Lavender for Skin

Lavender, a widely used aromatic herb, has been the subject of several clinical trials and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating its potential benefits for various skin conditions. These studies explore lavender's application as a therapeutic intervention, focusing on its purported effects on skin health. The rationale for this research stems from lavender's traditional use in skincare and its documented properties, warranting a closer examination of its efficacy and safety in a clinical setting.

Protocols Studied in Research

[1] Topical application of olive oil and sunflower seed oil for adult skin barrier function. (Cited by: 35) (pmid: 22995032)

• Protocol: Two randomized, controlled forearm studies on 19 adults (with and without atopic dermatitis) applied 6 drops of olive oil (one study for 5 weeks, one for 4 weeks) or both olive and sunflower oil (4 weeks) twice daily. Skin barrier properties were assessed.
• Outcome: Olive oil significantly reduced stratum corneum integrity and caused erythema, potentially worsening atopic dermatitis. Sunflower seed oil improved hydration and preserved skin barrier integrity. The use of olive oil for skincare is discouraged.

[2] Lavender cream (with or without footbath) for sleep quality and fatigue in pregnant and postpartum women. (Cited by: 4) (pmid: 29787355)

• Protocol: A randomized controlled trial of 141 pregnant women with sleep disturbance. Participants received either lavender cream and footbath, lavender cream alone, or a placebo cream. Sleep quality and fatigue were assessed at multiple time points.
• Outcome: Both lavender interventions significantly improved sleep quality during pregnancy and postpartum compared to placebo. Fatigue improvement was only significant postpartum. No difference was found between the two lavender interventions.

[3] Olive oil, sunflower oil, or no oil for neonatal dry skin and the potential development of atopic eczema. (Cited by: 14) (pmid: 26551528)

• Protocol: A pilot, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial of 115 healthy, full-term neonates. Participants were assigned to one of three groups and received their assigned oil (or no oil) twice daily for four weeks.
• Outcome: Both oil groups showed improved skin hydration, but less improvement in lipid lamellae structure compared to the no-oil group. No significant differences were found in TEWL, pH, or erythema. The study suggests caution in recommending oils for neonatal skin until further research is conducted.

[4] Newborn wash product versus water-only bathing for maintaining skin barrier function in healthy term neonates. (Cited by: 10) (pmid: 23421327)

• Protocol: A randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded non-inferiority trial comparing a baby wash to water-only bathing in 307 healthy term infants. TEWL was measured at 14 days postpartum.
• Outcome: The baby wash was found to be non-inferior to water alone in maintaining skin barrier function (measured by TEWL). No significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes.

[5] Lavender aromatherapy (massage and bath) for reducing pain, stress, and improving behavior in newborns. (Cited by: 0) (pmid: 39480678)

• Protocol: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial comparing lavender massage, lavender bath, and control groups (n=45) of healthy term newborns (1-5 days old). Pain, stress, and behavior were assessed using standardized scales.
• Outcome: Lavender aromatherapy massage significantly reduced pain and stress scores and improved behavior in newborns compared to lavender bath and control groups. Bath application showed no significant benefit.

[6] Inhalation aromatherapy (damask rose and lavender essential oils) for reducing sedation and analgesic needs during burn donor site dressing. (Cited by: 1) (pmid: 34935724)

• Protocol: A randomized clinical trial of 62 burn patients. The intervention group inhaled aromatherapy during dressing changes; the control group received standard care. Sedation and analgesia were administered to achieve light sedation, measured by BIS.
• Outcome: Aromatherapy significantly reduced the required doses of ketamine, fentanyl, morphine, and propofol, and lowered BIS values, indicating reduced need for sedation. Heart rate also decreased significantly. The intervention was deemed effective in reducing the need for sedatives and analgesics.

[7] Combined essential oils (tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, tangerine) for improving skin barrier properties and hydrolipidic balance. (Cited by: 9) (pmid: 34986500)

• Protocol: In vitro (phototoxicity, cytotoxicity), ex vivo (skin penetration), and clinical (40 participants, 3 groups, 90-day topical application) studies evaluated the safety and efficacy of essential oil combinations.
• Outcome: The combined essential oils, at the concentration used, were safe and effective in improving skin hydration, morphology, and reducing sebum, while showing no adverse effects. Tangerine oil showed cytotoxicity in vitro at high concentrations, but was safe at the clinical application concentration.

[8] Cleansing product versus water for infant skin health. (Cited by: 8) (pmid: 21569487)

• Protocol: A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing bathing newborns with a cleansing product versus water. 100 healthy, full-term neonates were enrolled, stratified by family history of atopic eczema. Skin parameters (TEWL, hydration, pH) were measured at baseline and 4 & 8 weeks.
• Outcome: The pilot study showed no significant difference between the cleansing product and water groups in skin parameters. A non-inferiority trial, rather than a superiority trial, is recommended for future research.

[9] Behavioral change program (BCP) plus moisturizer provision for hand dermatitis in nurses. (Cited by: 8) (pmid: 26987818)

• Protocol: A cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 35 NHS sites compared a BCP with enhanced moisturizer provision ("intervention-plus") against standard care plus an advice leaflet ("intervention-light") in nurses with atopic disease or hand eczema history, or working in intensive care. Data was collected at baseline and 12 months.
• Outcome: The abstract does *not* provide the study's findings or conclusions; it only describes the study protocol. Therefore, no outcome summary can be provided.

[10] Use of baby wipes versus cotton wool and water for cleansing the napkin area of newborn babies, focusing on skin hydration. (Cited by: 10) (pmid: 22656391)

• Protocol: A randomized controlled equivalence trial compared skin hydration in 280 newborns (<1 month old) whose napkin areas were cleaned with either alcohol-free baby wipes or cotton wool and water. Assessments were made at baseline and 4 weeks post-birth.
• Outcome: Baby wipes were found to be equivalent to cotton wool and water in maintaining skin hydration. No adverse effects were observed, except for slightly less maternal-reported napkin dermatitis in the wipe group.

[11] Aromatherapy (lavender, sweet orange, bergamot essential oils, inhaled or topical) for caregiver overload and fatigue. (Cited by: 0) (pmid: 39699332)

• Protocol: A pilot, quasi-experimental, randomized, non-blind, parallel study with 23 informal elderly caregivers. Participants received aromatherapy via inhalation or topical application for 21 days.
• Outcome: While temporal perceptions of fatigue decreased over time in both groups, aromatherapy showed no statistically significant reduction in caregiver overload or fatigue regardless of administration method. A trend toward reduction in the inhalation group was noted, but not significant.

[12] Topical application of Lavender and Tea Tree oils for mild idiopathic hirsutism. (Cited by: 2) (pmid: 23211454)

• Protocol: A prospective, open-label, placebo-controlled, randomized study of 24 women with mild idiopathic hirsutism. Participants received either a Lavender and Tea Tree oil spray or placebo twice daily for three months. Hirsutism was assessed using the Ferriman-Gallwey score and hair diameter measurements.
• Outcome: The Lavender and Tea Tree oil group showed a statistically significant reduction in hirsutism score and hair diameter compared to the placebo group, suggesting potential efficacy in treating mild idiopathic hirsutism.

[13] Lavender and bergamot essential oil blend for depression and anxiety. (Cited by: 9) (pmid: 21922934)

• Protocol: A randomized controlled trial with 40 healthy volunteers. Participants received either a topical application of the essential oil blend or a placebo to the abdomen. Autonomic parameters (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, skin temperature) and emotional responses were measured.
• Outcome: The essential oil blend significantly reduced pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and self-reported anxiety and increased calmness and relaxation compared to placebo, suggesting a relaxing effect and potential benefit for anxiety and depression.

[14] Shirodhara (Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment) with and without lavender essential oil for anxiety and altered states of consciousness (ASC). (Cited by: 12) (pmid: 18990044)

• Protocol: A randomized controlled trial comparing plain sesame oil Shirodhara, lavender-infused sesame oil Shirodhara, and a control condition in 16 healthy women. Psychophysiological parameters were measured. A robotic oil-dripping system was used.
• Outcome: Lavender-infused Shirodhara showed the strongest anxiolytic and ASC-inducing effects, correlated with increased foot skin temperature. Three potential mechanisms (olfactory, transdermal absorption, and somato-autonomic reflex) were suggested.

[15] The effect of ambient odor (lavender, neroli, or placebo) and verbal suggestions (relaxing, stimulating, or none) on mood change. (Cited by: 14) (pmid: 15362382)

• Protocol: 90 undergraduate women were exposed to different odors and given verbal suggestions about the odor's effect. Mood was assessed using physiological measures (heart rate, skin conductance) and a self-report questionnaire.
• Outcome: Suggestions significantly influenced physiological mood measures. Relaxing suggestions/odors decreased heart rate and skin conductance, while stimulating suggestions/odors increased them, supporting the role of expectation in odor-evoked mood changes.

[16] Lavender oil inhalation for its effects on emotional states, autonomic nervous system activity, and brain electrical activity. (Cited by: 51) (pmid: 22612017)

• Protocol: A controlled study of 20 healthy volunteers compared the effects of inhaling lavender oil versus sweet almond oil (control). Physiological measures (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.), mood questionnaires, and EEG were assessed before and after inhalation.
• Outcome: Lavender oil inhalation significantly reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature, improved mood (increased relaxation), and increased theta and alpha brainwave activity, suggesting a relaxing effect.

[17] Lavender and chamomile essential oils for chronic wound care. (Cited by: 9) (pmid: 12360766)

• Protocol: A small, uncontrolled study (five patients) investigated the use of lavender and chamomile essential oils in treating chronic wounds. Details on administration are limited.
• Outcome: The abstract only describes the study's progress and problems, not specific outcomes regarding the effectiveness of the essential oils on wound healing.

[18] Topical lavender oil for recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU). (Cited by: 10) (pmid: 22558691)

• Protocol: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving animal models (rabbits and mice) and 115 human subjects with RAU. Lavender oil or placebo was applied topically.
• Outcome: Lavender oil demonstrated significant reduction in ulcer size and healing time in both animal models and human subjects. It showed broad antibacterial activity and no significant side effects.

[19] Lavender aromatherapy for anxiety and pain reduction during cosmetic facial injections. (Cited by: 6) (pmid: 21649812)

• Protocol: A randomized controlled trial (N=30) compared lavender aromatherapy vs. placebo during botulinum toxin injections for glabellar wrinkles. Anxiety, pain, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured.
• Outcome: Lavender aromatherapy did not reduce pain perception but significantly lowered post-injection heart rate, suggesting increased parasympathetic activity and potential anxiety reduction during the procedure.

[20] Oral lavender oil capsules (placebo, 100, 200 µL) for anxiety reduction in response to anxiety-provoking stimuli. (Cited by: 17) (pmid: 19382124)

• Protocol: A randomized, double-blind, between-subjects study (n=97) administered lavender capsules before participants viewed neutral and anxiety-provoking film clips. Physiological and psychological measures of anxiety were assessed.
• Outcome: Oral lavender oil (200 µL) showed a trend towards reduced anxiety at baseline and during neutral film clips. Effects were more pronounced in females, primarily showing improved heart rate variability (HRV) suggesting reduced anxiety. Limited benefit was observed during high-anxiety conditions.

[21] Lavender and lemon aromatherapy, relaxing and preferred music therapies for pain during vascular wound dressing changes. (Cited by: 5) (pmid: 15573017)

• Protocol: A pilot study of 8 patients comparing the analgesic effects of lavender and lemon aromatherapy, relaxing and preferred music, and a control during wound dressing changes. Each therapy was administered during the dressing change.
• Outcome: While not reducing pain *during* dressing changes, lavender aromatherapy and relaxing music significantly reduced pain *after* the procedure. The study suggests these inexpensive, safe therapies may be beneficial adjunctive analgesics, potentially more effective if administered pre-dressing change.

[22] Behavior change package + hand moisturizer intervention for hand dermatitis in nurses. (Cited by: 2) (pmid: 31635689)

• Protocol: A cluster-randomized controlled trial compared a behavior change package with hand moisturizer provision (intervention plus) versus standard care (intervention light) in student and ICU nurses. Data was collected from images of hands.
• Outcome: The intervention did not significantly reduce hand dermatitis prevalence. While ICU nurses in the intervention plus group used moisturizer more frequently, the cost-effectiveness varied between the nurse groups. High baseline belief in moisturizer benefits suggests that workplace culture change may be a better target for future interventions.

[23] Lavender aromatherapy (and placebo) for post-stress relaxation in young women. (Cited by: 21) (pmid: 17845737)

• Protocol: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 96 healthy women exposed to lavender, placebo, or no aroma after a stressful task. Instructions manipulated participants' expectations regarding the aroma's effect on relaxation.
• Outcome: Lavender aroma had no effect on physiological relaxation. Participants' expectations about the aroma's impact significantly influenced their physiological relaxation; expecting inhibition led to greater relaxation, while expecting facilitation led to less.

[24] Inhaling five odorants (lavender, ethyl acetoacetate, camphor, acetic acid, butyric acid) to investigate their association with basic emotions via autonomic nervous system responses. (Cited by: 21) (pmid: 10189120)

• Protocol: 15 subjects inhaled each odorant and rated pleasantness. Six autonomic parameters (skin potential, resistance, blood flow, temperature, respiratory frequency, heart rate) were measured. A decision tree linked autonomic patterns to basic emotions.
• Outcome: Odorants elicited distinct autonomic patterns associated with specific emotions. Pleasant odors (lavender, ethyl acetoacetate) linked to happiness; camphor showed varied responses; unpleasant odors (butyric, acetic acid) linked to negative emotions. Hedonic ratings correlated with autonomic emotion estimations. Findings replicated across similar studies.

[25] Unilateral olfactory stimulation (lavender odor) to assess functional hemispheric asymmetry in electrodermal activity. (Cited by: 0) (pmid: 10087461)

• Protocol: 30 right-handed participants (20 female, 10 male) received monorhinic (single nostril) lavender stimulation. Bilateral electrodermal activity was recorded.
• Outcome: While individual nostril responses showed no difference, consistent electrodermal asymmetry was observed across participants: 20 showed greater right-hand response, 10 showed greater left-hand response, regardless of stimulated hemisphere.

[26] Transdermal (-)-linalool application for its effect on autonomic nervous system activity and subjective well-being. (Cited by: 8) (pmid: 15238993)

• Protocol: A controlled study of 14 healthy subjects. (-)-Linalool or placebo was applied transdermally, preventing inhalation. Physiological parameters (blood pressure, skin temperature, etc.) and subjective well-being were measured.
• Outcome: Transdermal (-)-linalool caused physiological deactivation (reduced blood pressure and skin temperature), but did not affect subjective well-being ratings.

Research Interpretation: Summary and Conclusion

Studies investigating lavender's effects on skin and overall well-being employed diverse protocols, including topical application, aromatherapy (inhalation and massage), and oral administration. While some studies demonstrated lavender's efficacy in reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and potentially aiding in wound healing and hirsutism treatment, others showed no significant benefit on skin parameters like hydration or TEWL. Consistent findings across multiple studies highlight lavender's anxiolytic and relaxing effects, supported by physiological measures like reduced heart rate and blood pressure. However, the effectiveness of lavender on skin conditions varied significantly, indicating a need for further research to clarify its specific applications and optimal delivery methods. The role of expectation in perceived effects also emerged as a significant factor in some studies. Overall, the evidence suggests lavender's potential as a complementary therapy for anxiety and sleep disturbances, but its efficacy for skin conditions remains inconclusive.

Publications

[1] Danby SG; AlEnezi T; Sultan A; Lavender T; Chittock J; Brown K; Cork MJ (2013). Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care Pediatric dermatology 30 (1) :42-50.

[2] Effati-Daryani F; Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S; Mirghafourvand M; Taghizadeh M; Bekhradi R; Zarei S (2018). Effect of Lavender cream with or without footbath on sleep quality and fatigue in pregnancy and postpartum: a randomized controlled trial Women & health 58 (10) :1179-1191.

[3] Cooke A; Cork MJ; Victor S; Campbell M; Danby S; Chittock J; Lavender T (2016). Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil or no Oil for Baby Dry Skin or Massage: A Pilot, Assessor-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial (the Oil in Baby SkincaRE [OBSeRvE] Study) Acta dermato-venereologica 96 (3) :323-30.

[4] Lavender T; Bedwell C; Roberts SA; Hart A; Turner MA; Carter LA; Cork MJ (2013). Randomized, controlled trial evaluating a baby wash product on skin barrier function in healthy, term neonates Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNN 42 (2) :203-14.

[5] Basdas O; Ozbey H; Ogul G; Gunes T (2024). Effects of Aromatherapy on Pain, Stress, and Behaviors of Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Trial Alternative therapies in health and medicine 30 (12) :43-47.

[6] Froutan R; Tavousi SH; Sedaghat A; Sadeghnia HR; Layegh M; Mazlom SR (2022). The Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Sedation Level, Analgesic Dosage, and Bispectral Index Values during Donor Site Dressing in Patients with Burns: A Randomized Clinical Trial Advances in skin & wound care 35 (1) :1-9.

[7] Infante VHP; Maia Campos PMBG; Gaspar LR; Darvin ME; Schleusener J; Rangel KC; Meinke MC; Lademann J (2022). Safety and efficacy of combined essential oils for the skin barrier properties: In vitro, ex vivo and clinical studies International journal of cosmetic science 44 (1) :118-130.

[8] Lavender T; Bedwell C; O'Brien E; Cork MJ; Turner M; Hart A (2011). Infant skin-cleansing product versus water: a pilot randomized, assessor-blinded controlled trial BMC pediatrics 11 :35.

[9] Madan I; Parsons V; Cookson B; English J; Lavender T; McCrone P; Murphy C; Ntani G; Rushton L; Smedley J; Williams H; Wright A; Coggon D (2016). A behavioural change package to prevent hand dermatitis in nurses working in the national health service (the SCIN trial): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial Trials 17 (1) :145.

[10] Lavender T; Furber C; Campbell M; Victor S; Roberts I; Bedwell C; Cork MJ (2012). Effect on skin hydration of using baby wipes to clean the napkin area of newborn babies: assessor-blinded randomised controlled equivalence trial BMC pediatrics 12 :59.

[11] Castro MF; Turrini RNT; Hashimoto THF; Sichieri K; Tartarotti AO; Faria MFO; Gnatta JR (2024). Effects of aromatherapy on the overload and fatigue of informal elderly caregivers: a pilot study Revista gaucha de enfermagem 45 (spe1) :e20240011.

[12] Tirabassi G; Giovannini L; Paggi F; Panin G; Panin F; Papa R; Boscaro M; Balercia G (2013). Possible efficacy of Lavender and Tea tree oils in the treatment of young women affected by mild idiopathic hirsutism Journal of endocrinological investigation 36 (1) :50-4.

[13] Hongratanaworakit T (2011). Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans Natural product communications 6 (8) :1199-204.

[14] Xu F; Uebaba K; Ogawa H; Tatsuse T; Wang BH; Hisajima T; Venkatraman S (2008). Pharmaco-physio-psychologic effect of Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment using an essential oil from Lavendula angustifolia Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) 14 (8) :947-56.

[15] Campenni CE; Crawley EJ; Meier ME (2004). Role of suggestion in odor-induced mood change Psychological reports 94 (3 Pt 2) :1127-36.

[16] Sayorwan W; Siripornpanich V; Piriyapunyaporn T; Hongratanaworakit T; Kotchabhakdi N; Ruangrungsi N (2012). The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet 95 (4) :598-606.

[17] Hartman D; Coetzee JC (2002). Two US practitioners' experience of using essential oils for wound care Journal of wound care 11 (8) :317-20.

[18] Altaei DT (2012). Topical lavender oil for the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration American journal of dentistry 25 (1) :39-43.

[19] Grunebaum LD; Murdock J; Castanedo-Tardan MP; Baumann LS (2011). Effects of lavender olfactory input on cosmetic procedures Journal of cosmetic dermatology 10 (2) :89-93.

[20] Bradley BF; Brown SL; Chu S; Lea RW (2009). Effects of orally administered lavender essential oil on responses to anxiety-provoking film clips Human psychopharmacology 24 (4) :319-30.

[21] Kane FM; Brodie EE; Coull A; Coyne L; Howd A; Milne A; Niven CC; Robbins R (2004). The analgesic effect of odour and music upon dressing change British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing) 13 (19) :S4-12.

[22] Madan I; Parsons V; Ntani G; Wright A; English J; Coggon D; McCrone P; Smedley J; Rushton L; Murphy C; Cookson B; Lavender T; Williams H (2019). A behaviour change package to prevent hand dermatitis in nurses working in health care: the SCIN cluster RCT Health technology assessment (Winchester, England) 23 (58) :1-92.

[23] Howard S; Hughes BM (2008). Expectancies, not aroma, explain impact of lavender aromatherapy on psychophysiological indices of relaxation in young healthy women British journal of health psychology 13 (Pt 4) :603-17.

[24] Vernet-Maury E; Alaoui-Ismaili O; Dittmar A; Delhomme G; Chanel J (1999). Basic emotions induced by odorants: a new approach based on autonomic pattern results Journal of the autonomic nervous system 75 (2-3) :176-83.

[25] Brand G; Millot JL; Henquell D (1999). Olfaction and hemispheric asymmetry: unilateral stimulation and bilateral electrodermal recordings Neuropsychobiology 39 (3) :160-4.

[26] Heuberger E; Redhammer S; Buchbauer G (2004). Transdermal absorption of (-)-linalool induces autonomic deactivation but has no impact on ratings of well-being in humans Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology 29 (10) :1925-32.