Lavandula Angustifolia Water

Lavandula Angustifolia Water and pregnancy

Safe to Use

• Absorbed into the body

Lavender water is a gentle, diluted form of lavender containing only trace amounts of essential oil compounds. It's created during the steam distillation process and is approximately 95-99% water with minimal volatile compounds. While pure lavender essential oil has theoretical concerns during pregnancy due to its potential hormone-like effects, lavender water contains such low concentrations that most obstetricians and dermatologists consider it safe for topical use. The American Pregnancy Association notes that highly diluted lavender products applied to skin are generally not concerning, though aromatherapy with concentrated oils should be approached with caution. Some practitioners recommend avoiding lavender during the first trimester as a precaution, though evidence of harm from topical lavender water is lacking. The concentration in hydrosols is far below levels that would cause systemic effects. Most prenatal skincare lines include lavender water as a safe, soothing ingredient.

Lavandula Angustifolia Water and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

Lavender water applied to facial or body skin (away from the breast area) poses no concerns during breastfeeding. The extremely low concentration of volatile compounds and topical application route prevent any meaningful transfer to breast milk. The AAD notes that diluted lavender products used on skin are generally safe during lactation. If applied directly to breast skin, it should be washed off before breastfeeding to prevent infant ingestion, though the dilute nature of lavender water makes this primarily a taste concern rather than a safety issue. Lactation consultants recommend avoiding direct application of any fragranced products to the nipple area, but use elsewhere on the body is considered safe. Lavender water is gentler than lavender essential oil and poses minimal risk.

Lavandula Angustifolia Water and postpartum

Safe to Use

Lavender water is well-suited for postpartum skin as it provides gentle hydration and soothing properties. The calming effects may be beneficial during the postpartum period. No special considerations are needed for postpartum use when not breastfeeding. The ingredient is gentle enough for sensitive, recovering skin.

Lavandula Angustifolia Water and trying to conceive

Safe to Use

While some sources recommend avoiding concentrated lavender essential oil when trying to conceive due to theoretical hormonal effects, lavender water contains such minimal amounts of active compounds that it's generally not a concern. The dilution makes it substantially different from pure essential oil. There is no evidence that topical use of lavender water affects fertility. If you wish to be extremely cautious, you can discontinue use once you begin actively trying, but most practitioners do not consider this necessary for diluted lavender products.

Lavandula Angustifolia Water and PCOS

Caution Advised

• Interferes with hormones

Some research suggests that lavender essential oil may have mild estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported prepubertal gynecomastia possibly linked to lavender oil exposure, though this involved concentrated oil use, not diluted hydrosols. Lavender water contains only trace amounts of these compounds, and the evidence for hormonal effects from topical skincare use is limited and controversial. However, women with PCOS who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations may wish to choose alternatives as a precaution. Most dermatologists do not restrict lavender water use for PCOS patients, as the concentration is very low. However, if you're concerned about any potential hormone interaction or notice skin changes, alternatives like chamomile water or rose water provide similar soothing benefits without the theoretical hormonal concerns.

Lavandula Angustifolia Water and general use

Safe to Use

• Common allergen
• Irritant

Lavender water is a gentle ingredient suitable for most skin types. It provides mild soothing and antioxidant benefits while being much less irritating than pure lavender essential oil. The primary concern is potential for allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to lavender or linalool. According to the SCCS, oxidized linalool found in lavender products is a documented allergen. However, reactions are relatively uncommon, and lavender water is generally well-tolerated. If you have a known lavender allergy or very sensitive skin, patch testing is recommended before use. Otherwise, lavender water is considered a safe, gentle ingredient for regular cosmetic use.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in PCOS

Related ingredients

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Parfum/FragranceInterferes with hormones, Irritant, Common allergen
• Lavandula Angustifolia OilInterferes with hormones, Irritant, Common allergen
• Cocamide DEAInterferes with hormones, Irritant, Common allergen
• Lavandula Hybrida OilInterferes with hormones, Irritant, Common allergen
• Salvia Sclarea OilInterferes with hormones, Irritant, Common allergen
• Melia Azadirachta Seed OilInterferes with hormones, Irritant, Common allergen

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 15 September 2026.