Helichrysum italicum
Helichrysum italicum (also known as Immortelle, Everlasting or Curry plant) is prized in natural skincare for its regenerative, soothing, and protective properties. Its name means “golden sun of Italy”, evoking its native Mediterranean habitat. Immortelle is French for ‘immortal’ or ‘everlasting’, for its straw-like flowers that appear alive, retaining their bright yellow color even after they are dried.
Helichrysum has a rich spectrum of compounds that are only just being discovered for its numerous benefits for the skin, given its relatively late appearance in the aromatherapy field (within the past two decades). What has been found is that the oil of Helichrysum has a high percentage of beta-diketones. Diketones are highly regarded as important constituents for the multitude of skin care benefits including skin repair, scar reduction, improving elasticity and reducing inflammation, among others.