Linalool
Also known as: (+)-linalool, (-)-linalool, linalyl alcohol, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol, beta-linalool
Effective Dosage
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, cannabis, and many other plants. It gives these plants their floral scent. Early clinical research suggests that inhaling linalool vapor may reduce pain perception in people with nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), and it has been studied as part of a CBD-terpene blend that modestly improved deep sleep in people with insomnia. Animal and lab studies also suggest possible anti-inflammatory effects relevant to skin conditions like psoriasis, but these findings have not been confirmed in human trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat anxiety or stress on its own — most 'calming' claims come from animal studies or marketing. No evidence it works as a standalone oral supplement for sleep. The sleep study used linalool as one of eight terpenes alongside 300 mg CBD, so you can't credit linalool alone. No proven cancer-fighting effects in humans. Lab and computer-model studies on cancer and Parkinson's disease are very early-stage and not human evidence.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, cannabis, and many other plants. It gives these plants their floral scent. Early clinical research suggests that inhaling linalool vapor may reduce pain perception in people with nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), and it has been studied as part of a CBD-terpene blend that modestly improved deep sleep in people with insomnia. Animal and lab studies also suggest possible anti-inflammatory effects relevant to skin conditions like psoriasis, but these findings have not been confirmed in human trials.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies. Inhalation is the primary route studied clinically; oral bioavailability has not been characterized in the provided papers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Oxidized linalool (common in products exposed to air) is a known skin allergen and can cause contact dermatitis — check for freshness and proper packaging
- Most human studies used linalool as part of a multi-ingredient blend (e.g., with CBD or lavender oil), making it impossible to isolate its individual effect
- No established safe oral dosing range from clinical studies — products listing oral linalool doses are extrapolating without direct human dose-finding data
- Fragrance contact allergy to linalool is documented in European dermatitis patients and can significantly impair quality of life
- Several papers in the evidence base are irrelevant to human health (food flavor analysis, insect pest management, analytical chemistry) — suggests limited dedicated human research
Products Containing Linalool
See how Linalool is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-09