Types of Lavender Oil and How to Choose the Right One for You

Published 26 Sep 2025

Essential oils are highly concentrated oils that capture the unique fragrance and properties of a specific part of a plant, like roots, flowers, bark, stems or leaves. These oils are typically extracted using a method called steam distillation. One of the most popular and widely used essential oils is lavender oil.

It is famous not only for its calming and pleasant scent but also for its many therapeutic benefits. But did you know there are different types of lavender oil? From soothing, familiar options to stronger, more camphor-like varieties, the type of lavender oil you pick can affect the scent, strength and uses of your oil blends.

In this blog, we will take a look at the most common types of lavender essential oil, how they differ and how to choose the best one for your needs.

What is lavender oil?

Lavender oil is made by extracting the essence of the lavender flower through steam distillation. Known for its many health and beauty benefits, lavender oil is one of the most versatile essential oils. It has a fresh, floral scent with a hint of camphor. This oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to help with a range of everyday health issues.

It is rich in antioxidants, which help protect and nourish your skin. Lavender oil also has antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and pain-relieving properties, which make it highly therapeutic. In addition, it has a calming and relaxing effect that helps soothe both the mind and body.

Also Read: Geranium Essential Oil: Exploring its Many Benefits for Health and Wellness

Why are there different types of lavender oil?

Lavender is not just one plant; it is a whole family of plants. There are many different species of lavender (Lavandula) grown around the world, with each one having its own unique scent, effects and chemical properties. Things like climate, altitude, soil type and when the plant is harvested all influence the scent and benefits of the oil.

Even within the same species, lavender oils from different places smell very different. For example, lavender grown in high-altitude regions in France might have a softer and more floral fragrance compared to the same species grown in a lowland Mediterranean area.

These small differences are important, especially when you are creating blends for a specific mood, scent or season. By understanding these differences, you can choose the right lavender oil for your needs, whether it is for a relaxing nighttime mix, a soothing skincare oil or a refreshing morning spray.

What type of lavender oil is right for you?

There are many different types of lavender oil, and each one can vary depending on where it is grown and the altitude at which it is cultivated. This results in slight differences in their chemical makeup. Choosing the right type of lavender oil depends on your specific needs. Let us dive into the details and find out which type of lavender oil you will love the most:

Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin)

Lavandin, a hybrid of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, has a strong, floral-herbal scent with a hint of camphor. It is commonly grown for commercial purposes because it is hardy and produces a high yield.

While it has a stronger aroma than true lavender, it is a good balance between lavender and spike lavender. It is often used in soaps, candles, bug-repellent blends, energizing diffuser mixes and household cleaners. Its long-lasting scent also makes it great for DIY projects like body oils and scrubs. However, it may be too intense for facial skincare.

High altitude lavender essential oil

High altitude lavender essential oil is derived from Lavandula angustifolia grown in mountainous regions. It has a strong and sweet fragrance due to high levels of Linalyl Acetate, which also makes it powerful against viruses and bacteria.

This oil is known for its calming effects, improving sleep and easing muscle and joint pain. It also helps with depression, tension, headaches, digestive problems and respiratory issues.

Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia)

Spike Lavender, or Lavandula latifolia, has a strong, camphorous, herbal scent with a slightly medicinal edge. Grown at lower elevations, it is known for its invigorating aroma due to higher camphor content. It is often used in chest rubs, cleaning sprays, muscle oils and vaporizing blends.

Since its bold scent can be overpowering, it is best used in well-ventilated areas or when blended with other oils. If you enjoy a sharp and eucalyptus-like lavender, spike lavender is the perfect choice.

French lavender essential oil

French Lavender, or fringed lavender, is native to eastern and southern Spain and has aromatic dentate leaves. It is commonly used in skincare products like soaps, lotions and deodorants, and is a popular choice for massages and aromatherapy.

With its calming fragrance, it is also found in air fresheners and perfumes. In addition, French lavender has antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties, which make it effective for treating minor wounds and relieving stress.

Bulgarian lavender essential oil

Native to Bulgaria, Bulgarian lavender thrives in the country’s ideal climate, which makes it one of the largest producers of lavender oil. This essential oil is rich in antioxidants, which help to cleanse the skin and fight bacteria. Known for its stress-relieving properties, it also promotes relaxation and eases anxiety.

Furthermore, Bulgarian lavender oil aids in wound healing, relieves pain and muscle tension and treats acne. It is also helpful for respiratory issues, such as a sore throat and a cold.

Kashmir lavender essential oil

Kashmir lavender is known for its beautiful purple flowers and soothing fragrance. This essential oil can be inhaled to relieve stress or used in a diffuser to spread its calming aroma throughout the room.

It also makes a great addition to bath water for a relaxing soak. Furthermore, Kashmir lavender is a natural sedative, which helps with insomnia and stress. It also treats skin issues like acne and eczema and supports respiratory health.

It is important to remember that lavender oil should never be taken orally and must be heavily diluted before application on the skin. Since pure lavender oil is very concentrated, it is important to mix it with a carrier oil before using it topically.

The bottom line

Lavender, a simple yet powerful herb, is packed with therapeutic benefits and is often called “The Mother of essential oils.” All lavender oils have that signature floral scent, but each type brings its own unique twist.

Whether you prefer the gentle sweetness of L. angustifolia or the bold and fresh aroma of lavandin, there is a lavender oil to suit every mood, use and blend. Pick the one that matches your needs, scent preferences and how you plan to use it.

Sivaroma is a trusted lavender oil manufacturer in India, known for providing high-quality, pure and sustainably sourced lavender oil. With a commitment to excellence, we ensure that every drop of our essential oil is ethically produced to meet the highest standards. Contact us today for bulk requirements of lavender oil or other essential and natural oils for your business needs.