Horseradish

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and cabbages. The plant is probably native to south eastern Europe and western Asia, but is popular around the world today. It grows up to 1.5 metres (five feet) tall and is mainly cultivated for its large white, tapered root. The intact horseradish root has hardly any aroma. When cut or grated, however, enzymes from the damaged plant cells break down sinigrin (a glucosinolate) to produce allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), which irritates the sinuses and eyes. Once grated, if not used immediately or mixed in vinegar, the root darkens, loses its pungency, and becomes unpleasantly bitter when exposed to air and heat.

Fleur-de-lys

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water

Fleur-de-lys (Centaurea cyanus L.) is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. It is an annual plant that is widespread in Europe, from the Mediterranean through to the more mountainous regions. The Fleur-de-lys flower boasts excellent softening, soothing and moisturising properties, both due to the presence of flavonoids, known to be excellent in relieving congestion, and to the presence of pectin, a substance with outstanding moisturising properties. These active ingredients are able to absorb significant quantities of water, which, when applied to the skin surface, form a thin, elastic film that can release water to the epidermis, leaving skin elastic and moisturised. Thanks to these properties, Fleur-de-lys extract is used to prepare cosmetics for the eye contours, for dry skin or for sensitive skin that reddens easily.

Citronella

Cymbopogon shoenanthus oil

Citronella (Cymbopogon genus) is a perennial herb from the temperate-warm and tropical regions of the Old World. It is very famous for its ability to repel mosquitoes, but in cosmetics is also used for itsastringent power and as a toner. Its citrus odour, similar the lemon, makes it an interesting additive in aromatising cosmetic formulas, giving the product a greater sensation of freshness.

Carnation

Eugenia caryophyllus leaf oil

Eugenia caryophyllata is an evergreen tree of the Myrtaceae family that grows wild in the Antilles, in Madagascar and in Indonesia. The essential oil that abounds in the leaves has excellent anti-microbial power. Eugenol is the chemical substance responsible for the bactericide actions. It accounts for 80% of the essential oil active against bacteria. It is used incosmetics both for its antimicrobial properties and its toning effect due to the presence of tannins. It also boasts extremely high antioxidant action, useful in preventing the damages caused by the free radicals to restore tone and vitality to the skin. Its characteristic strong, sweet, flowery, slightly “peppery” odour means that it is used in cosmetics to give products a characteristic aroma.