Laurel thrives in sunny, well-drained soils with moderate rainfall, commonly cultivated in Mediterranean and southeastern European regions. The evergreen shrub prefers fertile loamy soils and mild winters, though it can adapt to varied conditions. Steam distillation of freshly harvested leaves yields laurel leaf oil with a spicy, camphoraceous aroma containing cineole, eugenol, and other compounds. There is a stable supply of laurel leaf oil with quantities available from multiple origins including Turkey and the Balkans.

Prices at origin have increased due to inflation, permission requirements, and regulatory factors.