Lavender perfume ingredient

Production

Lavender is a bush that can grow up to 1 m tall and is admired for its beautiful mauve and purple flowers. France is the predominant lavender producer, especially in southeast regions like the Haute-Provence, Drôme and Vaucluse. The flower can also come from other Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, or from countries in other parts of the world, like Bulgaria, China and Russia. Lavender essence is produced from steam distilling the freshly cut flowers. Absolute can also be produced by extraction using solvents.

History

Lavender's name comes from the Latin verb lavare, which means to wash, since the Romans extracted its oil to add to their baths. They also used it as a perfume in cosmetics, as an insecticide and a remedy for healing wounds. Glove makers in Grass used lavender essence to perfume their leather. English lavender--different from Mediterranean lavender--reached new levels of popularity in the 19th century as a perfect olfactory representation of the Anglo-Saxons' ideal of nature and of their gardens. It remained at its height of use until World War Two and even took over cleaning products and home and linen products.

Origin

Bulgaria, Spain, France

Did you know...

The scent of lavender is omnipresent in Brazil, where it was once imported by the Portuguese. Alfazema, as it's called in Portuguese, can be found in 40% of women's perfume and body care products. The floral scent permeates the air in Bahia on the second Thursday of every January for the Lavagem do Bonfim religious ceremony. Dressed all in white , the Baianas wash the steps of the Bonfim church with a water and lavender oil mixture. Lavender has many uses including antiseptic properties which can be used as an acne treatment. It is also invigorating, antispasmodic, healing and can be used as an insecticide. It can also relieve headaches and soothe anxiety. The flower symbolizes purity and tranquility.

Most combined ingredients

Iconic Fragrance

Atkinsons

ENGLISH LAVENDER

Founded in 1910, when England produced only products such as lavender and mint, English Lavender is the "typical scent of the floral and light English perfumery". It was to inspire the first men's eaux de toilette as well as the after-shaves.