Immortelle
In Corsica, the French "Island of Beauty", grows a plant called immortelle. Its flower never fades, even after it's been picked.
Because it grows in exceptionally sunny conditions, this "Golden Sun" offers the very best from its active ingredients, resisting time and environmental aggressors. Immortelle also contains a high concentration of neryl acetate – a molecule that has an anti-ageing properties and boasts 6 patent pendings, in France.
For over 18 years, L'OCCITANE has been working on its anti-ageing properties and has already filed six patents in France.
Benefits of Immortelle
Derived from the immortelle plant, this natural ingredient is often referred to as the ‘flower of beauty and youth’. Used primarily as an oil, Immortelle is renowned for both its restorative properties and its effectiveness on scarred or damaged skin, therefore it’s often used in the treatment of acne scars and inflamed blemishes. Immortelle oil is also known for reducing redness while restoring the healthy skin glow by correcting underlying complexities and renewing the skin through detoxification and collagen production.
As well as these practical uses, the immortelle flower is also said to contain natural moisturising properties that help to fight the signs of ageing; evening the appearance and texture of the skin, reducing the appearance of age spots and combating the development of fine lines and under-eye wrinkles.
Immortelle Collections
IMMORTELLE RESET
IMMORTELLE PRECIOUS
IMMORTELLE DIVINE
IMMORTELLE DIVINE HARMONIE
OUR PRODUCERS
We currently work with a dozen producers and distillers in Corsica to grow, harvest and distil the precious immortelle flowers. Immortelle grows wild in Corsica, but it would be risky (and unsustainable!) to harvest and use the wild plant. So, in 2004, we launched our immortelle plantation programme. 50 hectares were planted! We work with several producers in Corsica. They grow immortelle organically, and their contracts with L'OCCITANE cover several years.
The Immortelle flowers are picked in the morning and distilled the same day, in the evening, to extract all their constituents. 1 hectare provides enough land to produce 4 tons of flowers.
Ethical Sourcing
In 2004, L'OCCITANE decided to set up a plantation programme to cultivate this wild species. The Sustainable Ingredients department invited several producers to become involved in the first organic cultivation of this incredible flower.
Cultivation is the only way to ensure a sustainable supply of immortelle essential oil without putting pressure on the natural environment of Helichrysum italicum. Man's intervention has come at no cost to the environment, and every plot of land is cultivated in the most natural way possible.
Immortelle: Frequently Asked Questions
What is immortelle and why is it used in anti-ageing skincare?
Immortelle, also known as helichrysum, is a golden flower that grows wild in Corsica. Its name means everlasting, as the flower retains its colour and form even after it has been picked. The plant is rich in neryl acetate, a molecule with proven anti-ageing properties, along with antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental damage. L'Occitane has spent over 18 years researching its benefits and holds six patents in France related to its anti-ageing applications.
Does immortelle help reduce wrinkles?
Immortelle oil has been shown to help inhibit the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. Regular use can support a reduction in the visible depth and volume of fine lines and wrinkles over time. It also helps to even skin tone, reduce the appearance of age spots and improve overall radiance. Results vary by individual, and consistent daily use over several weeks is recommended to see visible improvement.
Which Immortelle skincare range is right for me?
L'Occitane offers four Immortelle collections designed to address different stages and signs of ageing. Immortelle Reset is ideal for those beginning to notice early signs of fatigue, dullness and loss of radiance. Formulated with Immortelle essential oil and botanical extracts, it helps protect skin against external aggressors, restore radiance, reduce the appearance of fatigue and maintain the skin's natural balance. The Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum is also formulated for sensitive skin, providing gentle care while helping the complexion look refreshed and revitalised. Immortelle Precious targets the first signs of ageing, including fine lines and loss of firmness. Its formulas help restore skin firmness and boost the skin's natural ability to renew itself, leaving the complexion looking smoother, more resilient and youthful. Immortelle-Divine is designed for more advanced signs of ageing. It deeply nourishes the skin, helps promote micro-circulation, diminishes the appearance of crow's feet, reduces puffiness and helps restore the skin's natural balance for a firmer, more radiant complexion. Immortelle-Divine Harmony is suited to those looking for intensive anti-ageing care for deep-set wrinkles and significant hydration. Its formulas help improve the appearance of skin density, smooth visible signs of ageing and restore comfort, suppleness and radiance. Starting with an in-store consultation can help identify the best Immortelle routine for your skin concerns.
Is immortelle suitable for sensitive skin?
Immortelle essential oil is generally well tolerated, including by sensitive skin types. It has natural soothing properties that can help comfort and calm the skin. The **Immortelle Reset Serum is specifically formulated for sensitive skin**, helping protect against external aggressors, restore radiance, reduce the appearance of fatigue and maintain skin balance while remaining gentle enough for daily use. As with any active skincare ingredient, it is recommended to perform a patch test when introducing a new Immortelle product, particularly if your skin is prone to redness or reacts easily to facial oils and serums.
What are the benefits of Immortelle Divine Harmonie?
Immortelle Divine Harmonie is L'Occitane's most advanced anti-ageing collection, designed for mature skin with visible signs of ageing. Formulated with powerful Immortelle extracts and nourishing ingredients, it helps deeply hydrate, smooth the appearance of deep-set wrinkles and improve the look of skin firmness and density. With continued use, skin appears more radiant, supple and revitalised.
How is L'Occitane's immortelle sustainably sourced?
Immortelle grows wild in Corsica, but harvesting it from the wild would be unsustainable. In 2004, L'Occitane launched an organic plantation programme, establishing 50 hectares of cultivated immortelle across a network of partner producers. The flowers are picked by hand each morning and distilled the same evening to preserve their active properties. Every plot is grown organically and producer contracts span multiple years, ensuring a stable and ethical supply chain.
What are the benefits of the Immortelle Shea body care collection?
The Immortelle Shea Collection combines the nourishing power of shea butter with the antioxidant benefits of immortelle flower. Designed for body care, this luxurious range deeply hydrates, helps improve the feeling of skin firmness and revitalises the skin for a smooth, supple and radiant-looking glow. Enriched with moisturising ingredients, it helps nourish dry skin while leaving the body feeling soft, comfortable and beautifully cared for.