INCI: Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
CAS: 8000-28-0, 90063-37-9
Raw Material: Lavandula plant
Environmental Impact: Lavender cultivation requires careful management to ensure sustainable practices. Lavender species are generally considered “least concern” according to the IUCN Red List. However, the increasing demand for this oil necessitates responsible harvesting and cultivation. (8)
Harvesting: (9) Mature plants are selected when 30-90% of flowers are open. They are harvested in the morning after dew has evaporated.
Distillation process: (9) Water is added to the still and heated to create steam that carries essential oil vapors from the plant material. The steam is then condensed to separate it from the essential oil.
Resource-intensive production: (10) To produce just one pound of essential oil, approximately 250 pounds of lavender flowers are needed. Weather conditions also affect oil production from year to year.
Pesticides: (10) Pesticide use is common, and transparency about pesticide use is often lacking
Wild harvesting: (10) Over-harvesting can lead to ecological imbalances
Lavender Essential oil has a marked hair growth-promoting effect (1,3) and the added benefit of reducing stress. (2) Its antimicrobial properties help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing on the scalp and may prevent issues like an itchy scalp, dandruff, and infections (3), which improves scalp health. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help with scalp inflammation and dryness (3)
1 - https://link.springer.com/article/10.5487/TR.2016.32.2.103
2 - https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-023-04231-1
3 - https://www.healthline.com/health/lavender-oil-for-hair
INCI: Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
CAS: 83863-30-3, 8006-81-3, 68606-83-7
Raw Material: Cananga odorata plant
Ylang has both environmental and community impacts, and its sustainability depends on responsible practices.
Ylang oil comes from the island of Nosy Be in Madagascar, which is known as the perfume island.
The production of Ylang-ylang flowers is a significant source of livelihood for half of the population of Nosy Be. However, the production process faces various challenges, such as exploitative traders, lack of transportation, and limited medical care. It is vital to establish an ethical supply chain to overcome these obstacles. (12)
Suppliers work with small-scale farmers who own their land to supply fresh flowers daily and, with the help of cooperative groups, ensure a fair price for their Ylang-Ylang. (12)
Quality Control: The distillery, owned by the supplier, oversees the production of quality organic Ylang Ylang essential oil, ensuring consistency. Reliable buyers allow farmers to plan and manage natural fluctuations in Ylang-Ylang flowering. (12)
Community Impact: Beyond supporting farmers, suppliers also address broader community needs. This includes providing healthcare services through a medical clinic and dispensary that offers care and subsidized medicines. Additionally, there is a dedicated vehicle that provides transportation for sick and injured individuals to the clinic. Furthermore, a mobile medical team travels between villages to provide treatment for minor medical issues. (12)
Environmental benefits: Cultivating ylang-ylang is an eco-friendly way of producing fragrances without using synthetic chemicals. To ensure sustainable practices, new trees should be planted, and overharvesting should be avoided. (13)
Ylang-Ylang essential oil presents anti-inflammatory activity (4) wound healing properties, which help to soothe irritation, making them suitable for sensitive skin. (5) Ylang contributes to hair health and appearance by providing antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant benefits. When applied to the scalp, it increases hair shaft density, cleans the hair bulb, and strengthens the entire bulb/stem system. (5) Ylang has a calming effect that reduces stress. (6, 7)
4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35744789/
5 - https://info.achs.edu/blog/practical-wonders-of-ylang-ylang-oil
6 - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.1950
7 - https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/19/Suppl_1/40/2946454?login=false
8 - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/203244/2762550
11 - https://www.sustainably-chic.com/blog/are-essential-oils-sustainable
12 - https://www.thesoapery.co.uk/blogs/news/the-sustainability-of-our-ylang-ylang-essential-oil
13 - https://aromathera.org/the-spiritual-benefits-of-ylang-ylang-essential-oil-unleash-inner-harmony/