We all know the old good, floral lavender but what is lavender 40/42 now? When we think of the term essential oil, the first name that comes to our mind is, lavender essential oil. It is one of the most popular Essential Oils that has been widely used in aromatherapy, skincare, haircare, and perfumery for centuries. Oftentimes when you are doing your research before buying lavender essential oil, you will come across a term named Lavender 40/42. Some people refer to Lavender 40/42 as "fake lavender" or "synthetic lavender," often due to a lack of proper awareness. But how accurate is this claim? That we will discover in today’s blog. In this blog, we will explore the characteristics, benefits, and common uses of Lavender 40/42 and we will also dive into what makes it different from the regular lavender essential oil.
What is Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil?
Lavender 40/42 is a standardized essential oil which means that the chemical components in lavender 40/42 have been tested and adjusted to formulate a consistent composition. There are two main chemical components found in lavender oil, Linalool and Linalyl Acetate. These two component give Lavender Essential Oil the sweet floral fragrance it is known for. While lavender essential oil contains other chemical components, these two make up the majority of its composition. The numbers "40/42" in lavender 40/42 essential oil represent the percentage range of Linalool and Linalyl acetate in the oil.
The aroma of single origin lavender essential oil varies as per the climate, soil, and harvest conditions. On the other hand, Lavender 40/42 is formulated to maintain the same fragrance profile every time. Lavender 40/42 is the appropriate choice in industries where the consistency of aroma is key, such as perfumery, soap making, and candle production. This consistency of aroma is a significant reason why Lavender 40/42 is preferred in mass production or commercial formulations.
How is Lavender 40/42 Made?
For creating lavender 40/42 essential oil, natural lavender oil from various sources are blended together and after blending these oils, the linalool and linalyl acetate the two major components of lavender essential oil are adjusted to fall within the 40-42% range. This practice ensures that the scent of the lavender essential oil is uniform and predictable in all the batches, ideal for commercial and personal care products.
As the natural lavender essential oil undergoes the standardization process, it remains a natural product. Lavender 40/42 does not contain synthetic additives but is rather a carefully balanced combination of naturally derived lavender oils.
Lavender 40/42 vs.Other Lavender Essential Oils
There are 47 species of lavender plant and the most common one that is used for oil making is the Lavendula augustifolia species. Each species has a unique aroma and chemical composition. Even oil extracted from Lavandula angustifolia can have a distinct aroma composition depending on the region, weather conditions, and climate variations. There are a few distinct characteristics that set Lavender 40/42 apart from other popular lavender oils.
1. Lavender 40/42: is prepared through the method of Standardization for a consistent scent, making it ideal for soaps, perfumes, and candles.
2. Lavendula augustifolia: famously known as true lavender is extracted through steam distillation without altering its natural composition. Lavendula augustifolia is highly favoured for its therapeutic and medicinal applications.
3. Lavandula latifolia: has a stronger, Camphor-like aroma and individuals commonly use it for respiratory benefits.
4. Lavandula x intermedia: is a hybrid with a more intense scent, often used in cleaning products and home fragrances.
Most Common Uses of Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil
Due to Lavender 40/42 essential oil’s stable and reliable aromatic properties, it is widely used for industrial product formulation and DIY project creation. Here are some easy ways for you to incorporate lavender 40/42 essential oil into your routine:
1. Soap Making: Whether you want to prepare soaps on a large scale or just for your home DIY’s, the rich floral and sweet fragrance of lavender 40/42 oil will hold up well in cold-process and melt-and-pour soaps.
2. Candle Making: Fan of fragrant candles? Craft one yourself by mixing lavender 40/42 essential oil into your choice of wax or paraffin. You can create as many candles as you wish as the lavender 40/42 essential oil will provide a uniform scent every time.
3. Perfume and Body Mist: If you're a small-scale business owner or an enthusiastic perfumer, using Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil in your formulation can be highly beneficial. This essential oil blends easily with other essential oils and fragrances, which makes it ideal for creating perfumes or body mists.
4. Bath and Body Products: You can use Lavender 40/42 essential oil in bath salts, lotions, and scrubs for a luxurious and nourishing experience.
5. Aromatherapy Blends: Since the fragrance of lavender 40/42 essential oil is consistent and stable, it can be used in the diffuser to fill any space with a sweet floral fragrance.
6. Natural Air Fresheners: If you are a fan of natural products, make yourself a DIY room spray by simply mixing lavender 40/42 essential oil with water and witch hazel. These kinds of DIY products are safe and chemical free which are good for your overall well-being.
Conclusion
Lavender 40/42 is a standardized essential oil blend known for its consistency, making it a go-to option for perfumers, soap makers, and candle makers. With its well-balanced aroma and natural benefits, it has become a versatile addition to both commercial and DIY projects. Lavender 40/42 is a wonderful choice for those who value a dependable and beautifully fragrant lavender oil. However, if you seek an unprocessed, single-origin lavender essential oil for therapeutic or medicinal purposes, lavender oil such as Lavandula angustifolia may be a better option.
Do you use Lavender 40/42 in your projects? Let us know how you incorporate it into your creations!
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