Our organically grown Helichrysum is a stunningly beautiful and beneficial essential oil that makes an excellent addition to skin care formulas; its aroma is rich, pungent, warm, sweet herbaceous and very diffusive, with honey and tea-like, earthy undertones and possesses outstanding tenacity.

Helichrysum italicum means ‘golden sun of Italy’[3] and is evocative of the striking habitat of this plant in its bright maize-colored meadows. Immortelle is French for ‘immortal’ or ‘everlasting’ (two quite common names for Helichrysum) and refers to the straw-like flowers that appear living after they are dried, retaining a bright yellow color as if frozen in time. It is a plant that can grow in even the most depleted soils and under very harsh conditions, provided there is abundant sunshine.[4] This plant is part of the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is often called the ‘curry plant’ due to the pungent and unusual odor of the leaves. It is also the source of Immortelle Absolute – an important fragrance material in natural perfumery.

Helichrysum is an extremely versatile oil that has a rich spectrum of compounds; aromatherapy literature is filled with numerous mentions of its successful use in skin care. But because it is only within the last 20 years that Helichrysum has been distilled and in the last 10 years more widely distributed, it is very late to appear in the aromatherapists’ arsenals; thus, until recently, the amount of research on this oil has been very slim. What is known is that Helichrysum contains the highest known percentage of beta-diketones of any essential oil. Diketones, found only in Helichrysum italicum, are highly regarded as important constituents responsible in part for Helichrysum’s reputation for its many superlative skin care benefits.[5]

Helichrysum is best used highly diluted in skin care formulas for aging/mature, oily and sensitive skin in particular,[6] as well as in massage blends, leg lotions and chest rubs. It is important to note that it is most active when used in a synergistic blend with other essential oils.[7]