06/08/2026
BAD AMAZON SELLER'S! CHOOSE CAREFULLY!
Published Date
May 20, 2026
As part of NOW’s ongoing commitment to product quality and transparency in the essential oil industry, 28 lavender essential oil products purchased from Amazon were evaluated using GC-MS/FID analytical testing. The goal of this project was to determine whether products marketed as “Lavandula angustifolia” or “pure lavender essential oil” were consistent with the composition expected of authentic lavender essential oil, according to ISO standards for French/Bulgarian lavender oils.
Why Lavender Essential Oil?
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most recognized and widely used essential oils in aromatherapy and personal care products. Genuine lavender oil has a naturally balanced chemical profile dominated by compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, along with a characteristic terpene distribution unique to authentic lavender. Because lavender oil is both popular and relatively expensive, it is also vulnerable to dilution, substitution, and fragrance formulation. These practices can affect not only aroma and quality, but also overall product authenticity.
Testing Methodology
Samples were analyzed using GC-MS/FID (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry/Flame Ionization Detection) with a non-polar analytical column. The MS detector was used to identify individual compounds, while the FID detector was used for semi-quantitative evaluation of the overall composition.
The testing focused on:
confirmation of authentic lavender species,
detection of carrier oils, mineral oils, or extender materials,
and identification of synthetic or fragrance-related compounds not expected in pure lavender essential oil.
Product Testing Results
The results were concerning. Of 28 tested products, only three brands (11%) met ISO criteria for authentic Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and showed no evidence of adulteration.
Among the remaining products:
Eleven samples (55%) showed profiles inconsistent with authentic Lavandula angustifolia and appeared to contain lower-grade lavender materials, blended lavender-type oils, or non-authentic lavender species.
Twelve samples (60%) showed evidence of dilution with carrier oils, mineral oil-type substances, fatty esters, or other extender materials.
Thirteen samples (65%) contained synthetic fragrance-related compounds or compositional patterns not expected in genuine lavender essential oil.
Eight additional samples are noted at the end of this report as failing due to not claiming or containing Lavandula angustifolia.
Several samples showed severe suppression of natural lavender constituents, while others appeared to be heavily formulated fragrance blends rather than true essential oils. Notably, eight of the tested brands are from China, and four are from India. Of these foreign brands, ALL failed testing due to the criteria above. Additionally, imported brands were four of the top five lowest-priced products. The three products that passed (including NOW) were among the four highest priced on Amazon. This analysis revealed that buyers should beware: the lowest-cost Lavender Oil products tested were the lowest quality.
Conclusion
These analyses underscore the importance of analytical testing in the essential oil marketplace. Although many of the tested products were labeled and marketed as “pure lavender essential oil,” the majority did not fully match the chemical profile expected of authentic Lavandula angustifolia lavender oil. Buyers should be cautious when purchasing lavender oil products on Amazon. NOW® Lavender Essential Oil was among the few products that met ISO authenticity criteria, with no evidence of dilution or synthetic formulation. NOW will continue evaluating products sold through major online marketplaces and sharing analytical findings to support transparency, authenticity, and higher quality standards across the industry. This report will be shared with the FDA and Amazon.
Lavender Oil Products
Size
Ingredient Claim
Lot # Pass/Fail
Test Results
ArtNaturals, CA
4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia 2432 Fail
1,2,3
Brooklyn Botany, DE
4 oz
100% Pure Lavender oil 251191495 Fail
1
EVOKE OCCU (China)
4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia None Fail
1,2,3
First Botany Cosmeceuticals, CO
1 oz
Lavandula angustifolia 060124FB-LAV1 Pass
Meets ISO
ForSYLVANest (China)
3.4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia None Fail
1,3
Handcraft Blends, FL
4 oz
100% Pure and Natural Lavender oil 250953214 Fail
1
HOMEDA, (India)
0.5 oz
100% Pure and Natural Lavender oil Illegible Fail
2,3
KUKKA, India (Stigya)
4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia 2AP2506E118K Fail
1,2,3
MAYJAM (China)
1 oz
Lavandula officialis MA W251229A Fail
1,2,3
Microingredients, CA
8 oz
Lavandula angustifolia B08LAV25 Fail
1,2,3
MUNUSNA (China)
3.5 oz
Lavandula angustifolia W251201A Fail
1,2,3
NOW Lavender Oil Pure
1 oz
Lavandula angustifolia 3126151 Pass
Meets ISO
PHATOIL (China)
1 oz
Lavandula angustifolia PH W251112A Fail
2, 3
Pura d'Or, CA
4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia
Certified Organic LA592611 Fail
2, 3
Pure Body, OH
1 oz
Lavandula angustifolia None Pass
Meets ISO
SIVA Organics, FL
4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia 5436195439 Fail
1
Su Juaba (China)
4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia SU11351301 Fail
2,3
SVA, FL
4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia 2589155155 Fail
1
WUVEZRUB (China)
1 oz
100% Pure and Natural Lavender None Fail
1,2,3
Yoken, China
4 oz
Lavandula angustifolia YX-XYCY40Z25P1 Fail
2,3
Representative GC Chromatograms of Pure Lavandula angustifolia Oil Versus Adulterated Samples
Three gas chromatography chromatograms comparing authentic lavender essential oil with two altered samples. The top chromatogram shows distinct peaks for natural lavender compounds such as α‑pinene, linalool, and linalyl acetate. Chromatogram 2 displays many additional peaks indicating mineral‑oil–type adulteration. Chromatogram 3 shows fewer peaks but patterns suggesting influence from the adulterated sample.
Non-Authentic Lavender Species/Composition
Dilution with Carrier Oils or Non-Volatile Extenders
Synthetic or Formulated Fragrance Components Detected
Addendum
Lavender Oil Products
Ingredient Claim
Test Analytical Results May 2026
ArtNaturals, CA Lavandula angustifolia The sample is dominated by triethyl citrate (51.8%), a synthetic carrier/solvent not naturally present in lavender oil, indicating substantial intentional dilution. Native lavender markers are suppressed, with linalool at only 15.8% and linalyl acetate at 16.5%. The profile lacks the normal terpene complexity and balance expected for genuine L. angustifolia. Elevated camphor (4.1%) and 1,8-cineole (2.8%) further support compositional modification. Overall, this is a heavily diluted, formulated material rather than authentic lavender essential oil.
Brooklyn Botany, DE 100% Pure Lavender oil The chemical profile shows acceptable levels of linalool and linalyl acetate; however, the elevated levels of camphor, 1,8-cineole, and borneol are inconsistent with authentic L. angustifolia essential oil. The profile suggests blending with lavandin and/or spike lavender oil.
EVOKE OCCU (Made in China) Lavandula angustifolia The chromatographic profile shows a significant presence of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (C12-C25), which are not characteristic of genuine lavender EO. The natural terpene profile is severely suppressed, with key constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate at abnormally low levels. The sample has been heavily diluted with a mineral oil-type substance.
First Botany Cosmeceuticals, CO Lavandula angustifolia The chromatographic profile is consistent with an authentic, naturally derived L. angustifolia EO. The sample contains characteristic lavender markers, including linalool (33.89%), linalyl acetate (26.99%), lavandulyl acetate (3.24%), lavandulol (1.22%), elevated ocimene isomers, and a complex natural sesquiterpene distribution. Very low camphor (0.26%) and low 1,8-cineole (1.11%) support a true lavender profile rather than lavandin-type material. Overall, no significant evidence of adulteration was observed. Meets ISO criteria for L. angustifolia
ForSYLVANest (Made in China) Lavandula angustifolia The chromatographic profile indicates the sample is generally consistent with a natural lavender-type essential oil, with major characteristic constituents linalool (27.37%) and linalyl acetate (25.17%) present at significant levels. No evidence of dilution with fatty carrier oils, mineral oil, or major synthetic extender materials was observed. However, the composition deviates from a typical L. angustifolia profile due to unusually elevated terpene components, including α-pinene (7.37%), limonene (7.49%), p-cymene (4.97%), and β-phellandrene (2.89%), along with elevated phenylethyl alcohol (4.02%). (Also present: 1,5,5-Trimethyl-6-methylene-cyclohexene, a-Ionone & trans-b-Ionone, eremophilia ketone, and agarospirol). The sample is more consistent with lavandin-type characteristics, blended lavender material, and/or lower-grade distillation fractions rather than a clean, high-quality true lavender essential oil.
Handcraft Blends, FL 100% Pure and Natural Lavender oil The chromatographic profile is inconsistent with a typical L. angustifolia essential oil. The sample exhibits unusually low linalool content (4.21%) together with elevated camphor (7.74%), 1,8-cineole (5.30%), and borneol (2.76%), resulting in a strongly camphoraceous profile characteristic of lavandin and/or spike lavender-type material. Although no significant evidence of dilution with fatty carrier oils or mineral oil was observed, the overall composition suggests the material is more consistent with lavandin-type oil, blended lavender material, or a non-true lavender botanical origin rather than a refined true lavender essential oil.
HOMEDA, India 100% Pure and Natural Lavender oil The composition indicates a formulated fragrance blend rather than a natural essential oil. The sample contains significant levels of non-characteristic and synthetic/perfume-related compounds, including diethyl phthalate (5.76%), artificial musk ambrette (2.99%), elevated coumarin (3.86%), and abnormal levels of alpha-terpineol (9.75%) and phenylethyl alcohol (4.33%). In addition, several large unidentified peaks are present, including an 8.82% unknown component. Overall, the data strongly suggest adulteration, fragrance modification, and/or dilution with synthetic aromatic materials rather than pure natural lavender essential oil.
KUKKA, India (Stigya) Lavandula angustifolia This is a heavily adulterated lavender oil containing cosmetic-grade carriers and hydrocarbon contaminants. The natural lavender terpene profile is severely suppressed, with key components such as linalool (8.21%), linalyl acetate (2.34%), and lavandulyl acetate (0.29%) present at abnormally low levels while camphor is elevated (6.01%). The sample is heavily dominated by synthetic and fatty ester materials including isopropyl myristate (16.54%) and octan-2-yl palmitate (31.41%). Additionally, a broad range of long-chain hydrocarbons indicates dilution with a mineral oil-type substance.
MAYJAM (Made in China) Lavandula officialis The chromatographic profile shows a significant presence of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (C12-C25), which are not characteristic of genuine lavender EO. The natural terpene profile is severely suppressed, with key constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate at abnormally low levels. The sample has been heavily diluted with a mineral oil-type substance.
Microingredients, CA Lavandula angustifolia The sample is dominated by octan-2-yl palmitate (~89.2%), indicating heavy dilution with a synthetic fatty ester carrier rather than natural lavender volatile constituents. Characteristic lavender markers, including linalool (~6.8%) and linalyl acetate (~2.8%), are present only at very low levels, resulting in near-complete suppression of the normal lavender fingerprint, terpene distribution, and the complexity expected in genuine lavender essential oil.
MUNUSNA, China Lavandula angustifolia The chromatogram is dominated by extensive hydrocarbon/paraffinic material and numerous non-natural late-eluting compounds, while key lavender constituents, such as linalool (11.97%) and linalyl acetate (17.73), are substantially suppressed. The profile strongly indicates significant adulteration and/or dilution with non-volatile synthetic or petroleum-derived extender material
NOW Lavender Oil Pure Lavandula angustifolia Meets ISO criteria for L. angustifolia and all Lavender markers
PHATOIL, China Lavandula angustifolia The sample has been heavily diluted with a mineral oil-type substance.
Pura d'Or, CA
Lavandula angustifolia
Certified Organic
The sample has been heavily diluted with a mineral oil-type substance.
Pure Body, OH Lavandula angustifolia The chromatographic profile is consistent with authentic Lavandula angustifolia essential oil. The sample demonstrates a natural lavender composition with appropriate levels of key marker compounds, including linalool (30.83%), linalyl acetate (36.22%), lavandulyl acetate (3.32%), and lavandulol (0.66%). The low camphor content (0.21%) further supports the authenticity of true lavender. No indications of adulteration, synthetic enhancement, or carrier oil dilution were observed based on the reported composition. Meets ISO criteria for L. angustifolia
SIVA Organics, FL Lavandula angustifolia The chromatographic profile is generally consistent with a natural lavender-type essential oil containing authentic lavender constituents including linalool (35.49%), linalyl acetate (38.96%), lavandulyl acetate, and lavandulol. No major evidence of synthetic fragrance adulteration, fatty extender materials, or phthalate contamination was observed. However, elevated levels of camphor (4.61%) and 1,8-cineole (4.75%) are atypical for fine-quality L. angustifolia essential oil and suggest possible lavandin/spike lavender influence.
Su Juaba, China Lavandula angustifolia The sample contains significant non-native solvent/glycol-type materials, including 2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-1-propanol (7.6%), 1,1′-oxybis-2-propanol (4.0%), and related propanol derivatives, which are not expected in genuine lavender oil. A large unknown peak (14.0%) and elevated 1,8-cineole (5.7%) further distort the natural lavender fingerprint. Although linalool (21.7%) and linalyl acetate (18.2%) are present, the overall profile lacks the normal complexity and balance expected for authentic lavender essential oil, indicating a formulated/adulterated material rather than pure native lavender oil.
SVA, FL Lavandula angustifolia The chromatographic profile is generally consistent with a natural lavender-type essential oil containing authentic lavender constituents, including linalool (35.98%), linalyl acetate (39.20%), lavandulyl acetate, lavandulol, and a natural sesquiterpene distribution. No major evidence of synthetic fragrance adulteration, fatty extender materials, or phthalate contamination was observed. However, elevated levels of 1,8-cineole (4.73%), camphor (4.46%), and β-caryophyllene (4.34%) are atypical for fine-quality L. angustifolia essential oil and suggest a lavandin/spike lavender influence.
WUVEZRUB, China 100% Pure and Natural Lavender The sample contains a significant concentration of diethyl phthalate (16.0%), a non-native synthetic solvent/fragrance diluent not expected in genuine lavender essential oil. Additional abnormal constituents, including elevated levels of 1,8-cineole (7.1%), camphor (4.4%), coumarin (1.6%), nopyl acetate (2.6%), and multiple unidentified fragrance-type compounds, further distort the natural lavender fingerprint. Although linalool (18.0%) and linalyl acetate (17.7%) are present, the chromatogram lacks the normal terpene complexity, compositional balance, and authenticity expected of pure native lavender essential oil. Overall, the results indicate a heavily formulated, compositionally modified material rather than authentic lavender essential oil.
Yoken, China Lavandula angustifolia The sample has been heavily diluted with a mineral oil-type substance.
Additional lavender fragrance and lavandin-type products were screened separately during this project but were excluded from the primary authenticity statistics because they did not specifically claim to be pure Lavandula angustifolia essential oil. Below are blended fragrances:
Lavender Oil Brands
Ingredient Claim
Test Results
Artizen, DE Lavandin and fragrance The chromatographic profile is inconsistent with genuine L. angustifolia EO. The absence or near absence of key botanical markers (ocimenes, lavandulol, lavandulyl acetate, and cryptone), together with elevated levels of linalool and eucalyptol, strongly indicates that the sample is not a natural essential oil. The composition suggests a reconstructed mixture, likely consisting of synthetic linalool and linalyl acetate, with additional components, such as eucalyptol, added to mimic the aromatic characteristics.
Being Naturals, CO Lavandula hybrida & Lavandula angustifolia The sample shows acceptable levels of linalool and linalyl acetate; however, elevated concentrations of camphor, 1,8-cineole, and borneol, along with reduced ocimene levels, indicate the presence of non-lavender botanical material. The profile is consistent with a blend of L. angustifolia and lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) rather than pure lavender essential oil.
Cococare, NJ Lavandula angustifolia & Lavandula hybrida The chemical profile is inconsistent with authentic L. angustifolia EO. Elevated levels of camphor and 1,8-cineole, combined with significantly reduced linalool content, indicate the presence of non-lavender botanical material. The composition is characteristic of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) or spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), suggesting that the sample is a blended or substituted product rather than pure lavender oil.
Majestic Pure Cosmoceuticals, India Lavandula hybrida & Lavandula angustifolia The chromatographic profile suggests adulteration and compositional modification. Elevated levels of camphor (9.5%) and 1,8-cineole (7.1%) indicate possible addition of lavandin or spike lavender type material, while unusually high linalool (40.9%) and linalyl acetate (33.2%) suggest profile adjustment using isolated or synthetic compounds. The overall signal appears suppressed, with many characteristic minor lavender constituents reduced or absent. Additional unidentified and late-eluting peaks further indicate the possible presence of heavy non-volatile materials, fragrance additives, carrier oil residues, or other foreign substances not typically observed in genuine lavender essential oil.
Natures Truth, NY Lavandula x intermedia/Lavandin The sample does not exhibit the characteristic profile of authentic L. angustifolia essential oil. Although linalool (28.07%) and linalyl acetate (32.87%) are present at expected major lavender levels, the chromatogram shows abnormally elevated levels of camphor (8.0%), 1,8-cineole (5.25%), borneol (3.20%), and terpinen-4-ol (4.29%), which are not consistent with true high-quality lavender essential oil. Genuine Lavandula angustifolia oil typically contains significantly lower concentrations of camphor and cineole. The overall composition is more consistent with lavandin/spike lavender influence, or adulteration with lower-grade lavender-type material, rather than authentic true lavender oil.
Oil of Youth, DE (in Plastic Bottle) Lavandin and Lavender Fragrance and Triethyl Citrate Oils The sample is overwhelmingly dominated by triethyl citrate (77.7%), indicating extensive dilution with a synthetic carrier/solvent material rather than natural lavender volatile constituents. Characteristic lavender markers, including linalool (10.1%) and linalyl acetate (10.3%), are present only at suppressed levels, and the chromatogram lacks the normal terpene complexity and balanced compositional profile expected of genuine lavender essential oil.
Rooted & Raw, India Lavandula hybrida & Lavandula angustifolia The chromatographic profile is inconsistent with authentic L. angustifolia essential oil. The sample shows multiple indicators of adulteration or fragrance reformulation, including abnormally high cineole (7.08%) and camphor (3.20%), extremely low levels of ocimenes and terpinen-4-ol, the absence of characteristic lavender markers such as lavandulyl acetate and lavandulol, and several unusually large unidentified compounds totaling over 18% of the composition. Additional fragrance-associated components, including coumarin, benzyl benzoate, eugenol, 3,5,5-Trimethylhexyl acetate, and phenethyl acetate, further support that the material is likely reconstituted, fragranced, or heavily modified rather than a genuine pure lavender essential oil.
Sun Essential Oils, DE Lavandin and Lavender Fragrance and Triethyl Citrate Oils The sample is dominated by triethyl citrate (60.1%), a non-native synthetic carrier/solvent, rather than natural lavender volatile constituents. Although linalool (18.1%) and linalyl acetate (18.3%) are present, the native lavender fingerprint is markedly suppressed, with loss of normal terpene complexity and balanced composition. Overall, this sample represents a heavily diluted, compositionally modified material rather than genuine lavender essential oil.
Magick inc.
