Our Favorite LINNÉ Summer Flowers and Their Properties

We’re celebrating summer’s blooms by sharing some of our favorite LINNÉ flower ingredients and their properties.

Achillea millefolium (YARROW) in REFRESH

Yarrow’s antiseptic and astringent properties make it a welcome treatment for oily skin, blackheads, blemishes, and enlarged pores. It has also been known to aid in the healing of eczema. The main constituents of Yarrow extract are volatile oils including linalool, camphor, chamazulene, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, salicylic acid, coumarins, and tannins, all of which improve skin health and appearance.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HIBISCUS) in RENEW

Hibiscus contains antioxidants that maintain elasticity and promote even skin tone. Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C, which is valuable to the synthesis of collagen. Some studies have shown that Vitamin C, both when applied topically and when consumed as a dietary supplement, may help prevent and treat ultraviolet-induced photodamage. Additional studies suggest that the content of protocatechuic acid within hibiscus inhibits the growth of cancerous cells.

Cymbopogon martinii (PALMAROSA) in PURIFY, REPAIR, BALANCE & SMOOTH

Palmarosa essential oil is widely recognized for its ability to moisturize the skin while also regulating and balancing oil production and hydration levels to maintain skin elasticity and texture. Palmarosa essential oil is highly regarded for its ability to stimulate cell regeneration and accelerate the skin’s healing process; thus helping to minimize scarring,  wrinkles and fine lines. Furthermore, the essential oil contains antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, which are beneficial for alleviating acne, dermatitis, and other skin infections. 

Used in aromatherapy, palmarosa supports deep sleep, calms and balances one’s mood, offers relief from grief, depression, fatigue, anxiety, and anger, and even provides support for feminine cycles. 

Pelargonium graveolens (GERANIUM) in REPAIR, BALANCE, & SMOOTH

Considered antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, vulnerary, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, detoxifying, and an overall tonic, the benefits of geranium essential oil to the skin are quite extensive. Geranium essential oil’s ability to reduce inflammation, curb bacterial infection, and control excessive secretion of sebum make it an effective treatment for acne as well as skin infections such as eczema and dermatitis. It has also long been recognized as a remedy for wounds, bruises, cuts, and burns, as it not only has healing capabilities, but also works to reduce scarring and restore a healthy texture and tone to damaged skin.

Geranium stimulates the brain’s adrenal cortex, which is responsible for balancing hormones in the body, thus allowing this essential oil to have a harmonizing effect on emotions, relieve stress and tension, reduce mood swings, and provide support to feminine cycles. Owing to its antimicrobial properties and lovely scent, Geranium essential oil exits the body during perspiration and can therefore work as an effective natural deodorant. 

Citrus aurantium var. amara (PETITGRAIN SUR FLEURS) in REPAIR, BALANCE & RISE

Petitgrain sur fleurs essential oil possesses antibacterial, antifungal, cicatrisant, and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which make it an effective skin toning agent and topical treatment for acne and oily or irritated skin. These qualities also allow it to stimulate the healing process of cuts, rashes, and other skin abrasions and result in a quicker recovery. 

Petitgrain essential oil contains linalyl acetate, a compound that is celebrated for its ability to reduce anxiety, calm the mind, and provide a stabilizing and balancing effect on the nervous system.

Helichrysum italicum (IMMORTELLE) in REPAIR

An antispasmodic, anti-allergenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cicatrisant, antiseptic, emollient, fungicidal, and cytophylactic substance, Immortelle essential oil is a highly valuable addition to skincare preparations. Evident in its common names “immortal” and “everlasting”, and owing to its exceptional content of beta diketones, the use of immortelle will ensure a youthful appearance. This essential oil promotes cell health, encourages the recycling of dead cells, and stimulates the production of new cells. This regenerative quality helps control the appearance of skin blemishes and scarring from acne. It also has an uplifting effect on mental function and improves meridian flow.

Lavandula angustifolia (LAVENDER) in REFRESH, BALANCE & SKIN TEA

Recognized for its antiseptic and antifungal qualities, the Latin name for this plant is lavare, which, appropriately, translates as ‘to wash’. Lavender essential oil is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns because its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties allow it to improve the formation of scar tissues and to prevent against damage from free radicals. These same qualities also make lavender essential oil a effective in preventing premature aging, reducing acne and restoring a healthy, radiant complexion.

The aroma is a repellent for many types of insects and its calming scent works to alleviate stress, anxiety, insomnia and headaches.

Calendula officinalis (MARIGOLD) in NOURISH and CLEANSE

The essential oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, and relieving diaper rash. 

Calendula aids the skin with nutrient absorption and moisture retention. The petals contains oleanic acid, lupeol, quercetin, α amyrin and β amyrin compounds that are known to provide antioxidant protection, soothe skin and reduce discomfort. It’s healing properties are further amplified by its ability to increase blood flow and oxygenate the skin.