Lavender oil in Penetrex Balm: the soft floral note
English lavender oil rounds off the sharp edges of mint and eucalyptus with a soft, calm, floral scent.
Lavender is the gentle voice in the Penetrex Balm formula. Where menthol and eucalyptus are sharp and fresh, lavender oil brings a soft floral note that rounds the scent and makes the balm easy to use in the evening.
| Plant | English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia |
|---|---|
| Part used | Flower, as steam-distilled oil |
| Scent | Soft, floral, clean |
| Role in the balm | Calming aroma note |
| Name on the label | Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil |
What lavender oil is
Lavandula angustifolia, true or English lavender, is a small shrub with narrow grey-green leaves and purple flower spikes. The oil is steam-distilled from the flowers and is among the best-known aromatic oils in the world. Its main fragrance compounds are linalool and linalyl acetate, which give the sweet, clean floral smell people recognise at once.
The picture on this page shows dried and fresh lavender with a dark glass dropper bottle, the way the oil is usually sold. Kenya has its own growers of lavender and other aromatic herbs in the cooler highlands, and lavender is a common scent in soaps, pillow sprays and body lotions.
Why lavender is in a balm
In a balm lavender oil is chosen for its fragrance and for the mood it sets. Lavender is traditionally used for its calming scent, and the idea of winding down in the evening with a soft herbal smell is a big part of why it appears in rubs, massage oils and bedtime products.
In Penetrex Balm this means the first impression of mint and eucalyptus is softened by a floral base. People who dislike a purely medicinal smell often find a lavender note makes a balm easier to live with.
Lavender next to the other ingredients
The formula pairs lavender oil with eucalyptus leaf, Ligusticum chuanxiong oil and safflower flower extract on the plant side, and with menthol and methyl salicylate on the sensation side.
The plant ingredients are what makes the formula feel like a herbal balm rather than a plain rub, and lavender is the one that makes it feel calm.
Using a lavender-scented balm
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin over the area of discomfort and press lightly. Lavender oil, like any essential oil, can irritate some skin, so keep the balm away from the eyes, lips and broken skin. If you have ever reacted to a lavender-scented product, test a small patch first.
Wash your hands after applying and store the tube with the cap closed, away from direct sun and out of the reach of children.
Where is lavender oil on the Penetrex Balm label?
The carton prints it as Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, one of 29 names in the key-ingredient list. It belongs to the group plants and plant oils, together with eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) flower extract, ligusticum chuanxiong oil. Amounts are not published for any ingredient. See the complete ingredient list and the safety notes.
Questions about lavender oil
Why is there lavender in a joint and muscle balm?
Lavender oil is in the formula for its soft floral scent. It balances the sharp notes of menthol and eucalyptus and makes the balm pleasant to use in the evening, day by day.
Does the balm smell mainly of lavender?
No. The first impression is fresh mint and eucalyptus with a warm sweet note behind it; lavender gives the soft floral background.
Can people with sensitive skin use it?
Test a small amount on a small area first. Stop using the balm and wash it off if the skin becomes red, itchy or uncomfortable.
How should I store the balm?
Keep the cap closed, store the tube away from direct sun and heat, and keep it out of the reach of children.
KES 5,990 for the 50 g tube. An operator confirms your order by phone and you pay on delivery.