Uses for Lavender Essential Oil: 67 Ways to Use It + DIY Recipes

Updated November 2026
The most popular uses for lavender essential oil are sleep, stress, skin care, minor first aid, and keeping the home smelling fresh. It's the oil I recommend most to beginners. If you only buy one essential oil, make it lavender.

Below you'll find quick facts, how to use lavender safely, and 67 practical ways to use it, many shared by our readers, with links to my full DIY recipes. For the full lavender profile and 19 diffuser blends, see my full lavender essential oil guide. Jump to the 67 uses.

Lavender Quick Facts
• Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender)
• Scent: Soft, floral, and herbal; middle note
• Ages: 2 and up (a starter oil for kids)
• Pregnancy: Fine in a diffuser or inhaler in the first 16 weeks, then 0.5 to 1% on skin
• Sun-sensitive: No
• Shelf life: 2 to 3 years after opening

Why Lavender Is the First Oil I Recommend

Lavender's main aroma compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate, give it that soft, calming scent. It's easy to blend, easy to find, and works in so many ways that it shows up in first aid kits, bedtime routines, and beauty products alike.

Which Lavender Should You Buy?

Not every bottle labeled "lavender" is the same oil. Check the botanical name on the label:

• True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): the soft, floral lavender used for everything on this page.
• Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia): a sharper, more camphor-rich cross that's often cheaper. Many people like it for cleaning. I keep true lavender for bedtime. See lavender vs lavandin.
• Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia): strong and camphor-rich, with a eucalyptus-like scent, for ages 10 and up. See my spike lavender spotlight.

Lavender oil vs lavender essential oil: people often say "lavender oil" when they mean the essential oil, but some products labeled lavender oil are carrier oils infused with lavender flowers or fragrance. Look for "Lavandula angustifolia essential oil" on the label. Here's how to choose quality essential oils. I don't push one brand, but here is one lavender oil I like (affiliate link).

How to Use Lavender Safely

Lavender is easy on skin, but that doesn't mean you can skip dilution. Here's how I dilute it:

• Patch test a new blend on your inner forearm for 24 to 48 hours, and stop if you notice redness or itching.
• Kids: no essential oils under age 2, including diffusing in a room they're in. Diffuse lightly for short periods with a door open, and follow the dilutions above.
• Pregnancy: check with your doctor or midwife first. For the first 16 weeks I use lavender only in a diffuser or inhaler. After that, skin blends stay at 0.5 to 1%. See my list of essential oils for pregnancy.
• Don't swallow it, and keep it out of eyes and ear canals. If someone swallows an essential oil, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
• Store it well: cap tightly and keep it cool, dark, and out of reach. Old lavender that smells off is more likely to irritate skin, so use it for cleaning instead.
• Pets: never put oils on a pet. Diffuse with a door open so pets can leave, and skip small rooms where cats, birds, or other small animals spend their time.

For more, read my 7 essential oil safety tips and my dilution guide with chart. Need a carrier oil? Here is my list of carrier oils.

67 Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

We asked our readers, "What are some ways you like to use lavender essential oil?" Their favorite uses for lavender essential oil are mixed in below with the ways we use it at home.

Lavender for Sleep and Relaxation

Lavender is best known as a bedtime oil, and this is where most people start.

1. Diffuse It at Bedtime

Add 3 to 5 drops to your diffuser about 30 minutes before bed and let it run for 30 to 60 minutes while you wind down. For more ideas, see how to use lavender in a diffuser and my sleep diffuser blends.

Amy W. says, "I like to diffuse lavender EO at night. It helps me get to sleep and sleep soundly."

Try my Peaceful Sleep Diffuser Blend with lavender and cedarwood. Learn more about this pair in lavender and cedarwood.

Peaceful Sleep: ages 2 and up. Use the low end of the drop range for little ones.

2. Make a Pillow Spray

A light mist on your pillow a few minutes before bed is one of the simplest ways to use lavender. Here is my lavender pillow spray recipe.

3. Freshen Your Sheets

A lavender linen spray makes a freshly made bed feel like a hotel. Spray lightly and let the fabric dry before you climb in. For more scents, see my linen spray essential oil combinations.

4. Take a Lavender Bath

Essential oils don't mix with water, so blend 3 to 6 drops into 1 tablespoon of unscented castile soap (affiliate link) before adding it to the tub. Carrier oil alone won't spread the oil through the water. Read can I put lavender oil in my bath? and my guide to using essential oils for bathing.

5. Soak in Lavender Epsom Salts

Mix the lavender into a little castile soap, pour it into the running bath, then add the Epsom salt. Don't premix castile soap and Epsom salt in a jar, since they react. Here are my lavender Epsom salt soak recipes.

6. Give a Bedtime Massage

A slow shoulder or foot massage with a 2% lavender oil is a lovely way to end the day. Try my lavender massage oil.

7. Massage a Tight Jaw

If your jaw feels tight at the end of the day, roll a 1% lavender blend (2 drops in a 10 ml roller) along the jawline up toward the temples before bed, and gently massage it in. The jaw and temples count as face, so keep it light and away from your eyes.

8. Use a Tissue When You Don't Have a Diffuser

Put 1 to 2 drops on a tissue and tuck it near (not on) your pillow, or breathe it in for a few slow breaths before lights out.

9. Add It to the Kids' Bedtime Routine

Lavender is one of six starter oils I use with kids 2 and up. Diffuse it lightly for short periods with a door open. On skin, use a 0.5% roll-on (1 drop in a 10 ml roller) for ages 2 to 4, after checking with your pediatrician, or up to 1% for ages 5 to 11. For kids 5 and up, pair it with vetiver for a deeper, grounding scent, as in my lavender and vetiver blends.

Lavender for Stress and Mood

Lavender's soft floral scent is my go-to when life feels like too much.

10. Ease Everyday Stress

Diffuse lavender or spritz a room spray and take a few deep breaths. My De-Stress blend in my lavender diffuser blends is a favorite.

11. Calm Nervous Moments

Put 1 drop on a tissue or inhaler, breathe in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth, and let the tension go with each breath. See more calming essential oils.

12. Steady Yourself Before a Test or Big Meeting

Apply a lavender roll-on to your wrists beforehand, then breathe in from your wrists if nerves kick in. A scented tissue in your pocket works too.

13. Lift a Low Mood

Lavender pairs beautifully with citrus for a brighter scent. Try my Sunshine blend in my lemon and lavender recipes, or more uplifting diffuser blends.

Sunshine blend: ages 5 and up.

14. Find Comfort in Hard Moments

When you need comfort, lavender brings a sense of calm and steadiness. Here is a favorite inhaler blend:

Comfort Me Inhaler: ages 5 and up, with half the drops for kids.

15. Wear It on a Diffuser Necklace

Put 1 to 2 drops on the pad of a diffuser necklace, and let the oil soak in before the necklace touches your skin. It's calm you can carry all day, for ages 12 and up.

16. Support Focus

Diffuse lavender with a drop each of peppermint and orange while you work or study. Peppermint makes this one for ages 6 and up. Read more about lavender and orange.

17. Make Your Office Calmer

If you can diffuse at work, lavender helps create a calm, pleasant space. Add lemon for a fresher scent, or try this blend:

Office blend: ages 5 and up.

18. Pair It With Rosemary for a Pick-Me-Up

Lavender isn't only for relaxing. With rosemary it turns refreshing and clear (rosemary is for ages 10 and up). Try my uplifting lavender and rosemary blends.

Lavender for Skin Care

Lavender works for most skin types when it's diluted. Keep face blends at 1% or less.

19. Soothe Dry Skin

For adults and teens 12 and up, add 6 drops of lavender to 1 tablespoon of unscented lotion or a carrier oil like jojoba oil (affiliate link) (about 2%) and apply to dry areas.

Amanda D. says, "Lavender is my "go to" oil for anything skin related: cuts, bug bites, dry skin, etc."

20. Make a Facial Serum

Add 3 drops of lavender to 1 tablespoon of a light facial oil such as rosehip seed oil for a 1% serum. Keep it away from your eyes.

Liz R. says, "Lavender is my favorite essential oil. I like to diffuse it, put it in my pillow spray and add it to my facial serum and body butter. It does it all!"

21. Mix a Face Toner

A DIY lavender face toner is a refreshing step after cleansing.

22. Care for Blemish-Prone Skin

Lavender is a soft addition to a skin care routine at 1%, in a toner, a serum, or homemade witch hazel pads.

Claudia S. says, "It is very often the base for blends that I use for diffusing as well as for skin care and in cleaning products."

23. Make Makeup Remover Pads

My lavender makeup remover pads are easy to make.

24. Calm Skin After Shaving or Waxing

Mix 1 drop of lavender into 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel (affiliate link). Here's exactly how to mix lavender oil with aloe vera gel, and more about aloe vera for skin.

25. Soften Chapped Lips

Mix 1 drop of lavender into 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or plain lip balm base and dab it on. That's about 1%, light enough for lips.

26. Nourish Stretch Marks and Old Scars

Massage a 2% blend of lavender in rosehip oil into stretch marks or well-healed scars daily. It's a nice habit for skin that feels dry or tight. If you're pregnant, wait until after 16 weeks and keep it at 0.5 to 1%. See more on essential oils for scarring.

27. Make a Hand Cream

Busy hands love my homemade lavender hand cream.

28. Treat Your Nails and Cuticles

Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stir in 2 drops of lavender and soak your fingertips for 5 to 10 minutes. Or try my rosehip oil cuticle roller.

29. Make Lavender Soap

Melt-and-pour soap is a fun beginner project. Try my lavender melt and pour soap or lavender loofah soap.

30. Scent Your Body Wash

Stir a few drops into a bottle of unscented body wash or castile soap and shake before each use.

Annette S. loves lavender bath bombs, and Angela M. adds it to her body scrubs. Lavender also pairs well with shea butter for body butters.

Lavender for First Aid and Everyday Bumps

Lavender has earned its place in the home first aid kit for small, everyday things. See my full list of first aid essential oils. For anything serious, deep, or infected, see a doctor.

31. Soothe Bug Bites

A lavender roll-on makes a cool, soothing dab on an itchy bite.

Kimberlee S. says, "In my face care routine, for bug bites, bruises, scratches and scrapes."

32. Comfort Minor Kitchen Burns

Lavender is a classic for small kitchen burns, but timing matters. Cool water comes first, and oils wait until the burn has fully cooled.

Minor Kitchen Burn? Do This First
1. Cool it for about 10 minutes. Hold the burn under cool (not cold) running water, or soak it in a bowl of cool water. Take off rings or bracelets near the burn before it swells.
2. Skip the ice. Ice is too cold for injured skin and can add a cold injury on top of the burn.
3. No oils while it's still hot. Oils, butter, and balms can hold heat in. Cover it loosely with a clean, non-fluffy dressing.
4. Once it has fully cooled, and the skin isn't blistered or broken, aloe gel with a drop of lavender (1 drop per teaspoon, ages 12 and up) is fine. Aloe is water-based, so it doesn't trap heat the way oil does. Never put oils on blisters or open skin.
Get medical care for a burn that's deep or blistered, larger than 3 inches across, or on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint; for chemical or electrical burns; for any burn on a baby or an older adult; or for signs of infection. Sources: Mayo Clinic burns first aid, NHS burns and scalds treatment, and British Red Cross first aid for burns.

33. Care for Small Scrapes

Wash the scrape with soap and water and pat it dry. Once it's clean, a diluted lavender roll-on around the area is a gentle comfort.

Rhonda N. says, "This is my FAVORITE oil. I even grow lots of lavender because I love it. I use it for cuts and bug bites and every night before I go to bed, deep breathe it in. Love, Love, Love it!"

34. Calm Razor Nicks

Once the nick stops bleeding, dab a little lavender roll-on around it.

35. Protect Blister-Prone Feet

Keep blisters intact and covered. Massage a 2% lavender blend into the skin around them (never into a blister), and add padding so they don't rub.

36. Comfort Itchy, Dry Skin

Dilute lavender in jojoba oil or a simple balm and apply to itchy, dry areas.

Liza F. says, "I use lavender, peppermint, patchouli and sandalwood with the base of shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax and calendula infused oil."

37. Comfort Bumps and Bruises

Lavender is a classic for bumps and bruises. Try my Bumps and Bruises Roller Blend.

38. Soothe Sunburned Skin

Aloe and lavender are a wonderful pair once sunburned skin has cooled, and only on unbroken skin. I keep my aloe gel in the fridge so it's extra cooling. Try my lavender for sunburn recipes, my sunburn cooling spray and roller, or aloe vera gel cubes.

Erin S. says, "Mixed with almond oil for a sunburn."

39. Roll On When You Feel Tense

Roll a 1% lavender blend onto your temples and the back of your neck. Adding a drop of peppermint gives a cooling feel (peppermint is for ages 6 and up). Read more about lavender and peppermint oil.

40. Take an Inhaler on Car Rides

An aromatherapy inhaler is easy to use on the road. Try my Car Ride Inhaler, or read about ginger essential oil, a warm, spicy scent many people like on the road.

Car Ride Inhaler: ages 12 and up. If you're pregnant, leave out the star anise.

41. Make a Fresh Inhaler for Pollen Season

Lavender, lemon, and peppermint is the trio I turn to when the seasons change. Peppermint's menthol brings a cool, clearing feeling that makes each breath feel more open, and lemon and lavender keep it bright and soft. See my lavender, lemon, and peppermint recipes.

Seasonal inhaler: ages 6 and up, with half the drops for kids.

42. Try a Lavender Steam Bowl

Add 1 to 2 drops to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water. Drape a towel over your head, keep your face about 12 inches from the water, close your eyes, and breathe slowly for a few minutes. Steam bowls are for ages 12 and up.

Lavender for Muscles and Body Comfort

Diluted lavender in a massage oil or warm compress is a simple comfort for tired bodies.

43. Relax Sore Muscles in the Bath

Blend 3 to 6 drops into 1 tablespoon of castile soap, add to a warm bath, and soak.

44. Massage Neck and Shoulder Tension

For adults and teens 12 and up, add 6 to 9 drops of lavender to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (2 to 3%) and massage into your neck, shoulders, and back, or better yet, ask someone else to.

Christine U. says, "Topically, I roll it on my forearms, back of neck, chest for calming. I also diffuse it on jewelry and in a diffuser."

Try my Tension Tamer Lotion: add the blend to 1 oz of unscented lotion (affiliate link).

Tension Tamer Lotion: ages 12 and up.

45. Make a Warm Compress

Mix 2 to 4 drops into a teaspoon of castile soap, swirl it into a bowl of warm water, soak a cloth, wring it out, and lay it over achy areas. For a fresh strain or sprain, use cool water instead.

46. Massage Tight Calves

Massage a 2% lavender blend into tight calves. My lavender massage oil works well here too.

47. Soak Tired Feet

Mix 4 drops of lavender into 1 teaspoon of castile soap and stir it into a large bowl of warm water. Then add 1/4 cup of Epsom salt (affiliate link) and soak for about 10 minutes.

48. Freshen Smelly Feet

After your foot soak, scrub, pat dry, and finish with a lavender lotion.

49. Massage for That Time of the Month

Massage a 2 to 3% blend onto your lower belly, or lay a warm compress over it. Lavender blends well with clary sage (skip it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding), Roman chamomile, and sweet marjoram.

50. Give Your Belly a Gentle Massage

Make a 10 ml roller with 4 drops lavender and 2 drops ginger topped with carrier oil (about 3%, for ages 12 and up). Massage clockwise around your belly.

51. Make a Natural Deodorant

Lavender and tea tree make a fresh deodorant. Here's my DIY lavender melaleuca deodorant. Always use it in a recipe rather than rubbing undiluted oil under your arms.

Lavender for Hair

Lavender adds a soft scent to your hair routine and pairs well with rosemary.

52. Add It to Your Shampoo

Add 1 to 2 drops of lavender (plus a drop of tea tree, if you like) to a palmful of shampoo and massage it into your scalp.

Kim L. says, "I love it in my shampoo and body lotion when I take nighttime showers."

53. Make a Detangler Spray

Try my homemade lavender hair detangler.

Christine O. says, "In my homemade detangler spray."

54. Treat Your Hair to a Mask

Try my lavender rosemary and honey lavender hair masks.

55. Rinse With Apple Cider Vinegar

An apple cider vinegar hair rinse with lavender and rosemary leaves hair soft and shiny.

56. Make a Scalp Oil

Lavender is one of my best essential oils for hair, including a lavender patchouli scalp oil.

Lavender Around the Home

Lavender makes a home smell clean and calm, no harsh fragrances needed.

57. Freshen the Bathroom

Put a few drops on a cotton ball and tuck it in the bottom of the trash can.

Michelle L. says, "I place a few drops on a cotton ball or even a scrap piece of cloth and put it in my bathroom trash can. It permeates the air until I empty the trash."

58. Make a Room Spray

Mix 10 to 20 drops of lavender with 1 tablespoon of high-proof alcohol in a 2 oz glass spray bottle, top with distilled water, shake, and mist. Make a fresh batch every week or two. Or try my spearmint lavender room spray.

59. Scent Drawers and Closets

Put a few drops on a cotton ball or wooden block and tuck it into drawers and linen closets. I like to add cedarwood.

60. Scent Your Dryer Balls

Add 1 to 2 drops to wool dryer balls once the load is done, and run for a few more minutes. See my best essential oils for wool dryer balls.

Stephanie R. says, "I use Lavender to relax, as well as on my dryer balls for a clean, fresh scent."

61. Freshen Carpets

Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 10 drops of lavender, sprinkle, wait 20 minutes, and vacuum well. Keep pets off the carpet until you've vacuumed. Here is my carpet deodorizer powder.

62. Deodorize Hampers and Gym Lockers

Put a few drops on a paper towel and place it in the bottom of a laundry hamper or locker.

63. Refresh Potpourri

Add a few drops to stale potpourri and toss. You can also make essential oil potpourri with rose petals or dry your own lavender.

64. Make an Outdoor Lotion

Mix 9 drops of lavender and 3 drops of lemongrass into 1 oz of unscented lotion for a fresh-scented lotion for evenings outdoors. Lemongrass makes this one for adults. Read more about lavender and lemongrass. It's not a bug repellent, so where mosquito-borne illness is a concern, use an EPA-registered repellent.

65. Wear It as a Natural Perfume

Lavender is a lovely base for natural perfume. Try my Love Potion roll-on perfume or rose and lavender blends.

Lavender for Pets and Gifts

66. Help Calm a Nervous Dog

Diffuse lavender in a room your dog can leave if they want to. Never put essential oils on your pet, and skip small rooms where cats, birds, or other small animals spend their time. For pet smells, see essential oils for pet odors.

Leanne A. says, "Just today, I used lavender to help calm my dog down while it was thundering."

67. Give the Gift of Lavender

Lavender gifts are always welcome: bath salts, a pillow spray, a roll-on, soap, sachets, or a hand cream. If you'd rather not DIY, my rollerball remedy kits make a thoughtful gift.

What Blends Well With Lavender?

Lavender gets along with almost everything. Read the full answer in what mixes well with lavender essential oil, or explore my favorite pairings:

• Lavender and Bergamot
• Lavender and Cedarwood
• Lavender and Fir
• Lavender and Grapefruit
• Lavender and Lemon
• Lavender and Lemongrass
• Lavender and Magnolia
• Lavender and Orange
• Lavender and Peppermint
• Lavender and Rose
• Lavender and Sandalwood
• Lavender and Vetiver

Diffusing Lavender

Diffusing is the easiest way to enjoy lavender. Start with these:

• Lavender Diffuser Blends and Essential Oil Guide: 19 Recipes
• What Is Lavender Good For in a Diffuser? How to Use It + 4 Blends
• What Is an Essential Oil Diffuser?
• How to Use an Essential Oil Diffuser
• Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils
• 10 Easy Aromatherapy Diffuser Recipes
• 8 Diffuser Blends for Mood

More Single Oils to Explore

Ready to grow your collection? Browse my list of 150 essential oils and their uses, or grab one of my free essential oil guides.

Essential Oil Guide for Beginners - Getting Started

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Beginner's Essential Oil Guide - Download/Printable Learn how to safely and effectively make essential oils a part of your everyday life. Everything you need to know about essential oils. If you have ever been around anyone who loves using essential… Read More

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