Star Ingredients: Lavender

“Lavender has a sweet, calming fragrance and is the most versatile and widely used of all the essential oils,” explains Tipper Lewis, Herbal Naturopath at Neal’s Yard Remedies. Having made its name as a sleep-promoting scent, its uses are actually far wider, particularly when applied topically. “Its regenerative effect on the skin stimulates the growth of healthy new cells, promotes rapid healing, and helps to prevent scarring,” says Lewis. It’s also handy to have to hand in any first-aid box as its ability to soothe the skin means that it can be used on burns, wounds, bites and inflammatory skin conditions.

As an ingredient, lavender is most often used in two forms – as an essential oil or floral water, both of which have the same soothing and balancing properties. Despite a plethora of more “scientific” ingredients available, with its proven efficacy, lavender is undoubtedly one of today’s stars. Here are BWB’s pick of the best products to add to your regime now…

The Hair Hero

Christophe Robin Moisturizing Hair Oil with Lavender

The definition of a cult product – and with good reason: this lavender oil treatment helps to repair sensitive or over-processed hair, while protecting color and increasing shine. It also has an SPF 6, making it a great summer staple. It can be used in a multitude of ways – as a pre-shampoo treatment (for the biggest impact, apply it the night before), a pre-sun protector (apply through lengths and ends before hitting the pool or beach) or a daily serum (smooth a few drops through ends to define layers and minimize breakage).

The Detoxer

Neal’s Yard Remedies Lavender Bath Soak

By mixing Lavender essential oil and the purest sea salt from French salt marshes, Neal’s Yard have married two of the best ingredients for soothing and cleansing. The Lavender acts as a balancing remedy, healing any inflammation and addressing more specific concerns like dermatitis, bites or sunburn. It also has mild pain relieving properties, so helps to soothe aching muscles and rheumatic pains. The salt meanwhile is a mild antiseptic and deep cleanser that regulates our cellular metabolism. Add a scoop to a bath under running warm water to promote sleep and cleansing overnight.

The Sleep Promoter

This Works Deep Pillow Spray

Arguably This Works most beloved product (they now even do a version for babies and children), the Deep Pillow Spray is formulated with three of the most soothing natural oils, Lavender, Vetivert and Wild Camomile. Spray onto sheets and pillows (or spritz lightly over your head as you are getting ready for bed to promote winding down). Fans also swear by it for beating jetlag: use en route and once in the hotel to boost feelings of calm and make the place smell like home.

The Skin Healer

Aromatherapy Associates Support Lavender Pure Essential Oil

A favorite with many beauty editors, this 100% pure Lavender essential oil is a natural antiseptic that promotes repair. Dab onto breakouts to speed up healing (keep in your make-up bag or office drawer for regular touch-ups on the go), buff into scars and gently apply to bites and burns. A must-have for all bathroom cabinets.

The Radiance Booster

Rodin Lavender Absolute Luxury Face Oil

When it comes to facial oils, Rodin’s Olio Lusso was the original and remains the one to beat. This take on the cult classic has Bulgarian lavender, to calm and hydrate skin. “I created Lavender Absolute to be floral in the most elegant, unexpected way. Calming but definitely not obvious,” explains Linda Rodin, who oversees the blending of the lavender oil to ensure it meets the brand’s exacting standards. Perfect for boosting and maintaining hydration, massage a few drops into cleansed, slightly moist skin last thing at night.