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    SILLORIA

    Ingredient Profile

    Helichrysum, often called Immortelle, yields a bright, herbaceous oil prized for its crisp green notes and subtle honeyed undertones, making…More

    Italy

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    Fragrances

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    Character

    The Story of Helichrysum

    Helichrysum, often called Immortelle, yields a bright, herbaceous oil prized for its crisp green notes and subtle honeyed undertones, making it a staple in premium fragrance blends.

    Heritage

    Helichrysum has traced its aromatic lineage to the Mediterranean coast, where ancient Greeks named it "immortelle" for the flower's ability to retain color long after drying. Classical texts record its use in ceremonial incense and folk remedies for skin ailments. By the early 19th century, French perfumers began incorporating Helichrysum oil into colognes, noting its bright, green character. Napoleon's army reportedly carried dried stems to mask the smell of gunpowder, a story that underscores its historic utility. In the 20th century, the oil fell out of favor due to limited supply, but a resurgence in natural‑focused perfumery revived interest, especially after scientific studies highlighted its antioxidant sesquiterpenes. Today, Helichrysum remains a niche but respected ingredient, prized for its distinctive aroma and therapeutic reputation.

    At a Glance

    Origin

    Italy

    Primary source region

    Ingredient Details

    Extraction

    Steam distillation

    Used Parts

    Flower heads and leaves

    Did You Know

    "Napoleon reportedly claimed that the scent of dried Helichrysum flowers could lift his spirits during campaigns, a testament to its long‑standing reputation for mood‑enhancing aroma."

    Production

    How Helichrysum Is Made

    Helichrysum italicum oil originates from the glandular hairs that coat its silvery leaves and flower heads. Harvesters collect the plant at full bloom, then dry the material to preserve volatile compounds. The dried tops undergo steam distillation, a process that passes saturated steam through the plant matter, capturing the essential oil in a condenser. Hydrodistillation, a variant that immerses the material in water, yields a comparable profile but with slightly higher sesquiterpene content. For absolute production, the dried flowers are subjected to solvent extraction using hexane; the resulting concrete is washed with ethanol to isolate the fragrant absolute. Typical essential‑oil yields range from 0.1 to 0.5 percent by weight, while absolutes can reach 1.2 percent of the dry material. The final product is filtered, stored in amber glass, and kept at low temperature to prevent oxidation of its delicate terpenes.

    Provenance

    Italy

    Italy41.9°N, 12.5°E

    About Helichrysum