B25021 I By Lara Campbell, PharmD Class of 2026, ACP
Can Lavender Oil Heal Your Skin?
Lavender essential oil has long been valued in traditional medicine for soothing skin and aiding recovery from minor injuries. Modern research is now uncovering how it supports wound healing, from boosting collagen production to reducing inflammation, and why it may be a useful addition to the support of inflammatory skin conditions and post-injury care.
Below is a summary of key studies examining lavender oil’s effects on skin healing across different models, including animal and human trials.
Clinical Studies on Lavender Oil for Wound Healing
Here’s a breakdown of key studies exploring lavender oil’s benefits for wound healing, skin regeneration, antimicrobial defense, and eczema relief:
| Study | Population/Model | Dosage/Formulation | Duration | Key Findings |
| Roller et al., 2009 | MSSA and MRSA bacterial colonies | Pure, undiluted essential oils from Lavandula angustifolia, L. latifolia, L. stoechas, L. luisieri | Applied once | Supported skin protection by preventing microbial growth in damaged tissue. |
| Ben Djemaa et al., 2023 | Rats with skin wounds | 4% Lavandula angustifolia oil | Hours–days | Achieved 98% wound contraction, improved new tissue formation, and enhanced overall skin structure. |
| Mori et al., 2016 | Rats with skin wounds | 1% Lavandula angustifolia ointment | Every other day, up to 2 weeks | Reduced wound size, increased collagen synthesis, and boosted fibroblast activity. |
| Ao et al., 2023 | Mice with skin wounds | 2% lavender oil | Applied 24 hours after injury | Reduced inflammation, improved tissue repair, and regulated cellular healing pathways. |
| Sheikhan et al., 2012 | 60 women after episiotomy | 1.5–2% lavender oil in sitz bath | Twice daily for 5–10 days | Lower pain scores and faster healing compared to standard care. |
How It Works: The Science Behind the Soothe
Research suggests lavender oil promotes recovery through:
- Collagen production – Stimulates fibroblasts, the skin’s repair cells, to build strong new tissue.
- Inflammation control – Reduces redness, swelling, and excess inflammatory cytokines that can slow healing.
- Moisture balance – Helps maintain an optimal environment for skin regeneration.
- Skin remodeling – Encourages organized collagen replacement for smoother healing.
Dosing & Application in Studies
- Topical ointments: 1–4% lavender essential oil in a cream or ointment base.
- Sitz baths: 1.5–2% lavender oil in warm water for post-surgical perineal healing.
- Application frequency: Ranged from every other day to twice daily, depending on the study.
Side Effects and Safety
Lavender oil is generally safe when diluted, but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Always perform a patch test before applying to larger areas. Essential oils should not be applied undiluted directly to the skin.
Final Thoughts
Lavender essential oil shows promising results in speeding wound closure, reducing inflammation, and improving skin quality after injury. While more large-scale human trials are needed, current evidence supports its role as a gentle, natural complement to conventional wound care.
References
- Roller S, Ernest N, Buckle J. The antimicrobial activity of high-necrodane and other lavender oils on methicillin-sensitive and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA). J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(3):275-279. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0268
- Ghrab Ben Djemaa F, Bellassoued K, Zouari S, El Feki A, Ammar E. Antioxidant and wound healing activity of Lavandula aspic L. ointment. J Tissue Viability. 2016;25(4):193-200. doi:10.1016/j.jtv.2016.10.002.
- Mori, HM., Kawanami, H., Kawahata, H. et al. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model. BMC Complement Altern Med 16, 144 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1128-7
- Ao X, Yan H, Huang M, et al. Lavender essential oil accelerates lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic wound healing by inhibiting caspase-11-mediated macrophage pyroptosis. Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2023;39(5):511-521. doi:10.1002/kjm2.12654
- Sheikhan F, Jahdi F, Khoei EM, Shamsalizadeh N, Sheikhan M, Haghani H. Episiotomy pain relief: Use of Lavender oil essence in primiparous Iranian women. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2012;18(1):66-70. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2011.02.003