All hail neroli !
why we love this precious and versatile blossom
You ever just wanna throw on a long flowing gown, frolic through some lush tall grass and stop to smell all of earth’s sensational offerings? Yeah, me neither, but I’m willing to bet that Anne Marie Orsini, princess of Nerola, Italy (1642-1722) spent her down time doing just that. Word on the street is that this French courtier was quite fond of the blossoms from a bitter orange tree and would use them for relaxing baths. It’s said her gloves oozed notes of honeyed floral, earth, and spice. Was it this sweet, sensual essence that upheld her strong political influence? That, we may never know — but apparently it *did* have an influence on the official name for this unique oil. Nerola, neroli - there you go! (in my best Italian accent)
Neroli oil is extracted from its blossoms through a steam distillation process. It takes a whole lot of blossoms just to make one pound of oil, making this essence pretty pricey and oh, so desirable. But before it was strewed on the delicate wrists of duchesses, it was a hot commodity in North Africa and Asia. Believed to act as an antiseptic, neroli was used in ancient medicinal practices to fight infection and boost the immune system. Aromatherapy research discovered that inhalation of Neroli oils can decrease stress levels and stimulate the endocrine system (a series of glands in our bodies that produce hormones used to control most of our bodily functions). Emotionally, the scent is believed to help heal the heart. If you’re in need of a little time to recline and unwind, then neroli oil just might be for you!
We love the inviting notes of sweet citrus, warm musk, and earth our Neroli scent presents, making the cozy corners of your living room or bathtub that much more soothing … spa day anyone? This alluring essence makes for great skincare, too! We combined neroli and rose flower waters (water-steam distilled from the blossoms) for a seductive botanical fragrance that doubles as a soothing tonic for many skin types. Neroli has the unique ability to stimulate cell regeneration which can help combat scarring, stretch marks, and age spots. It also adds a hydrating element to our tonic without clogging your pores. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it safe on sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. Additionally, the rose water conditions and soothes redness and blemishes while the grapefruit seed extract brightens and tightens and acts as a natural preservative. We love this ritual product as a great companion to those much needed mid-day refreshers, when the air is dry and your skin is in desperate need of a lil’ sip.
Photo credit: Gabriella S Csapo
Drawing and animation by @big____face____