Cosmetics

Helichrysum italicum is used widely in the cosmetic industry due to its high level of nerol, neryl acetate, linalool and limonene, which are widely reported to enhance the skin’s ability to regenerate itself. Known in France as the ‘Fountain of Youth in a bottle’ for its regenerative, anti-aging properties, it is thought that Immortelle increases the skin’s natural collagen amounts, which in turn, reduces wrinkles and improves the appearance of the skin.

It is generally considered to be a safe, non-toxic, non-irritating oil that is often applied neat or diluted and is actually the preferred method of administration when using the essential oil to treat conditions such as muscle aches and bruises. When helichrysum is used at any concentration above 20%, the effects are nearly instantaneous. For this reason, helichrysum oil is in wide favor with massage therapists who use the oil to treat lingering muscle injuries. Perhaps the key to Immortelle oil’s popularity in use for treating injuries is that it is fast-acting, but also long lasting.

Care should be taken when applying helichrysum undiluted to the skin for the first time, as mild reactions have been known to occur in those with sensitivities to fragrances. Some research has shown helichrysum to be a non-irritant, however, Tisserand notes in his widely respected manual Essential Oil Safety that helichrysum has the potential to be a moderate skin irritant to those with fragrance sensitivities. Thus, as with any new preparation being applied to the skin, one should start applying the oil in a diluted state (a concentration of helichrysum at 0.5% was not found to be irritating to even the fragrance-sensitive volunteers) and work towards applying the oil undiluted over time if no adverse reaction is experienced. 

There are no known contraindications when using helichrysum as an adjunct to other medications, natural or otherwise, and is “Generally Recommended as Safe” by the United States Federal Drug Administration.Helichrysum has not been found to increase photosensitivity, and has even been suggested as a beneficial addition to sunscreens. Helichrysum is noted as being contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, however.