Ever bought lavender oil and been surprised that it smelled sharp and almost medicinal, rather than the soft, sweet floral scent you expected? There's a good chance what you actually bought was lavandin - a close relative of lavender that shares a similar name but smells quite different, and it's easy to mix the two up.
Whether you're developing a facial serum, massage oil, soap, candle, or room spray, selecting the right essential oil can help you achieve the desired fragrance profile and product performance. So, let's clear up the confusion: what's the difference between lavender and lavandin and how do you know which one your formulation actually needs?
What's the difference between Lavender and Lavandin?
Lavender and lavandin are related but different plants, and they smell noticeably different: lavender is soft and floral, lavandin is sharper and more herbaceous with a camphor edge.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the "true" lavender – the classic, soft floral scent most people picture when they think of lavender. It's been grown for centuries, prized for its soft, sweet, floral scent, and it's the gentler of the two.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid - a natural cross between true lavender and spike lavender that was first spotted in southern France in the 1920s. It grows bigger, yields more oil per plant, and smells sharper, more herbaceous, with a camphor-forward edge that lavender doesn't have.
That scent difference comes down to chemistry. Lavender is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate - the compounds behind its soft, floral character. Lavandin carries more camphor and cineole, giving it that brisker, more medicinal note. Neither is better, they're just built for different jobs.
What lavender essential oils does INKY Ingredients stock?
INKY Ingredients stocks three different lavender essential oils - English, Bulgarian and French. They all share a classic soft, floral scent but differ by origin rather than offering a dramatically different fragrance.
Lavender, English - Grown in the UK. A reliable, versatile all-rounder if you want a classic lavender with a "grown closer to home" story on your label.
Lavender, Bulgarian - Sourced from Bulgaria, one of the world's great lavender-growing regions. That same soft, floral profile, and a popular choice in hair care formulations alongside the usual skincare uses.
Lavender, French - The classic lavender, with that textbook sweet, floral-herbal and subtle herbal undertones. A lovely choice if provenance is part of your story.
What is lavender used for?
Lavender essential oil is most commonly used in skincare, sleep and relaxation products, and soaps, thanks to its soft, calming floral scent. It suits facial serums, massage oils, bath products, and pillow sprays where a gentle, familiar fragrance is the goal.
What is Lavandin Grosso used for?
Lavandin Grosso is INKY Ingredients' hybrid lavender essential oil, grown in France, and it's best suited to products that need a stronger, fresher scent than true lavender provides - think candles, cleaning products, and invigorating blends.
It's noticeably different on the nose from any of the lavenders above: fresher, sharper, more herbaceous, thanks to its higher camphor and cineole content. It's also antiseptic and antimicrobial, making it a great pick for products where you want that fragrance to do a bit more work.
Should I use lavender or lavandin in my formulation?
Use lavender for gentle, calming applications and lavandin where you want a stronger, fresher scent to do more work.
Reach for lavender if you're making:
- Skincare - its gentler profile suits sensitive formulations and everyday moisturisers
- Sleep and relaxation products - pillow sprays, diffuser blends, calming balms
- Soaps and bath products where a soft, familiar floral is exactly the point
Reach for lavandin if you're making:
- Candles and home fragrance - its stronger throw holds up better once diffused
- Cleaning or household products - it’s antimicrobial properties are a practical fit and that camphor-cineole note reads as fresh and clean
- Muscle rubs or invigorating blends, where you want something a little more stimulating than soothing
Still torn? Ask what job the scent needs to do.
Soothing and gentle = lavender.
Fresh, herbaceous, and functional = lavandin.
Where can I try lavender and lavandin essential oil in small quantities?
Every lavender and lavandin essential oil in INKY Ingredients' range starts at a small 10ml sample size, so you can test, compare, and formulate with confidence before scaling up. Shop Lavender, English · Shop Lavender, French Shop Lavender, Bulgarian · Shop Lavandin Grosso
FAQs
Is lavandin the same as lavender? No. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender, with a sharper, more camphorous scent than true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Can lavandin be used in skincare? It can, particularly where its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties are useful, though its stronger, more medicinal scent makes it less common than true lavender in gentle, everyday skincare.
Which is best for candle making lavender or lavandin? Lavandin Grosso is generally the better choice for candles, since its sharper scent holds up better once diffused. Lavender's softer aroma can get lost.
Does INKY Ingredients stock organic lavender oil? Yes - INKY Ingredients' Lavender, Organic is certified organic and sourced from Bulgaria. Shop Organic, Lavender
Please note that the views/opinions expressed in this blog are solely our own. It is the responsibility of our customers to conduct the necessary testing to substantiate any claims and ensure compliance with industry standards for every ingredient. We will not accept any liability for claims made based on our content.
