Lavender Hand Cream

A flowering plant in the mint family, lavender is most closely associated with the Provence region of France, where it is a thriving industry. Steam distilled from the freshcut flowering tops and stalks, the essential oil has a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma celebrated for its calming benefits. It is unrivaled in its popularity and combines well with many oils.

Steam-distilled from the chipped wood of a tree native to Brazil, Peru and Guyana, rosewood has a balsamic, floral, slightly rose-like fragrance.

An ornamental perennial native to the northern Mediterranean, clary sage has spiking flowers from which its essential oil is steam distilled. Sweet and fresh, with warm undertones of nuts and balsam, it is popular in perfumes and as a flavoring in vermouths, wines and liqueurs. It is known to relieve insomnia and anxiety.

Long beloved by perfumers (and, apparently, Napolean Bonaparte), the violet plant produces fragrant flowers and leaves. Unlike the sweet, powdery scent of the flower, violet leaf has a green aroma reminiscent of freshly mown grass with a hint of moist cucumber.