lavender

Lavender, scientifically referenced as Lavandula vera, comprises dried flowers from the species Lavandula angustifolia within the Labiatae family. It is primarily recognized for its herbal odor and flavor characteristics. Lavender is also known by several synonyms including lavandula officinalis flower and dried lavender flowers. This aromatic botanical product is widely used for culinary seasoning and as a natural flavor enhancer. Its sensory profile is defined by a distinct herbal note, making it valuable in various flavoring applications. The compound is well characterized in chemical databases such as PubChem. Lavender is typically sourced from cultivated lavender plants grown under controlled agricultural conditions, with some variants available as certified organic products.

Lavender occurs naturally as flower clusters of Lavandula vera and Lavandula angustifolia plants. These aromatic dried flowers are harvested and utilized primarily in food flavoring and spice applications. Lavender functions as a flavor enhancer, contributing herbal sensory notes to diverse culinary products. The usage of lavender is regulated under standards such as the FEMA (US) GRAS designation, which supports its safe incorporation as a natural seasoning and flavoring agent. Beyond food, lavender serves cosmetic purposes, including skin conditioning formulations. Its sensory properties and safety evaluations enable versatile deployment in flavor, fragrance, and personal care industries.

Lavender’s defining physical characteristics include its appearance as dried floral matter, which carries volatile constituents responsible for its herbal odor and flavor. The chemical profile includes various organic compounds that confer its distinctive sensory qualities. Its volatility and solubility influence its behavior in formulations, especially in aqueous or lipid media typical of food and cosmetic products. Lavender’s stability and relatively mild sensory intensity facilitate controlled use as a natural seasoning or enhancer. Regulatory assessments align with the absence of significant toxicity hazards, complementing its applicability where subtle herbal aroma and flavor are desired.

	lavandula vera
Pubchem (sid):	135288147

FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
FDA Listing of Food Additive Status:	View
Wikipedia:	View

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
spices, other natural seasonings and flavorings
Recommendation for lavender usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 3
Click here to view publication 3
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		-	-
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	0.08000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	-
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	-
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	-
fruit ices:		-	-
gelatins / puddings:		-	-
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	-
imitation dairy:		-	-
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		-	-
milk products:		-	-
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		-	-
poultry:		-	-
processed fruits:		-	-
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		-	-
snack foods:		-	-
soft candy:		-	-
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

lavandula vera

Chemidplus:0977001823