Main Constituents: Linalool: 25 - 45% Linalyl acetate: 20 - 40% Camphor: Max 0.6%
Plant Part: Flowers
Origin: Bulgaria
Processing Method: Steam Distillation
Description / Color / Consistency: A thin, clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid.
Aromatic Summary / Note / Strength of Aroma: A top note of strong aroma, Lavender (Bulgaria) has a rich floral scent that is somewhat fruitier, mellower and less camphoraceous than Lavender 40/42, and smells more like fresh lavender.
Product Abstract: The Lavender plant is a woody evergreen shrub, up to 1 meter tall, with pale green, narrow linear leaves and violet blue flowers. The entire plant is covered with oil glands, which are in the star shaped hairs that cover the plant. Lavender has been used since ancient times, and the Romans added lavender to their bath water, hence the name from the Latin lavare, 'to wash'. Differences in soil, altitude and temperature, precipitation and seasons contribute to subtle changes in the scent from one lot of Lavender to another.
Cautions: Dilute before use; for external use only. May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use. Contact with eyes should be avoided.
Storage: It is recommended that oils packaged in metal containers (for safe shipping) be transferred into dark glass containers to maintain freshness and attain maximum shelf life.
WARNING Prop 65: This product contains a component which is listed under California Proposition 65. California residents will receive this product labeled accordingly.
IMPORTANT: All New Directions Aromatics (NDA) products are for external use only unless otherwise indicated. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or under the care of a medical practitioner. Please refer to our policies for further details, and our disclaimer below.
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Rating: It's the midst of Coronapocalypse 2020 and I ran out of Lavender EO. I thought lockdown would be a marvelous time to test 4 Lavenders I'd not yet tried. Here is my review of each -- just the scent profiles, not how they mix -- with comparative notes for those uncertain about which to try in 2020.
[ Bulgarian ] "Fruity-Sweet"
The Bulgarian Lavender has the least camphor of the 4 I tested, which gives it more fruity/floral nuance, but surprisingly, is my least favorite.. I personally like my lavender to have an herbaceous character -- it's what makes it feel "fresh" to me, and also kind of helps with the consistency of the smell both over time and in blends. Don't get me wrong! The Bulgarian lavender is gorgeous.. It smells like living lavender in the sun, still moist immediately following a rain. I still love it as aromatherapy in a diffuser, but on my skin, It is just a bit too fruity. Its undiluted drydown is musty and just a little indolic -- like wet soil or an old basement. Whereas the Greek lavender also has a bit of a musty drydown, it's not as "moist" or "wet" as the Bulgarian one. This Bulgarian lavender would probably shine best in a blend where you need the sweetness of lavender, but without the camphorus, herbacious notes. If you're going for more of a classic, quintessential lavender that stands on its own, I'd suggest one of the others.
[ 40/42 ] "Floral-Herbacious"
This is a great 40/42 and strikes a good balance between floral and fruity, with just enough camphor to give it that "herbal" character and make it feel robust and consistent. And the camphor, to my nose, leans the slightest bit toward minty, keeping it herbal without being too medicinal. I'm actually a little surprised by the nuance achieved in this as a 40/42. Definitely smells higher quality than other 40/42s I've tried before. Which is why despite being a long-time NDA customer, this is the first time I've tried their 40/42. In terms of quintessential lavender character, this is probably my go-to for affordability from now on.
[ Greek ] "Floral-Sweet"
The Greek lavender is my favorite. It smells the most like the dried lavender buds you can put into satchels, or if edible-grade, in tea and baked goods. It has a rather fine character, feels a bit delicate and refined, but still fresh; not matronly. Undiluted drydown on my skin gave a slightly musty note but still an overall fresh, sweet, identifiably lavender smell. A bit green, but not wet. More floral than fruity, but the sweetness smells almost-but-not-quite-ripe. Compared to the 40/42, I think the Greek is just a little fresher, real-plant, "I just got it at the Farmer's Market this morning" smelling. It's best to stand on its own, I think.
[ South African ] "Fruity-Dry"
At first sniff, the South African lavender confused me. It has a ripe fruit impression that kind of steals the spotlight on its opening. But sniff it a bit more, and let the tiny bit of camphor even it out, and it actually reminds me of a dry wine. Like... it smells ripe and fruity at first, but is actually more mellow and fine. This reminds me the most of French Lavender. It's got a delicate coyness about it, like it might overpower or disappear under other scents. Whereas the 40/42 can stand alone or be part of a blend, confident in its quintessential "lavenderness," The South African Lavender probably needs to be the main focus in a blend, or if on its own, needs to be enhanced a little bit. It smells beautiful, but is just on the shier side.
By:Nicky, Los Angeles, California Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 28-Apr-2012
Rating: Did not know Lavender could smell sooo strong! Im going to try the other types. This one blends amazing with peppermint and tea tree, as well as with Vanilla *sigh* it is heaven when you mix with the Vanilla EO! Keeps smell even with Hot Process Soaps! Permanent EO
By:Kristen, Indianapolis, Indiana Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 24-Feb-2020
Rating: I do love lavender generally speaking. It is possible that this will blend well in lotion or with other scents, but as a stand-alone oil it is simultaneously weak in aroma and slightly irritating, with an almost synthetic chemical smell. I like the NDA organic Lavender better... but it's also not as good as the Spanish or South African Lavender they used to carry. I will try the "Population" Lavender next, but I am sad to say, I have not yet found a therapeutic grade lavender from NDA that I love. I hope they keep trying to source a superior product, since Lavender has got to be one of the top 5 EOs that people buy.
By:Andrea, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 22-May-2014
Rating: This lavender is a superb oil...strong long lasting aroma ....have used several other companies for this oil, but NEWDIRECTIONSAROMATICS. ....is by far the best....I diffuse oils regularly and this one is my favourite for bedtime......It also has many medicinal properties....bruised my baby toe on the edge of night table and the pain was excruciating....dabbed a drop of this oil on it and almost instant relief...and the bonus was no bruising.....Do your research and learn for yourself the various species of lavender and I know you will come back to this one time and time again!
Rating: Better than the Organic lavender from Bulgaria, but still not even close to the excellent quality of the South African Lavender. PLEASE bring back the South African Lavender!!
Rating: My product requires a high quality lavender oil, or synergy will not occur and the batch will fail.
This is my new source for lavender oil, the scent was smooth and it was received well by my clients. It surpassed my expectations and I look forward to my next order.
Rating: I absolutely love this oil! I use it in blends for stress and anxiety. It is also great in bath salts. It has a nice lavender scent and is not too overbearing.
Rating: Omg!!!! I am so in love with this lavender oil. I have used it in my melt and pour soap for this past Christmas to give to family and friends. The soap was a hit because my family was delighted with the scent. I will not purchase any other lavender scent as this will always be a staple for me. Thanks so much to NDA. I am ordering more.
By:Cordelia, Brooklyn, New York
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 21-Oct-2013
Rating: This Lavender is AWESOME! I have tried several and will only purchase this one from now on, it has the most beautiful aroma and is equivalent to an extreamly high quality oil that I have been purchasing on a monthly basis. Hands down this is beautifully therapeutic lavender that I will continue to purchase and have on hand! 5 Stars, would give it more if I could...
By:Leslie, Lake Elsinore, California
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 03-Jul-2007
Rating: I just received my order and I just love this lavender. So fresh and clean. I've bought lavender EO from many MANY brands and I'm really impressed with your selection. Many companies will offer a small selection of the same EO (not as many as yours) and will still send you a lavender 40/42 for every lavender, even though you ordered a Bulgarian or pop. Thank you for not taking your customers for granted and realizing we can tell the difference.
By:Heidi, Satellite Beach, Florida Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 14-Feb-2015
Rating: Lavender Bulgarian is lovely. I go back and forth between this one and Lavender Population. This one seems a TINY bit more camphoraceous than Pop.
I adore Lavender and I think that all the different varieties have something pleasant to be appreciated. It is said that Lavender Essential Oil is the "Swiss Army Knife" of essential oils. It has so many useful purposes and is so versatile!
By:Emily, Martinez, California
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 06-Jun-2012
Rating: This & South African Lavender are my 'go to' Lavender's for CP, Bath & Body products. Wonderful quality from NDA...as always!
Rating: I love this Bulgarian Lavender! I use the 40/42 in soaps, but use this lavender in leave on products. The difference between this and the 40/42 is that the Bulgarian Lavender has a very sweet scent. It's wonderful!
By:Somsanouk, Charlotte, North Carolina
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 18-Nov-2012
Rating: If you are looking for sweet fruity non medicinal lavender variety this is it! blends beautifully with cinnamon bark to create a very unique scent which is great in the diffuser
By:Robert, Prescot, California Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 29-Oct-2013
Rating: I had not used Bulgarian Lavender before. This is the only one that my daughter responded to. It is wonderfully relaxing. Will definitly buy again. I am so pleased that I found ND because their oils are such high quality for an affordable price. Wish the shipping to my area not so high but still worth it.
By:Carolyn, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 07-Mar-2013
Rating: I haven't finished the first bottle of bulgarian lavender oil I ordered the other year from NDA, but the price drop and the effectiveness and therapeutic nature of the oil made me come back for another bottle.
I had cut my finger a while back... pretty severely. I'm convinced the bulgarian lavender I've put on it has healed and improved the scarring. I also use it to relieve insect bites. It's an extremely healing oil. I love it and highly recommend it.
By:Steven, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 11-Dec-2011
Rating: WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LAVENDER!!!! I only wish I bought the bigger size of this oil (that's how much I love it). I'll be buying more of this oil very soon! I LOVE NDA!!!
By:Dina, Turnersville, New Jersey
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 16-Apr-2013
Rating: If there were 10 stars this Bulgarian would earn it. It is my favorite, of the lavenders, hands down. Perfect for blending, or as a stand alone. I've used it in CP, and numerous other body products along with aromatherapy. It has a rich, deep long lasting floral quality, with no camphor notes at all. NDA always has such wonderful varieties at reasonable costs, I've been buying from them for years (under my maiden name). If you are on the fence? Take the leap, you will not be sorry!
By:Sia, Sacramento, California
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 12-Sep-2013
Rating: My favorite lavender. It is strong enough to last in CP soaps and other products without being overwhelming. It is the perfect blend of sweet, floral and herbal and a little goes a long way.
Rating: This is one of my favorites, has a beautiful slightly sweet floral fragrance that holds up very well in my cold process and m&p soaps and it doesn't take much which is good since I think most lavender eo's are a little pricey...well worth it though.
By:Lisa, Pellston, Michigan Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 03-May-2008
Rating: I've tried French and Spanish lavender oils before, and this one definitely smells a lot more fruiter. It's a sharp fruity floral aroma that stands out. It's too expensive to use in cold process soaps, so it's more ideal in blends or lotions. Use a less expensive variety of lavender in soaps, like Spike or Spanish. Also, the oil, like other lavender, is strong, so a little does go along way to calm nerves and anxieties. Perfect for almost any skin conditions. Lavender (of any sort) is good to have around.
By:Steven, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 11-Dec-2011
Rating: This is truly an exquisite oil. It is so pleasant, I defused some in our bedroom and my husband was very pleased. It was the first oil I defused where I got such a reaction from him. He has been under a lot of stress and I think it also helped him sleep. I will definitely buy more. Thank you New directions for giving us so many choices.
By:Elisabeth, Kensington, Maryland Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 06-Nov-2006
Rating: Very nice lavender - not too strong, very soft and minty. It worked great in a mask and my skin cleared up almost immediately. I also put it in the moisturizer base and put it on my (teething and very cranky) 7 month old and she is knocked out in minutes. THANK YOU!
By:Kristin, Shelby, North Carolina
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 22-Sep-2009
Rating: A very rich and complete Lavender of high therapeutic quality. Not too bitter or green, almost soft and powdery. Subtle differences in scent between the Bulgarian and the Mont Blanc (in my opinion) but well worth it to have both.
By:John, Brooklyn, New York
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 10-Dec-2008
Rating: A really beautiful, strong, true lavender. Great in CP soap.
By:Sonya, Hubley, Nova Scotia Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: THis could be my favorite lavender, great for therapy of all kinds, fresh scent.
I like the orafice reducers on these 3.3 oz bottles. I wish you would offer them on the smaller bottles/vials you sell.
I use Lavender for everything, headaches, sleep, anxiety, of course massage. I use it on my skin with tto for blackheads and acne.
The bulgarian is balanced, affordable and therapeutic.
By:Kristal, Las Vegas, Nevada Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 07-Feb-2008
Rating: Definitely my favorite lavender that NDA carries. It has such a comforting and soothing scent and works well when I want to relax and go to sleep. And being that I am an insomniac... that says ALOT!
By:Miranda, Edmonton, Alberta Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: This is my favorite lavender. More sweet and floral than many of the others, but still with a lovely herbal scent, so it's not too sweet.
By:Judith, Reisterstown, Maryland Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 26-Mar-2006
Rating: I've ordered three Lavenders from New Directions: Lavender French, Lavender 40/42 and Lavender Bulgarian. All three smell similar in the bottle, but in use each takes on a life of its own. Lavender Bulgarian is extremely floral and sweet with no herbaceous notes. Lavender French and Lavender Bulgarian are tied as my two favorite Lavender essential oils ever!
By:Karen, Spring Hill, Florida Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 04-Dec-2007
Rating: It never fails to impress me how rich and full bodied this Bulgarian lavender is!
Although I chose it for its therapeutic properties, I highly recommend it as an all-purpose lavender essential oil.
By:Tracey, Toronto, Ontario Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: I am a retired sargeant major of artillery(Canada) and, since my retirement several years ago, I have had the greatest of difficulty sleeping. Over the years I have tried many different kinds, brands,strengths, and forms of lavender essences but never the Bulgarian (which I only found out about recently). It just arrived and for the first time in what seems to be ages, I have had a good night's sleep. The aroma seems stronger and more soporific than the French and seems heavier and more robust than the others I've tried.It's not Granny's lavender but could be Grandpa's.Thank you ND!
By:H., Vancouver, British Columbia Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: This lavender smells close to bareme but to me smells more "flowery". I like this as much as the bareme.
By:Amanda, Toronto, Ontario Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: I purchased 3 different types: this, french and barreme. This one is still nice, but not my favourite of the 3. It smells like lavender, but not as lavender-y as the other 2. It has a hint of something else...a whiff of something like pine maybe? I can't put my finger on it, but it's definitely a forest smell. I love how new directions gives us so many choices to experience all the subtle differences in one plant variety!
By:Jason, Toronto, Ontario Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: I give this lavender four stars instead of five not on the basis of the quality of the oil, but on the basis of what scents please me. This is a nice lavender, but a bit sweeter and more aggressively floral than I prefer. Strong fragrance that will hold up well in a variety of applications, but would overpower weaker oils. This variety of lavender is probably best blended with the more intensely herbaceous EOs or strong florals that will not be overpowered by this oil's intensity. If you're looking for a more subdued lavender, try the French Lavender.
By:Amber, Ludlow, Kentucky Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Jul-2007
Rating: This is the best Lavender I've ever tried. Pricer than others but definitely worth the extra expense. This one's great in a diffuser, especially in my daughter's room when she has trouble sleeping. Makes a wonderful relaxation bath oil not to mention soaps. This holds extremely well in CP soap!
By:Annie, Hamilton, Ontario Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: The finest Lavender I've ever used in soap making/body products. A very true this is what lavender should smell like EO
By:Kelli, Point Du Chene, New Brunswick Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: I bought 100ml of this and gave some to everyone I knew that had problems sleeping at night! The smell is the closest thing to my mom's lavender in her garden at home, fresh, clean and very floral!
By:Jennifer, Ottawa, Ontario Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: This is one of my very favorite Lavenders as it is a bit sweeter than the others. A true lavender scent and as with all Lavenders a MUST HAVE in any aromatherapists' repetoire. This one is true and of higher frequency than others I've purchased, very pleased with it.
By:Candice, Sarasota, Florida Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 29-Jan-2006
With an unwavering commitment to offering the highest quality of products, we firmly believe that Quality Assurance is of utmost importance. It is imperative that meticulous tests, documentation, and certifications are supplied for every product in our portfolio. Our facility is equipped with a laboratory using state-of-the-art gas chromatography to rigorously test the veracity of the purity and potency of our sourced oils. This ensures that you our valued customer are supplied with superior products at all times.
PLEASE NOTE: The packaging shown above is a general representation of the various sizes and types of packaging available for this product. Not all sizes and types of packaging for this product may be available at all times.
Customers may purchase products from New Directions Aromatics Inc. only with the clear understanding that all products must be used at their own discretion, and only after referring to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and all other relevant technical information specific to the product. New Directions Aromatics Inc. shall not be held responsible for any damages to property or for any adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm).
New Directions Aromatics Inc. shall not be responsible for any damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information. The user of the product is solely responsible for compliance with all laws and regulations applying to the use of the products, including the intellectual property rights of third parties.
The certifications, statements and product descriptions shown on this website are strictly for information purposes only. The information in this document is obtained from current and reliable sources but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Aromatics Inc. as to the fitness for any use.
Further, New Directions Aromatics is not responsible for the comments made in the customer reviews, nor when products are used in ways not suitable to their purpose (for example, fragrance oils in toothpaste; bath salts in metal containers; additives used in larger amounts than recommended).
As with any manufacturing process, New Directions Aromatics strongly recommends small lab scale testing for evaluation purposes prior to full commercial manufacturing. As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of this product is outside the control of New Directions Aromatics Inc., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s) (including damage or injury), or the results obtained.
The liability of New Directions Aromatics Inc. is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential loss. New Directions Aromatics Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays regarding an order, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Please note, the International Federation of Aromatherapists do not recommend that Essential Oils be taken internally unless under the supervision of a Medical Doctor who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy. In addition, Essential Oils must be properly diluted before use in order to avoid any damages to property or adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm).
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WARNING Prop 65: This product contains a component which is listed under California Proposition 65. California residents will receive this product labeled accordingly.
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