The price of Lavender Essential Oil has gone up again this month â another 12% on average. This huge jump follows similar increases in price each of the last three months. Our suppliers tell us to not expect to see price, or availability, relief until next summer when the new crop is out. This means that not only is Lavender more expensive, it is also harder to get and lead times are longer.
True unadulterated 100% L. angustifolia essential oil is more costly to produce since the plants yield less essential oil than some other species. This is why this lavender essential oil tends to cost more than some of the other variations.
What Does EWL Do?
While we buy smart, working with trusted vendors and sustainable growers, we canât control the market. We are at the mercy of weather, insects, political climate, and the overall demand. Our strong supply relationships do help us, though, with an advance warning when they have it. Our suppliers work with us to secure larger quantities than we typically order so as to be able to leverage a cheaper cost.
Specifically with Lavender, though, we:
- Found alternative sources, including some Oregon and Washington Lavender, but the crops are not big enough yet to offset losses in Europe, so this is only a partial solution.
- Secured larger volumes than usual to try to capture inventory at a lower price point. Some companies are willing to purchase significantly more inventory than they expect to use as a precaution. While we do secure larger quantities than current demand would dictate, we work to buy only as much as we reasonably think we can use before the Lavender expires. When demand is running higher than usual â as it is now â the larger buy wonât necessarily protect us for as long as we had intended, and therefore we have to raise prices sooner than we like.
- Passed the volume cost savings on to our customers. The price will still go up, just not as high.
- We work to absorb some of the cost where we can, or if the shortage is expected to be short-lived.
- Reformulate on request for contract manufacturing clients
- We communicate with you
The Not-So-Secret Truth about Commodities and Skincare
When we develop products with natural and organic ingredients, we are tied to the economic reality of commodities. Crop yields are unpredictable, with wide swings between good and bad years. Demand and availability will drive prices up and down just like they do at the gas pump and at the grocery store.
This means your cost today may or may not be the same in 90 days. As you plan your pricing strategy and lock in sales contracts, youâll need to be aware of negative events, such as these drastic jumps in lavender pricing.
A few years ago, the manufacturing facility for one of the largest processors of Jojoba Oil physically exploded. Who could have predicted that kind of an accident? Jojoba prices skyrocketed until production could come back online.
This fluctuation in pricing is part of the reality of natural and organic skincare.
Top 10 Most Expensive Essential Oils in the World
FAQ
Why is lavender oil so expensive?
Why are essential oils expensive?
Is there a difference between expensive and cheap essential oils?
How can you tell if lavender oil is pure?
How much does lavender essential oil cost?
If you’re shopping for lavender essential oil, you’ve probably noticed that not only are there several different types available, but there are also several different price tags. In general, 100% pure, unadulterated Lavandula angustifolia (L. angustifolia) lavender essential oil will cost between $6.99-$17.96 for a 10ml bottle.
Are lavender oils expensive?
Lavender Oils that are high in beneficial esters, such as those grown in high altitudes in France, are also pricier as they are thought to release a finer fragrance. Conversely, Lavender Oils high in camphor tend to be less expensive.
Which essential oil is more expensive?
Certified Organic, Fair Trade, and other certified Lavender Oils will also be more costly compared to conventional oils. On the lower end is Lavender 40/42, a natural essential oil blend, and Lavandin Essential Oil. Lavandin costs less as it is a larger plant with a much higher oil yield, and is also easier to cultivate.
How do I compare lavender oil prices?
Tip: Use NDA’s price comparison tool to quickly compare the costs of up to five different Lavender Oils. Simply hover over an essential oil from the list in the left-hand panel to access the tool. The product page for each Lavender Oil lists its botanical name, plant part used, and extraction method.