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Writer's pictureA Cutliff

The battle of the Lavenders

Taumeti Natural Perfumes uses organic French Lavender in our perfumes blends unlike the typical Lavender 40/42 oils used in most beauty products. What's the difference? Read on.


French Lavender Oil and Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil are both derived from lavender plants, but they differ in origin, composition, scent profile, and usage. Here's a detailed comparison:


1. Source and Origin

  • French Lavender Oil: Typically comes from the Lavandula angustifolia species, grown in France. French lavender is renowned for its high quality and is often considered superior due to the specific growing conditions in the Provence region, where the climate and soil contribute to the plant's unique aromatic profile.

  • Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil: This is a blend of various lavender oils, often including Lavandula angustifolia and sometimes other species like Lavandula latifolia (Spike Lavender). The "40/42" refers to the standardized linalool and linalyl acetate content, which are the primary chemical constituents responsible for lavender’s scent. This standardization ensures a consistent aroma across batches.


2. Extraction Method

  • French Lavender Oil: Obtained through steam distillation of the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia grown in France. The quality and aroma can vary slightly depending on the region and harvest conditions.

  • Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil: Also obtained through steam distillation, but the oil is then blended and standardized to achieve a consistent ratio of linalool (40%) and linalyl acetate (42%), regardless of the specific lavender varieties or growing conditions used in the blend.


3. Scent Profile

  • French Lavender Oil: Has a sweet, floral, and slightly herbaceous aroma with a touch of camphor. The scent is often more complex and refined compared to other lavender oils, with subtle nuances that reflect the terroir (the environment in which the lavender is grown).

  • Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil: Offers a more uniform, balanced lavender scent, with a clean, sweet, and floral aroma. The standardization process ensures that the oil has a consistent fragrance profile, making it ideal for use in products where scent uniformity is important.




4. Uses

  • French Lavender Oil: Highly prized in aromatherapy, perfumery, and skincare for its calming and therapeutic properties. It’s often used in high-quality, natural products where the complexity of the scent is a key factor.

  • Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil: Commonly used in soap making, candles, and other body care products where a consistent lavender scent is desired. It’s also used in aromatherapy, but its standardized nature makes it more suitable for products that require fragrance consistency.


5. Quality and Consistency

  • French Lavender Oil: The quality can vary depending on the growing season, location, and distillation process. Each batch may have slight variations in scent and composition, which is often valued in high-end perfumery and aromatherapy.

  • Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil: Designed to provide a consistent quality and scent across all batches, making it a reliable choice for manufacturers who need uniformity in their products.


6. Price

  • French Lavender Oil: Typically more expensive due to its specific origin, the labor-intensive harvesting process, and the nuances in its aroma.

  • Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil: Generally more affordable because it is a blend of various lavender oils and is produced in larger quantities with a focus on consistency rather than unique scent.


7. Therapeutic Properties

  • French Lavender Oil: Known for its superior therapeutic qualities, especially in aromatherapy, where it is used for relaxation, stress relief, and sleep support.

  • Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil: Also offers therapeutic benefits like relaxation and stress relief, but its primary appeal is its consistent scent rather than specific therapeutic properties.


In summary, French Lavender Oil is a high-quality, region-specific essential oil prized for its complex and nuanced aroma, making it ideal for luxury perfumery, aromatherapy, and skincare. Lavender 40/42 Standardized Essential Oil, on the other hand, is a blend designed for consistency in scent, making it well-suited for commercial products like soaps, candles, and body care items where uniformity is key.

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