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Yes, you can mix lavender oil with aloe vera gel. It makes a light, cooling gel that is lovely after too much sun, after shaving, on itchy bug bites or on dry skin. The key is to keep it gentle: use about 1 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil per tablespoon of aloe gel, and mix the lavender into a little carrier oil first so it disperses evenly. Jump to the recipes.
Below, I'll show you exactly how to mix them, how many drops to use, three easy recipes and how to store your gel so it stays fresh.
Why Lavender and Aloe Vera Work Well Together
Aloe vera gel is cooling, hydrating and light, so it absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. Learn more in my guide to aloe vera for skin.
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the gentlest essential oils for skin, with a soft, calming floral scent. It's a favorite in after-sun and soothing skin care blends. Make sure you're using true lavender, not lavandin or spike lavender, which are stronger. See my guide to types of lavender oil.
Together, they make a simple, soothing gel for:
- Skin that feels warm after a little too much sun
- Freshly shaved legs or underarms (once any stinging has passed)
- Itchy bug bites
- Dry, tight skin on hands, elbows and feet
- A relaxing bedtime hand or foot rub
How to Mix Lavender Oil with Aloe Vera Gel
Essential oils don't dissolve in water-based gels like aloe. If you drop lavender straight into aloe, it can pool in little droplets, so some spots end up much stronger than others. This simple method fixes that:
- Measure your aloe gel into a clean glass jar or bowl.
- Mix the lavender into a carrier oil first. Add your drops of lavender to about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of jojoba, fractionated coconut or sweet almond oil.
- Stir the oil mixture into the aloe gel until it looks evenly blended.
- Label and store it in the fridge, and give it a quick stir or shake before each use.
If you make a lot of gel-based recipes, a natural solubilizer (like polysorbate 20) blends essential oils into water-based products even more evenly. For small batches, a little carrier oil works well.
How Many Drops of Lavender Per Tablespoon of Aloe?
Use this chart to keep your gel gentle. Use the 0.5% column for the face, sensitive skin, sun-warmed skin and children ages 2 to 6.
| Aloe vera gel | Gentle (about 0.5%) | Everyday (about 1%) |
| 1 tablespoon (15 ml) | 1 to 2 drops | 3 drops |
| 2 tablespoons (30 ml) | 3 drops | 6 drops |
| 1/4 cup (60 ml) | 6 drops | 12 drops |
For more about dilution, see my guide to diluting essential oils.
3 Easy Lavender Aloe Vera Gel Recipes
These recipes have no preservative, so make small batches, keep them in the fridge and use them within about a week.
1. Cooling Lavender Aloe After-Sun Gel
A light, soothing gel for skin that has had a little too much sun. Chill it in the fridge for extra cooling.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) aloe vera gel
- 1/2 teaspoon jojoba or fractionated coconut oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Mix the lavender into the jojoba, then stir it into the aloe. Smooth a thin layer over sun-warmed skin as needed. For more after-sun ideas, try my aloe vera ice cubes and lavender oil for sunburn recipes.
2. Itchy Bite Lavender Aloe Dab
Keep this tiny jar handy in summer for itchy mosquito bites.
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) aloe vera gel
- 1/4 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 drop Roman chamomile essential oil (optional)
Blend the oils into the jojoba, then stir into the aloe. Dab a small amount onto bites with a clean fingertip or cotton swab. This is about a 1% dilution, so use it on small areas only.
3. Relaxing Lavender Aloe Hand and Foot Gel
A light bedtime gel for dry hands and feet that won't leave greasy marks on your sheets.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon sweet almond or jojoba oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
Mix the essential oils into the carrier oil, then stir into the aloe gel. Massage into hands and feet before bed. Love this scent combination? Read about lavender and cedarwood.
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How to Store Lavender Aloe Gel
- Use a clean glass jar or pump bottle, and wash your hands before scooping.
- Store it in the fridge and use it within about 1 week.
- Throw it out if it smells sour, changes color or looks cloudy or moldy.
- For a longer shelf life, start with a store-bought aloe gel that already contains a preservative, and still use it within a few weeks.
Safety Tips
- Patch test first. Try a small amount on your inner arm and wait 24 hours. See my skin patch test guide.
- Keep it low. More lavender isn't better. Higher amounts raise the chance of irritation or an allergic reaction, especially on sunburned skin.
- Not for serious burns or wounds. Don't use it on blistered sunburn, deep cuts, burns or infected skin. See a doctor instead.
- Kids: For children ages 2 to 6, use the gentlest dilution (1 drop per tablespoon). Don't use essential oils on babies under 2 without guidance from a doctor or trained aromatherapist.
- Keep away from eyes and wash your hands after applying.
- Use fresh oil. Old, oxidized lavender is more likely to irritate skin. See expired essential oils.
For more, read my essential oil safety tips.
Final Thoughts on Lavender Oil and Aloe Vera Gel
Lavender and aloe vera are a simple, gentle pairing that belongs in every DIY skin care kit. Keep the dilution low, pre-mix your lavender with a little carrier oil, and make small batches you'll use within a week.
More Aloe and Lavender Recipes
- Aloe Vera for Skin: Benefits, How to Use It & DIY Recipes
- How To Make Aloe Vera Gel Ice Cubes
- Homemade Essential Oil Cooling Spray
- DIY Lavender Face Toner
- Lavender Diffuser Blends
