Lavender & Baby Massage: what parents need to know about hormonal risks

Lavender oil, derived from the Lavandula angustifolia plant, is well-known for its calming fragrance. It contains compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which are believed to have anti-anxiety and stress-relieving effects. Scientific studies support these claims, showing that lavender oil can significantly reduce feelings of stress and enhance feelings of calmness. A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine indicates that lavender oil has sedative properties that can benefit individuals of all ages. However there are a few thing that I want you to know before using it in your baby's routine.

Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender is often used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine for relaxation and stress relief.

Lavender is everywhere in baby care: calming baby lotions, “sleepy time” massage oils, and nursery diffusers. It smells lovely and can help soothe — but some science has raised a caution flag. A small number of case reports and lab studies suggest certain lavender products might have estrogen-like or anti-androgen effects if repeatedly applied to skin. That doesn’t mean lavender is proven dangerous for every baby, but it does mean parents and caregivers should understand the evidence and use caution. PubMed+1

What the evidence actually says (short version)

• Case reports (2007): Three boys with unexplained prepubertal gynecomastia were observed to have repeated topical exposure to products containing lavender (and tea tree) oil; lab tests showed estrogenic and anti-androgen activity in those oils. The authors concluded repeated topical exposure probably caused the breast growth in those cases. This is the most-cited early signal. PubMed

• Laboratory (in vitro) research: Follow-up in-vitro studies found some lavender oil components can activate estrogen receptors and/or block androgen receptors in cell lines — a biological mechanism consistent with the case reports. In-vitro activity does not automatically translate to harm in real-life human use, but it’s a plausible explanation for the clinical observations. Endocrine Society+1

• Larger clinical reviews & newer analyses: More recent reviews and case series (including a 2019 paper examining premature thelarche and related reports) have revisited the signal and found that while there’s reason for concern, population-level evidence is limited and results are mixed. Some pediatric endocrine experts emphasize that prepubertal breast changes can also occur spontaneously and may resolve without intervention, so causation is not certain. Oxford Academic+1

• Aromatherapy safety trials: Separate clinical work on lavender inhalation or low-concentration topical use often finds small benefits (e.g., calming, improved sleep) and generally low rates of short-term adverse effects in controlled settings — but most trials exclude very young infants or don’t look for long-term endocrine effects. That means benefit data exist, but they don’t rule out rare or long-term hormonal risks from repeated topical exposure in babies. PMC+1

How strong is the evidence?

Think of the evidence like a signal, not a verdict. Most of the concern stems from:

1. a small number of case reports showing an association;

2. in vitro lab work showing estrogenic/anti-androgen activity for some lavender components; and

3. a handful of observational or descriptive follow-ups.

What we don’t have is convincing large-scale epidemiological proof that normal, intermittent lavender use in babies causes lasting hormonal problems. Some experts urge caution because infants’ skin and endocrine systems are developing and may be more sensitive than adults. Others point out that many cases may resolve spontaneously and that evidence is imperfect. Bottom line: the possibility exists, the risk appears rare or uncertain, and prudent caution is reasonable. PubMed+1

Massage oil for a calming and rejuvenating experience.

Practical guidance for parents & caregivers

If you offer baby massage or recommend products on your site, here are practical, parent-friendly guidelines you can publish or use personally:

1. Avoid concentrated topical lavender on infants — especially on babies under 2 years and on repeated daily whole-body applications. Use sparingly if at all. PubMed+1

2. Prefer fragrance-free or pediatric-formulated massage oils (e.g., plain vegetable oils like fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil if no allergy risk, or sunflower oil) for routine infant massage. These carry lower risk for hormone-like activity.

3. If using lavender, use minimal exposure — e.g., a single drop in a diffuser for short periods in a well-ventilated room (but avoid direct diffusion near newborns or babies with respiratory issues), or very dilute topical blends and limited application area, and never undiluted. Remember: inhalation and topical exposure are different routes — both can matter. PMC+1

4. Watch for changes — if parents notice unusual breast swelling or other unexpected changes, they should stop the product and consult their pediatrician; such changes can have many causes, some harmless, but a medical check is reasonable. PubMed

5. When in doubt, ask a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist — especially for infants with skin conditions, preterm babies, or families with hormonal/endocrine concerns.

   
   

   

   A happy, rested baby, ready for new adventures

Safer alternatives for calming baby during massage

• Unscented, hypoallergenic massage oil (as above).

• Gentle infant massage techniques (slow strokes, light pressure) — the massage itself often provides the calming benefits parents want.

• Non-essential-oil calming routines: warm bath, soft singing, dim lights, white noise.

  
  

References (key studies & reviews)

• Henley, D. V., et al. “Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils.” New England Journal of Medicine, 2007. PubMed

• Ramsey, J. T., et al. “Lavender Products Associated With Premature Thelarche and Prepubertal Gynecomastia: Case Reports and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Activities.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), 2019. Oxford Academic

• Endocrine Society summary / news about lavender as possible endocrine disruptor (coverage of lab and clinical findings). Endocrine Society+1

• Antonelli, M., et al. “Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Aroma Massage with Lavender” (review of clinical aromatherapy trials). PMC article, 2020. PMC

• Braunstein, E. W., et al. “Are Prepubertal Gynaecomastia and Premature Thelarche Related to Lavender or Tea Tree Oil?” Review/Commentary (2023) — notes uncertainty and the need for cautious interpretation. P