How Lavender Essential Oil is Made: From Organic Fields to Aromatic Perfection

Lavender essential oil is one of the most widely used natural oils in skincare, aromatherapy, and wellness. At Potager Soap, we use only organic Lavender Grosso, a premium hybrid variety valued for its robust aroma and high oil yield. But how does it go from field to finished product?

Here’s a straightforward look at the process.

Step 1: Cultivation of Organic Lavender Grosso

The journey begins in certified organic fields, where Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ is grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Lavender Grosso thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent climate conditions.

The plants are carefully pruned and spaced to encourage strong growth and optimal oil production.

Step 2: Harvesting the Lavender Blooms

Lavender is harvested during peak bloom, usually in mid to late summer. This timing ensures the highest essential oil concentration.

The flowering tops are either hand-cut or harvested using machines, depending on the size and style of the operation. The aim is to preserve the integrity of the blooms for maximum oil quality.

Step 3: Steam Distillation—Where the Oil is Extracted

After harvest, the lavender is processed through steam distillation, the standard method for extracting high-quality lavender essential oil.

Here’s how it works:

• Fresh lavender is loaded into a distillation still.

• Steam passes through the plant material, rupturing the oil glands and releasing the essential oil.

• The resulting vapor moves into a condenser, where it cools and returns to a liquid state.

• The essential oil separates from the hydrosol (lavender water) and is collected.

Step 4: Filtration and Bottling

The oil is then filtered to remove any residual plant matter. Some producers allow the oil to rest briefly so that its aromatic properties stabilize.

After this, the oil is bottled, labeled, and incorporated into natural products like Potager’s organic lavender soap.

Why Lavender Grosso?

Lavender Grosso is a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender. It is preferred for:

• High essential oil yield

• Stronger, more herbaceous scent

• Extended blooming period

• Natural resistance to pests and disease

This makes it particularly well suited for essential oil production and body care applications.

From Field to Soap – The Potager Promise

At Potager Soap, we source organically grown Lavender Grosso because of its superior quality, sustainability, and performance in skincare formulations.

We believe that natural, organic ingredients make a difference you can see and feel—starting with something as simple and powerful as lavender.