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Lavender Oil: Physical Characteristics, Chemical Properties, and Key Specifications

What is Lavender Oil?

Lavender oil stands out as a natural essential oil extracted from the flowers and stems of the Lavandula angustifolia plant. In practical use, the oil carries a unique floral aroma, often described as sweet and soothing, which supports its popularity across cosmetics, aromatherapy, and traditional remedies. The clear to pale yellow liquid, sometimes showing a hint of green or purple depending on source and technique, signals the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate—these remain the main active chemicals giving the oil its distinct scent and beneficial effects. Over the years, I’ve encountered this oil in various settings, from home remedy cabinets to large-scale manufacturing labs, always recognized by its unique volatility and therapeutic presence. Many continue to value it as a raw material both for its fragrance and its potential topical benefits.

Product Forms, Appearance, and Structure

Lavender oil, in its pure state, consistently appears as a volatile, slightly viscous liquid. It holds a refractive index range of about 1.456 to 1.466 at 20°C, which reflects its degree of purity and consistency. While some oils solidify at lower temperatures, lavender oil remains stable and fluid even under typical room storage, showing no signs of flaking or powdering as some other plant extracts do. The oil’s crystalline characteristics come more into play in context of its major components, such as linalool, which individually can appear as colorless crystals. In batch processing, clear labeling often extends to volume (liter), net weight, and batch code, with a focus on maintaining transparency in content and source.

Molecular Properties and Formula

Chemically, lavender oil involves a complex mix. The primary contributors lie in linalool (C10H18O) and linalyl acetate (C12H20O2), both monoterpenoids, and camphor (C10H16O), offering depth to both aroma and function. The overall molecular make-up leans heavily toward esters and alcohols, with trace sesquiterpenes boosting unique undertones. The density ranges from 0.875 to 0.895 g/cm3 at 20°C, giving the oil a characteristic “lightness” against heavier plant distillates. Purity profiles often depend on distillation technique—steam or solvent—and on the type of lavender grown, with variations in soil, climate, and altitude further affecting the final fingerprint. Safety data sheets highlight these molecular specifics and their potential interactions with other materials in industrial or therapeutic settings.

Specifications: HS Code, Safety, Density, and Hazard Categories

World trade in essential oils assigns lavender oil under HS Code 33012941. This code identifies it as a volatile oil for use in raw perfumery or medicinal applications. Standard documentation lists specific gravity values, refractive index, solubility (usually in 70% ethanol), and acid value. In regular handling, risks remain low but not null. Essential oils—lavender included—bear flammable labels under UN-number 1993: Flammable Liquids, N.O.S. Skin and eye irritation may occur if the oil touches sensitive membranes in its concentrated form. I’ve seen people underestimate its concentration, leading occasionally to mild rashes or allergic responses. Storing the oil in tightly closed amber bottles, away from heat and light, keeps it stable and minimizes breakdown or volatilization. Proper labeling and respect for MSDS guidance enable manufacturers and hobbyists alike to use the oil safely, minimizing spill risks and environmental loss.

Material and Solution Handling in Industry and Home Use

Factories that rely on lavender oil as a raw material prepare it in bulk drums or liter bottles, taking precise care to keep concentrations within defined limits to avoid chemical volatility. The oil’s physical state always points to a clear, aromatic liquid, not to be mistaken for dried lavender or lavender powder, both of which lack the oil’s intense volatility. Blending the oil with solvents—often ethanol or light vegetable oils—yields a solution that applies smoothly in perfumes or skin creams. Batch records must stay meticulous, tracking density, weight, and date, matching regulatory scrutiny for export and retail. At home, storage in a cool, dark cupboard preserves quality. Parents learn quickly that children need protection from accidental exposure due to the oil’s potency. Only knowledgeable use keeps lavender oil an asset rather than a risk.

Environmental and Chemical Hazard Considerations

Lavender oil’s reputation as nature’s gentle healer sometimes clouds the reality of its chemical behavior. Linalool oxidizes over time with exposure to air, degrading to irritating by-products. Solution containers must stay sealed after every use. Spilt oil can cause surface damage to wood or plastics, owing to its solvent-like properties. Laboratory setups test its material compatibility before authorizing large-scale bottling. Safe disposal, when necessary, calls for dilution followed by absorption into inert material like sand, then through chemical waste disposal channels, not down household drains.

Supporting Claims and Future Solutions

Documented studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reinforce lavender oil’s blend of calming and antimicrobial effects, driven by measurable chemical constituents. International standards, including ISO 3515:2002, guide acceptable material content, purity, and density for worldwide trading. As adulteration and synthetic mimicry rise, clear batch specification and third-party quality verification become essential. Digital batch tracking, from field to finished bottle, promises to combat adulteration, supporting consumers looking for safe, genuine lavender oil. As regulations tighten, manufacturers will likely shift towards full transparency—showing density, batch chemistry, and origins for every liter sold, so trust in natural products grows alongside global trade. Environmental discussions may eventually prompt tighter hazardous material handling protocols, even for what people call “natural” substances, recognizing that safety, authenticity, and responsible management go hand in hand.