Lavender vs Lavandin — One Genus, Two Pricing Tiers, Two Industries
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavandin (the hybrid Lavandula × intermedia) smell similar, look almost identical, share much of the same molecular fingerprint — but ester content, camphor levels, perfumery use and bulk-pricing economics are very different. The bulk-buyer guide:
Lavender (True)
- Higher linalyl acetate (28–45%) — softer, sweeter, fine-fragrance signature
- Lower camphor (<0.5%) — minimal "medicinal" note
- High ester content → premium aromatherapy / spa standard
- Slower yield, lower hectares → higher per-kg cost
- AFNOR / ISO 3515 reference grade
- Bulk price typically 3–5× lavandin
Lavandin
- Lower linalyl acetate (20–32%) — sharper, more herbaceous
- Higher camphor (6–11%) — distinctive cleaner / penetrative note
- Higher yield per hectare → bulk-friendly economics
- Standard for soap, detergent, candle, FMCG fragrance
- Multiple grades: grosso, super, abrialis, sumian
- Bulk price 20–35% of true lavender per kg
Spec comparison
| Parameter | Lavender (True) | Lavandin |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical | Lavandula angustifolia | Lavandula × intermedia (sterile hybrid) |
| Linalool | 25–38% | 24–34% |
| Linalyl acetate | 28–45% | 20–32% |
| Camphor | <0.5% (often <0.3%) | 6–11% |
| 1,8-Cineole | <2.5% | 3.5–9% |
| Specific gravity (20°C) | 0.878–0.890 | 0.885–0.900 |
| Refractive index | 1.4585–1.4640 | 1.4580–1.4640 |
| Optical rotation | −7° to −12° | −2° to −7° |
| Primary use | Fine fragrance, aromatherapy, premium cosmetic | Soap, detergent, candle, FMCG, industrial fragrance |
| Standards reference | ISO 3515 / AFNOR | ISO 8902 / ISO 3054 |
| Per-kg pricing band | Premium | Workhorse |
When to choose what
Choose Lavender (True) for
Fine fragrance, premium aromatherapy, spa-amenity, organic-certified body care, clinical-aromatherapy retail.
Choose Lavandin for
Soap bar fragrance, detergent perfume, candle pour, mass-market cosmetic, FMCG laundry/cleaner, industrial fragrance.
Choose either for
Aromatherapy diffuser blends (with disclosure), DIY-craft soap, generic floral note in custom compounds.
Don’t substitute when
Your finished product is positioned as “true lavender” / clinical aromatherapy — buyers test for camphor and will catch the swap.
What’s common between Lavender & Lavandin from our plant
Both grades ship with the same Expo Organics QC architecture:
- GC-MS chromatogram per lot (linalool/linalyl acetate/camphor ratios reported)
- NABL third-party retain testing
- ISO 3515 / 8902 reference compliance available
- 25 kg HDPE drum, 180–200 kg MS drum, FCL container
- Sample programme: paid, full credit-back against bulk order in 60 days
- REACH / IFRA / allergen-23 paperwork
- Origin transparency — Bulgaria / France grade markers on request
Buyer FAQ
Q: Why is lavandin so much cheaper per kg?
Lavandin is a sterile hybrid with 3–4× higher yield per hectare than true lavender, and its agronomy is better-suited to large-scale cultivation. The price gap reflects yield, not quality.
Q: Can I label a soap “lavender” if I used lavandin?
Most jurisdictions allow “fragranced with lavender essential oil” only for true Lavandula angustifolia. “Lavender-scented” with lavandin is generally permitted. Check your specific FDA/EU/IFRA labelling jurisdiction.
Q: Which has higher therapeutic claims?
True lavender carries the documented aromatherapy / sleep-support narrative. Lavandin’s higher camphor makes it less suitable for clinical-aromatherapy positioning.
Q: Are both available organic-certified?
Yes — both can be supplied with organic-equivalent (ECOCERT / NOP / IBD) documentation on prior confirmation.
Q: Minimum order?
1 kg sample → 25 kg drum → FCL. Tier-ladder on /pricing-tiers/.
Get bulk pricing on Lavender or Lavandin
One RFQ — quote(s) back the same working day. Sample plan with full credit-back if you want to qualify first.