Differences between Polish, Bulgarian, French, Greek and Italian lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is a plant of great importance in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy, but its characteristics vary depending on climate, soil, and cultivation method. These factors influence the chemical composition of the essential oil and, consequently, the intensity and fragrance profile of individual varieties.

1. Polish Lavender

Dominant species: Lavandula angustifolia (narrow-leaved lavender)

Characteristic

The scent is milder than the southern varieties, delicate, sweet, slightly herbal.
It contains a higher amount of linalool than French lavender, which gives it a soothing and antiseptic effect.
Flowering: June–July, sometimes a second flowering in August.
Lower essential oil yield compared to Bulgarian and French varieties.

Application

Aromatherapy – the oil has a calming effect and reduces stress.
Natural cosmetics – used in creams, oils and hydrolates.
Scented sachets and lavender teas – less intense, but with a pleasant aroma.

2. Bulgarian Lavender

Dominant species: Lavandula angustifolia

Characteristic

Bulgaria is the largest producer of lavender oil in the world, accounting for approximately 70% of global production.
The highest ester content (over 40%) – the oil has the sweetest, intensely floral, slightly fruity scent.
Very high yield of essential oil – from 1 hectare of crops you can obtain more oil than in Poland or France.
Flowering: June–August – warm climate extends the growing season.

Application

Premium perfumes and cosmetics – a highly valued essential oil, especially in luxury brands.
Aromatherapy – strongly relaxing effect, often used in massages and bath products.
Natural medicine – has anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

3. French Lavender

Dominant species: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas

Characteristic

France (especially Provence) is synonymous with lavender cultivation, but unlike Bulgaria, other species are also grown here.

Lavandula angustifolia – an elegant, clean, floral-herbal scent, appreciated in perfumery.
Lavandula stoechas (Spanish lavender) – more herbal, slightly camphoraceous aroma, characteristic “feathers” on the tops of the flowers.

Application

Luxury perfumes – lavender oil from France is a key ingredient in many prestigious compositions.
Aromatherapy – has a relaxing effect, often used in the treatment of stress and insomnia.
Lavandula stoechas is used in inhalations and traditional Mediterranean medicine.

4. Greek Lavender

Dominant species: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula dentata

Characteristic

Greece is famous for its lavender growing in rocky and dry areas, which significantly influences the composition of the essential oil and the intensity of the aroma.

Greece is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, which allows lavender to develop more intense fragrance notes under heat stress. The rocky, limestone soils favor the concentration of essential oils, giving lavender a unique aromatic profile.

Lavandula angustifolia has a classic sweet-floral aroma, similar to Bulgarian, but slightly lighter.

Lavandula stoechas occurs naturally in dry hills and has a more herbal, slightly balsamic scent.

Lavandula dentata (teeth lavender) has a more delicate aroma with a subtle citrus note.

Differences in oil composition

Lavandula angustifolia grown in Greece has a higher linalool content compared to French lavender, giving it a softer, soothing scent.
Lavandula stoechas has more ketones and camphor, which makes its oil antibacterial and helps with breathing.
Lavandula dentata contains a higher amount of citral, which gives it a light citrus note and has antiseptic properties.

Application

Cosmetics and aromatherapy – Lavender oil from Greece is used in natural relaxation therapies.
Folk medicine – used for inhalation and treatment of skin problems.

5. Italian Lavender

Dominant species: Lavandula dentata, Lavandula angustifolia

Characteristic

In Italy, lavender grows mainly in warmer regions such as Tuscany and Sicily.
Lavandula dentata – a milder scent, slightly citrusy, which distinguishes it from other varieties.
Lavandula angustifolia grown in colder regions has an aroma similar to the French one.

Application

Perfumes and cosmetics – used in compositions with fresh, citrus-herbal notes.
Culinary – some varieties are used as a spice, especially for meats and flavored oils.

Summary – Which Lavender to Choose?

Country	Main species	Smell	Application
Poland	Lavandula angustifolia	Delicate, sweet, herbal	Cosmetics, aromatherapy, fragrance sachets
Bulgaria	Lavandula angustifolia	The sweetest, intensely floral	Perfumes, cosmetics, essential oil
France	Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas	Floral, elegant, slightly camphoraceous	Perfumes, aromatherapy, inhalations
Greece	Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula dentata	Floral, herbal, balsamic	Aromatherapy, cosmetics, inhalations
Italy	Lavandula dentata, Lavandula angustifolia	Floral, slightly citrusy	Perfumes, cosmetics, cuisine

Key precautions when using lavender

Do not take ketone-rich oils orally without consulting a doctor. Do not apply undiluted oil directly to the skin—it should be diluted in a carrier oil (e.g., almond, coconut).

Children, pregnant women, and people with epilepsy should avoid lavender oils rich in ketones.

People with allergies to terpenes and esters should perform a skin patch test before using the oil. Avoid using oils rich in monoterpenes before sun exposure to prevent photosensitivity.

When is lavender safe?

Lavandula angustifolia (narrow-leaved lavender, e.g. Polish, Bulgarian, Greek) is the safest – it has a low ketone content and can be used by most people.

Lavandula stoechas (French lavender) requires caution – its oil is stronger and not recommended for children, pregnant women, and people with epilepsy.

Following the appropriate doses and application methods allows you to safely enjoy the benefits of lavender in aromatherapy and cosmetics.