Immortelle Essential Oil: What are its various uses?

The essential oil of immortelle, obtained through hydrodistillation of the flowers ofHelichrysum italicum, is an essential oil that stands out for its pale yellow to golden colour and its characteristic herbaceous and slightly spicy aroma. Its soothing and healing properties make it very popular for taking care of sensitive and/or weakened skin. In addition to these anti-inflammatory effects, it has antibacterial activity, useful for combating imperfections. The Italian helichrysum essential oil also has a tightening effect, allowing it to slow down the onset of wrinkles. Finally, it is frequently used to relieve heavy legs, varicose veins and bruises due to its beneficial action on blood circulation.

Highly versatile, the essential oil of immortelle provides numerous skin applications.

How to use Italian Helichrysum essential oil on the skin?

Extremely gentle, the essential oil of immortelle can be used on both the body and the face. However, it is important to note that, like the majority of essential oils, it should never be used in its pure form. A dilution of 10% in the carrier oil of your choice is recommended. Therefore, if you wish to prepare 30 mL of solution, you will need to mix 3 mL of essential oil and 27 mL of carrier oil. One of the most popular combinations in scientific literature is that between the essential oil of immortelle and therosehip carrier oil, known for its positive effects on mature skin. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lighter carrier oil such as jojoba oil or argan oil, as rosehip oil can be slightly comedogenic.

Precautions for Use : Even though Italian Helichrysum essential oil is generally well tolerated, it's important to note that it contains certain allergenic compounds such as linalool (≈ 6%) and limonene (≈ 6%). Therefore, it is recommended to test it in the crook of your elbow before applying it to a larger skin area. Moreover, as a precautionary principle, the use of Immortelle essential oil is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children.

The Italian helichrysum essential oil is also a friend to the scalp and hair. Indeed, its soothing virtues are appreciated by irritated scalps or those prone to itching. Furthermore, the essential oil of immortelle is recognised for its antioxidant properties, allowing it to protect the hair from oxidative stress, which can accelerate hair loss and also alter their natural colour. Finally, it is good to know that several studies have shown that this essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal effects, which are beneficial for purifying the scalp.

Primarily used on the scalp, the essential oil of immortelle can also be applied along the lengths.

How to use Italian Helichrysum essential oil in hair application?

Just as when using it on the face or body, it is recommended to dilute the essential oil of immortelle to 10% in a carrier oil before applying it to the scalp. To avoid a greasy finish, opt for a carrier oil with a light texture such as hazelnut oil or camellia oil. Then apply the mixture to your scalp and gently massage it in. Even if you choose a carrier oil with a dry touch, it is advisable to shampoo within the next hour or the following morning, especially if your scalp tends to become oily quickly or if you have fine hair.

The essential oil of immortelle, when used in synergy with a vegetable oil, can also be applied along the lengths of the hair. To do this, take a few drops of the mixture and apply it strand by strand, from mid-lengths to ends. You can then leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight before washing your hair. This lesser-known use of Italian helichrysum essential oil not only allows hair fibres to benefit from the nourishing effects of a vegetable oil bath, but also from the antioxidant virtues of the essential oil.

The oral intake of immortelle essential oil is possible but requires supervision by a healthcare professional due to its anticoagulant and blood-thinning effects. In a medical context, it can be used to prevent or alleviate circulation disorders such as varicose veins or to relieve muscle pain. Some doctors also use Italian helichrysum essential oil diluted in a vegetable oil or honey to reduce the symptoms of rosacea. However, this use of immortelle essential oil remains relatively uncommon and requires further scientific research.

Outside of a medical context, Immortelle essential oil is not used for oral intake, diffusion, or inhalation.

• LALL M. & al. Investigating the Anti-Acne Potential of Impepho [Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet] to Counteract Cutibacterium acnes Virulence. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020).

• BARLIC-MAGANJA D. & al. A Review and Evaluation of the Data Supporting Internal Use of Helichrysum italicum. Plants (2021).

• OBERMAYER B. & al. Skin and Vascular Fitness. SOFW Journal - Home and Personal Care Ingredients & Formulations (2023).

• KONCIC M. & al. Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin-Based Helichrysum italicum Extracts: Antioxidant and Cosmeceutical Activity and Biocompatibility. Antioxidants (2023).