First trimester
- CAUTION
- Second trimester
- SAFE
- Third trimester
- SAFE
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Passes into breast milk
Lavender oil is a volatile essential oil that can be absorbed through skin to some degree. While primarily used for fragrance in cosmetics, its lipophilic nature means components could theoretically enter circulation. Research on lavender oil transfer into breast milk is extremely limited. The theoretical concern about estrogenic effects that exists for pregnancy is less significant during breastfeeding, as the exposure route to the infant is indirect and diluted. Most lactation consultants and dermatologists consider topical use of products containing lavender oil to be acceptable during breastfeeding, particularly when not applied directly to the breast area. The AAD and most medical professionals do not specifically warn against lavender oil use while breastfeeding. Standard recommendations suggest avoiding application directly on or near the breast where an infant might ingest it, but use on other body areas in typical cosmetic products is generally considered safe.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, lavender oil presents minimal concerns beyond its general allergenic potential. The ingredient can provide soothing aromatherapeutic benefits and has antimicrobial properties that may be helpful for skin care. The main consideration is potential for allergic contact dermatitis, which affects a small percentage of users. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal changes, so patch testing new products containing essential oils is advisable. Otherwise, lavender oil in cosmetics is well-tolerated and may provide calming benefits during the postpartum period.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Hormone disruptor
Lavender oil has been studied for potential endocrine-disrupting properties, with some research suggesting mild estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects. For women trying to conceive, maintaining optimal hormonal balance is important. While evidence of harm is limited and primarily from laboratory studies rather than human trials, some fertility specialists recommend minimizing exposure to ingredients with potential hormonal activity during the preconception period. The actual impact of lavender oil in cosmetic concentrations on fertility is unknown. Women who are actively trying to conceive may choose to avoid products with lavender oil as a precautionary measure, particularly if using fertility treatments, though there is no definitive evidence that typical cosmetic use affects conception.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Interferes with hormones
Lavender oil is an essential oil used for fragrance and antimicrobial effects in cosmetics. Some laboratory studies have suggested that lavender oil may have mild estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties, though clinical significance remains unclear. The potential hormonal activity of lavender oil creates theoretical concerns for women with PCOS, whose hormonal balance is already disrupted. However, the evidence is primarily from in vitro studies and isolated case reports rather than controlled clinical trials. The concentration of lavender oil in cosmetic products is typically much lower than amounts used in studies showing hormonal effects. There is no medical consensus recommending that women with PCOS avoid lavender oil in cosmetics. Some women may prefer to minimize exposure to ingredients with any potential endocrine activity, while others may benefit from the anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Individual response and product concentration are important factors to consider.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils used in cosmetics and personal care products. It provides fragrance, antimicrobial benefits, and potential soothing effects for the skin. The oil contains numerous compounds including linalool, linalyl acetate, and various terpenes. The primary concern with lavender oil for the general population is allergic contact dermatitis. According to the SCCS, components of lavender oil are among the most common fragrance allergens. The International Fragrance Association regulates its use and requires labeling of allergenic components. Sensitivity rates are estimated at 1-3% of the population. Some individuals may also experience skin irritation, particularly with higher concentrations or oxidized oils. Lavender oil is approved for use in cosmetics in the EU and US with appropriate labeling requirements for allergens. For most people, products containing lavender oil are safe and well-tolerated. Those with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies should patch test products or choose fragrance-free alternatives.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, each one with its own page here.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is itself suggested as the safer option on these pages.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
Download on theApp Store