Essential Oils & Aromatherapy · Essential oil
Helichrysum Oil (Immortelle)
Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don · also called Immortelle, everlasting, Italian everlasting, curry plant
Helichrysum oil, also called immortelle, is a warm, sweet-smelling oil distilled from the yellow flowering tops of a Mediterranean plant. It is sold for scars, bruises and skin care. We found no human trial of the oil for any of those uses; the evidence is lab and rat work. The main caution: it must not be swallowed, and it can cause a skin allergy.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Helichrysum Oil (Immortelle)
Helichrysum oil is a warm flower oil from a Mediterranean plant, sold for scars, bruises and skin care. We found no human trial of the oil for any use; the best-known results come from rats, test tubes and tests of extracts or creams. Safety comes first: do not swallow it, do not use it undiluted or on broken skin, keep it from children and pets, and know that it can cause a skin allergy.
What helichrysum oil is
The oil is distilled from the flowering tops of Helichrysum italicum, a Mediterranean shrub in the daisy family (Asteraceae, per GBIF). It is also called immortelle or everlasting. A solvent absolute and a CO2 extract are different products from the steam-distilled oil.
The oil is a mixture. The italicum type is described as rich in neryl acetate and italidiones, which perfumers value. In one Italian oil neryl acetate was 15.75% and alpha-pinene 8.21%. Other papers found oils led by gamma-curcumene or by alpha-pinene and geranyl acetate, and 18 Adriatic populations fell into three chemical types. So bottles differ.
It is not a food or a nutrient. A tea of the plant is a different product and is not evidence for the oil.
What people use it for, and how strong the evidence is
For scars and bruises, no human trial of the oil was found. A systematic review of essential oils on scars and wounds found three studies of three different products, and its abstract does not name helichrysum.
For wounds, two studies in diabetic rats found better healing with immortelle oil ointment or gel. Rats are not people. For irritated or ageing skin, tests used an extract on fabric and a three-ingredient cream, not the oil.
Other results are from the lab: antibacterial and antifungal action, enzyme blocking, and cell tests. A 2026 review calls a role in mouth ulcers a hypothesis. A small tea trial in 27 adults is about a tea, not the oil.
How good is the research?
Small, mostly by a few groups, and none of it tests the oil on people. The wound studies came from one research group using home-made formulas in rats, and one has a 2025 erratum. The cream study had no comparison group and funding is not stated in the abstract. Several papers are reviews of lab work.
Reviews say the same: most traditional uses are not proven and clinical trials are needed.
Oil, absolute, extract and tea are different
The French allergy cases involved a flower absolute. The skin-fabric test used a CO2 extract. The cream used an extract. The tea trial used an infusion. The rat studies used the oil in an ointment or gel. Results from one cannot be carried to another, so check what a claim was actually tested on.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Plant flowers and leaves used traditionally in Mediterranean countries for allergies, colds, cough, skin, liver and gallbladder disorders, inflammation, infections and sleeplessness (2014 review). Most of these uses are not proven.
- Perfumery: the oil of the italicum subspecies, rich in neryl acetate and italidiones, is highly valued by perfumers (2022 paper).
- Aromatherapy and skin care products, sold for scars and bruises (marketing, not shown in trials).
Studied for research
- Scars and bruises in people, none found, insufficient
- Wound healing in diabetic rats, animal only, insufficient
- Irritated or ageing skin, extract or cream not oil, very-low
- Inflammation, mouse and cell work, insufficient
- Germs in the lab, insufficient
- Weight and body fat, plant tea not oil, very-low
Main compounds
- Neryl acetate, often the largest compound in the italicum type
- Italidiones, characteristic diketones of the italicum type
- Alpha-pinene
- Nerol and linalool
Common forms
- Essential oil (steam-distilled from flowering tops)
- Absolute (solvent extract); CO2 extract
- Skin and cosmetic products
- Herbal tea of the plant (a different product)
Research links: Poison Control: Essential oils · Pet Poison Helpline: Essential oils · French study of essential-oil allergy (abstract) · Helichrysum italicum review (abstract) · Essential oils on scars and wounds, systematic review (abstract) · GBIF: Helichrysum italicum · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Helichrysum italicum
- Naming authority
- (Roth) G.Don
- Common names
- Immortelle (English); Everlasting (English); Italian everlasting (English); Curry plant (English)
- Family or group
- Asteraceae (the daisy family; also called Compositae), per GBIF and the 2014 review.
- Classification
- Plantae > Asterales > Asteraceae > Helichrysum > Helichrysum italicum
- Native range
- A 2024 review describes a Mediterranean plant with limited distribution on Sardinia, Corsica, the Iberian Peninsula and the Adriatic islands and the Balkan peninsula.
- Habitat
- Collected from the wild in many regions, with cultivation increasing because of market demand (2024 review).
- What it looks like
- Part used: The oil comes from the flowering tops. Other products use flowers or leaves. This page does not describe how to recognise the plant.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Helichrysum arenarium (sandy everlasting) and other Helichrysum species; Note: Studies compare H. italicum with H. arenarium; their oils differ in makeup. Species and products are not interchangeable in the research.
Photographs
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean traditional medicine | A 2014 review says flowers and leaves were used in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Bosnia and Herzegovina for allergies, colds, cough, skin, liver and gallbladder disorders, inflammation, infections and sleeplessness, and that most of these uses are not yet scientifically proven. | Antunes Viegas et al. 2014 (abstract) |
| Perfumery | A 2022 paper says the typical subspecies (italicum) gives an oil rich in neryl acetate and beta-diketones called italidiones, highly valued in the perfume industry. | Gencic et al. 2022 (abstract) |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neryl acetate PubChem 1549025 | monoterpene ester | Flowering tops oil 15.75% in one Italian oil; varies by origin. | Named as dominant in many samples. In a lab test it did not block the skin enzymes the whole oil blocked. 26 7 24 | Laboratory research |
| Italidiones (4,6,9-trimethyl-8-decene-3,5-dione and a tetramethyl relative) | beta-diketones | Flowering tops oil Italidione I 7.34% and II 4.26% in one oil. | Characteristic of the italicum subspecies; no activity data in the abstracts read. 7 9 | Unknown |
| Alpha-pinene PubChem 6654 | monoterpene | Oil 8.21% in the Italian oil; 6.5% in another. | Blocked collagenase and elastase in a test tube. 26 7 13 | Laboratory research |
| Nerol PubChem 643820 | monoterpene alcohol | Oil 4.75% in one oil. | No activity against the two skin enzymes in a lab test. 26 7 | Laboratory research |
| Linalool PubChem 6549 | monoterpene alcohol | Oil 4.42% in one oil. | No activity against the two skin enzymes in a lab test. French authors say patch tests with limonene and linalool hydroperoxides (among others) detect most essential-oil allergy. 26 7 5 | Laboratory research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collagen- and elastin-breaking enzymes | Collagenase, elastase | The oil blocked both in a test tube; alpha-pinene and limonene did, neryl acetate did not. 7 | Laboratory research |
| Tissue-remodelling proteins in skin cells | Not specified | In pre-inflamed human fibroblasts the oil mainly lowered tissue-remodelling proteins. 11 | Laboratory research |
| Swelling pathways (extracts) | Corticoid-like effect, enzyme inhibition | Extracts reduced swelling in mice. 23 | In vivo animal |
| Bacterial growth and biofilm | Not specified | Antibacterial and anti-biofilm action against respiratory bacteria in culture. 4 24 | Laboratory research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not established in the sources read.
- Distribution
- Not established.
- Metabolism
- A flavonoid from the plant inhibited some CYP forms in lab work; effect on the oil's compounds not established.
- Elimination
- Not established.
- Bioavailability
- Not established.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The oil is a mixture whose makeup changes with origin, plant age and variety. In a skin-enzyme test, the pieces behaved differently from the whole oil: neryl acetate, nerol and linalool did nothing alone while alpha-pinene and limonene did. Results from extracts, teas, absolutes and creams are not results for the steam-distilled oil.
Nutritional composition
Helichrysum oil is not a nutrient or a food ingredient to take for health. A tea of the plant is a different product from the oil.
2 very low certainty7 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 9 benefits and uses checked for Helichrysum Oil (Immortelle), each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Scars and bruises (the oil on the skin)Not enough evidence
- Wound healing in diabetic rats (oil ointment or gel)Not enough evidence
- Irritated skin and skin ageing (plant extract on fabric, and a cream containing an extract)Very low certainty
- Inflammation (mouse and cell studies)Not enough evidence
- Germ-killing in the lab (bacteria, fungi)Not enough evidence
- Mouth ulcers (recurrent aphthous ulcers)Not enough evidence
- Weight and blood fats (a tea made from the plant, not the oil)Very low certainty
- Pain, cough and tiredness (taken by mouth, in mixtures)Not enough evidence
- Skin-ageing enzymes and antioxidant tests (lab only)Not enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Wound contraction (percentage)Skin hydration and water lossCollagenase and elastase inhibition (lab)Body weight and body fat
What is Helichrysum Oil (Immortelle) good for?
The uses people ask about and how strong the evidence is. Read the certainty label first: nothing here is better than very-low, and no use is backed by a trial of the oil in people.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Scars and bruises (the oil on the skin)
Not enough evidenceNo trial of helichrysum oil on scars or bruises in people was found. A systematic review of essential oils on scars and wounds found only three studies of three other products, and its abstract does not name helichrysum.
2 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
No human result exists for the oil. The scar review (3 studies, 3 other products) found that the products tested did as well as or better than controls, but helichrysum was not one of them.
Why this rating
No human trial of the oil for scars or bruises was found.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Limits
The search covered PubMed only; a trial in a journal not indexed there could exist.
Why researchers looked
Helichrysum oil is widely marketed for scars and bruises.
Traditional use
Marketing and traditional claim. A review lists traditional use for skin problems and inflammation in Mediterranean countries.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Skin-allergy risk applies to any skin use (see Safety).
Wound healing in diabetic rats (oil ointment or gel)
Not enough evidenceIn diabetic rats with skin wounds, an ointment and a gel made with immortelle oil shrank the wounds more than no treatment or the base alone. This is animal work and does not show the oil heals wounds or scars in people.
2 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Two studies by the same research group in rats.
Results
In one study, wound contraction on day 21 averaged 99.32% with the immortelle ointment, 71.36% untreated and 81.26% with the base. The hydrogel study reported better re-epithelialisation and scar maturation.
Effect sizes as reported
Rat data; no human effect size.
Why this rating
Animal only, by one group, with home-made formulas.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Diabetic rats.
Limits
The hydrogel record has a 2025 erratum. Rats heal differently from people.
Why researchers looked
Researchers followed the traditional wound use of immortelle.
Traditional use
Traditional wound use in the Mediterranean (review).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established. The authors point to more collagen and better scar maturation on slides in rats.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Skin-allergy risk applies to any skin use (see Safety).
Irritated skin and skin ageing (plant extract on fabric, and a cream containing an extract)
Very low certaintyA CO2 extract on fabric did not irritate volunteers' skin, and one fabric showed better skin protection. A night cream with three ingredients, one an helichrysum extract, improved hydration and wrinkles in open trials. Neither tested the essential oil.
3 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomized volunteer study of extract-impregnated fabrics, and four single-centre open-label trials (117 people) of a night cream with melatonin, carnosine and helichrysum extract.
Results
Fabrics: no irritation or redness; the ethanol-made polypropylene fabric protected skin better than the others. Cream: hydration rose 64.4% and water loss fell 10.0% within 1 hour; wrinkle counts fell by up to 18.9%; 86.7% said skin felt calmer.
Effect sizes as reported
The abstracts give few numbers beyond these.
Why this rating
Extract not oil, a mixed cream with no comparison group, small studies, funding unclear.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Adult volunteers.
Limits
Open-label with no placebo; the cream result cannot be credited to helichrysum alone.
Why researchers looked
People ask whether the plant calms skin.
Traditional use
Traditional skin use in the Mediterranean (review).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established. A review says flavonoids from the plant have anti-redness and sun-protective effects in animals and people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No irritation was reported with the extract fabrics; the French allergy series shows allergy to a helichrysum absolute is possible.
Inflammation (mouse and cell studies)
Not enough evidencePlant extracts reduced swelling in mice, and the oil changed some tissue-remodelling proteins in skin cells in a dish. No trial in people was found.
2 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
Extracts reduced several kinds of swelling in mice. In skin cells, helichrysum oil mainly lowered tissue-remodelling proteins.
Why this rating
Lab and animal work, extracts for the mice and oil for the cells.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Mice and cell lines.
Limits
Not tested in people.
Why researchers looked
Researchers tested the traditional anti-inflammatory use.
Traditional use
Traditional use for inflammation (review).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
A mouse paper suggests a corticoid-like effect and free-radical scavenging for extracts; the cell paper found changes in proteins linked to tissue remodelling.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Skin-allergy risk applies to any skin use (see Safety).
Germ-killing in the lab (bacteria, fungi)
Not enough evidenceA 2024 review of 20 papers describes antibacterial, antibiofilm and antifungal activity of the oil in test tubes, and a 2022 lab study tested it on respiratory bacteria. In a dog study, helichrysum oil alone showed no antifungal effect up to 10%.
3 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
Antibacterial and biofilm-blocking activity in dishes; no antifungal effect for helichrysum on its own in one lab test.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstracts.
Why this rating
Lab tests do not show the oil treats an infection.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Bacteria in culture.
Limits
The respiratory study's own 'may have a role in treating infections' is a hypothesis.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use against infections and as an expectorant.
Traditional use
Used traditionally for colds, cough and infections (review).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established. The review names neryl acetate, alpha-pinene and gamma-curcumene as dominant and says they are known for antimicrobial properties.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not use the oil in the nose, mouth or lungs; no safe way is known. See Safety.
Mouth ulcers (recurrent aphthous ulcers)
Not enough evidenceA 2026 review says a role for helichrysum oil in mouth ulcers is only a hypothesis because no clinical evidence of efficacy or safety exists.
1 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
Why this rating
No human or animal result for this use was found in the abstract.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Limits
Hypothesis paper only.
Why researchers looked
A review asked whether plant products could help mouth ulcers.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Swallowing essential oil is dangerous (see Safety); mouth-use is not recommended.
Weight and blood fats (a tea made from the plant, not the oil)
Very low certaintyIn a small trial of 27 adults, a tea of Helichrysum italicum for 28 days was linked with lower body weight and body fat. The study compared two plants and had no placebo group. It was a tea, not the oil.
1 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One double-blind randomized comparative trial of 27 people with traits of metabolic syndrome (14 on H. italicum tea, 13 on H. arenarium).
Results
H. italicum tea: significant falls in body weight, BMI, visceral and total body fat. HDL fell in both groups.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers beyond these in the abstract.
Why this rating
Tiny trial, no placebo, tea rather than oil, and HDL fell.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Adults with at least two metabolic syndrome traits.
Limits
27 people for 28 days.
Why researchers looked
Researchers tested herbal teas for metabolic syndrome.
Traditional use
Traditional teas in the Mediterranean.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
This is not evidence about the oil, and the oil is not made to be drunk.
Pain, cough and tiredness (taken by mouth, in mixtures)
Not enough evidenceA 2021 review found six trials of helichrysum products taken by mouth, for pain, cough and mental exhaustion. It was usually in a mixture, so results cannot be credited to helichrysum. This page does not advise swallowing the oil.
1 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Six trials in a review (details not in the abstract).
Results
The authors say effects are hard to credit to H. italicum because it was not tested alone; no adverse effects were reported in the trials.
Effect sizes as reported
Not in the abstract.
Why this rating
Mixtures, and the trials are not described in the abstract.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Limits
The review's 'safe to use internally' conclusion rests on mixtures, not the pure oil. Essential oils can poison if swallowed.
Why researchers looked
A review looked for clinical trials of internal use.
Traditional use
Cough and colds are traditional uses.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not swallow essential oil. Poison Control warns of serious poisoning.
Skin-ageing enzymes and antioxidant tests (lab only)
Not enough evidenceIn test tubes, the oil blocked two enzymes that break down skin collagen and elastin. Neryl acetate itself did not; other parts of the oil did. Antioxidant tests of the oil were weaker than those of the plant's extracts.
3 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
Collagenase IC50 36.99 ug/mL and elastase 135.43 ug/mL in a lab assay.
Effect sizes as reported
Lab-assay numbers only.
Why this rating
Enzyme tests do not show anti-wrinkle effects.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Limits
Test tube only.
Why researchers looked
Skin-ageing marketing.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
In a dish, alpha-pinene and limonene blocked the enzymes while neryl acetate, nerol and linalool did not.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Skin-allergy risk applies to any skin use (see Safety).
Connections to the rest of health
How Helichrysum Oil (Immortelle) connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Scars and bruises (the oil on the skin): No trial of helichrysum oil on scars or bruises in people was found. A systematic review of essential oils on scars and wounds found only three studies of three other products, and its abstract does not name helichrysum. | 25 3 | |
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Wound healing in diabetic rats (oil ointment or gel): In diabetic rats with skin wounds, an ointment and a gel made with immortelle oil shrank the wounds more than no treatment or the base alone. This is animal work and does not show the oil heals wounds or scars in people. | 1 2 | |
| Healthy Skin | Very low certainty | Irritated skin and skin ageing (plant extract on fabric, and a cream containing an extract): A CO2 extract on fabric did not irritate volunteers' skin, and one fabric showed better skin protection. A night cream with three ingredients, one an helichrysum extract, improved hydration and wrinkles in open trials. Neither tested the essential oil. | 17 10 3 | |
| Healthy Aging | Very low certainty | Irritated skin and skin ageing (plant extract on fabric, and a cream containing an extract): A CO2 extract on fabric did not irritate volunteers' skin, and one fabric showed better skin protection. A night cream with three ingredients, one an helichrysum extract, improved hydration and wrinkles in open trials. Neither tested the essential oil. | 17 10 3 | |
| Inflammation Balance | Not enough evidence | Inflammation (mouse and cell studies): Plant extracts reduced swelling in mice, and the oil changed some tissue-remodelling proteins in skin cells in a dish. No trial in people was found. | 23 11 | |
| Immune Support | Not enough evidence | Germ-killing in the lab (bacteria, fungi): A 2024 review of 20 papers describes antibacterial, antibiofilm and antifungal activity of the oil in test tubes, and a 2022 lab study tested it on respiratory bacteria. In a dog study, helichrysum oil alone showed no antifungal effect up to 10%. | 24 4 18 | |
| Immune Support | Not enough evidence | Mouth ulcers (recurrent aphthous ulcers): A 2026 review says a role for helichrysum oil in mouth ulcers is only a hypothesis because no clinical evidence of efficacy or safety exists. | 12 | |
| Metabolic Health | Very low certainty | Weight and blood fats (a tea made from the plant, not the oil): In a small trial of 27 adults, a tea of Helichrysum italicum for 28 days was linked with lower body weight and body fat. The study compared two plants and had no placebo group. It was a tea, not the oil. | 14 | |
| Cholesterol Balance | Very low certainty | Weight and blood fats (a tea made from the plant, not the oil): In a small trial of 27 adults, a tea of Helichrysum italicum for 28 days was linked with lower body weight and body fat. The study compared two plants and had no placebo group. It was a tea, not the oil. | 14 | |
| Pain Relief | Not enough evidence | Pain, cough and tiredness (taken by mouth, in mixtures): A 2021 review found six trials of helichrysum products taken by mouth, for pain, cough and mental exhaustion. It was usually in a mixture, so results cannot be credited to helichrysum. This page does not advise swallowing the oil. | 15 | |
| Breathing Support | Not enough evidence | Pain, cough and tiredness (taken by mouth, in mixtures): A 2021 review found six trials of helichrysum products taken by mouth, for pain, cough and mental exhaustion. It was usually in a mixture, so results cannot be credited to helichrysum. This page does not advise swallowing the oil. | 15 | |
| Reduce Fatigue | Not enough evidence | Pain, cough and tiredness (taken by mouth, in mixtures): A 2021 review found six trials of helichrysum products taken by mouth, for pain, cough and mental exhaustion. It was usually in a mixture, so results cannot be credited to helichrysum. This page does not advise swallowing the oil. | 15 | |
| Healthy Aging | Not enough evidence | Skin-ageing enzymes and antioxidant tests (lab only): In test tubes, the oil blocked two enzymes that break down skin collagen and elastin. Neryl acetate itself did not; other parts of the oil did. Antioxidant tests of the oil were weaker than those of the plant's extracts. | 7 13 8 | |
| Cellular Protection | Not enough evidence | Skin-ageing enzymes and antioxidant tests (lab only): In test tubes, the oil blocked two enzymes that break down skin collagen and elastin. Neryl acetate itself did not; other parts of the oil did. Antioxidant tests of the oil were weaker than those of the plant's extracts. | 7 13 8 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Hair Beauty | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Scars and bruises (the oil on the skin) Studied for: Irritated skin and skin ageing (plant extract on fabric, and a cream containing an extract) | 25 3 17 10 7 13 8 |
| Integumentary System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Wound healing in diabetic rats (oil ointment or gel) | 1 2 |
| Pain Inflammation | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Inflammation (mouse and cell studies) Studied for: Pain, cough and tiredness (taken by mouth, in mixtures) | 23 11 15 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Germ-killing in the lab (bacteria, fungi) | 24 4 18 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Mouth ulcers (recurrent aphthous ulcers) | 12 |
| Metabolism Weight | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Weight and blood fats (a tea made from the plant, not the oil) | 14 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Two cases attributed to an absolute in a 42-patient French series; a case report with a cream. Preparation or compound: Helichrysum flower absolute and extracts on skin |
5 6 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wound contraction (percentage) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: increase. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| Skin hydration and water loss | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 10 17 |
| Collagenase and elastase inhibition (lab) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: decrease. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 |
| Body weight and body fat | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: decrease. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 14 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neryl acetate | Biological association | In vitro | Named as dominant in many samples. In a lab test it did not block the skin enzymes the whole oil blocked. Preparation or compound: Flowering tops oil |
26 7 24 |
| Italidiones (4,6,9-trimethyl-8-decene-3,5-dione and a tetramethyl relative) | Biological association | Unknown | Characteristic of the italicum subspecies; no activity data in the abstracts read. Preparation or compound: Flowering tops oil |
7 9 |
| Alpha-pinene | Biological association | In vitro | Blocked collagenase and elastase in a test tube. Preparation or compound: Oil |
26 7 13 |
| Nerol | Biological association | In vitro | No activity against the two skin enzymes in a lab test. Preparation or compound: Oil |
26 7 |
| Linalool | Biological association | In vitro | No activity against the two skin enzymes in a lab test. French authors say patch tests with limonene and linalool hydroperoxides (among others) detect most essential-oil allergy. Preparation or compound: Oil |
26 7 5 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 1 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Helichrysum Oil (Immortelle). Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We read the abstracts of 22 PubMed papers and the title of one more (one by title only), the Poison Control page and part of the Pet Poison Helpline page, checked the plant name in GBIF and the compounds in PubChem. We did not find or read a LiverTox, LactMed, EFSA, IFRA or FDA statement.
Study library: every study we checked 27
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andjic 2022 Immortelle essential oil-based ointment improves wound healing in a diabetic rat model Biomed Pharmacother · PMID 35429742 · DOI |
Animal study (rats) animal |
32 Diabetic rats with excision wounds |
Immortelle essential oil ointment (compared with silver sulfadiazine, base, untreated) essential oil Not reported here |
On day 21 average wound contraction was 99.32% with the Immortelle ointment, versus 71.36% untreated and 81.26% with the ointment base. Scar maturation and collagen density looked better on slides. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Wound contraction, hydroxyproline, histology Limitations: Rats, not people; a made-up ointment; wound contraction in rats is not scar or bruise healing in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Andjic 2024 Immortelle Essential-Oil-Enriched Hydrogel for Diabetic Wound Repair: Development, Characterization, and In Vivo Efficacy Assessment Pharmaceutics · PMID 39458638 · DOI |
Animal study (rats) animal |
Diabetic rats with excision wounds | Immortelle essential oil hydrogel (compared with silver sulfadiazine, gel base, untreated) essential oil Not reported here |
The hydrogel was not irritating and, by the authors' macroscopic, biochemical and histology results, improved wound repair, with better re-epithelialisation, scar maturation and collagen density. The record carries an erratum from 2025. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Irritation, wound repair, histology Limitations: Rats, not people; a made hydrogel; numbers are not in the abstract; an erratum exists. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Antunes Viegas 2014 Helichrysum italicum: from traditional use to scientific data J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 24239849 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Plant, extracts and isolated compounds | Helichrysum italicum (plant, extracts, compounds) flowers and leaves Not reported here |
Traditional use in Mediterranean countries for allergies, colds, cough, skin, liver and gallbladder disorders, inflammation, infections and sleeplessness. Lab work showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Anti-redness and sun-protective activity of its flavonoids was shown in animals and humans. The plant did not show significant cytotoxicity or genotoxicity, one flavonoid inhibited some CYP liver-enzyme forms, and a case of allergic reaction to its extracts has been reported. The authors say most traditionally claimed uses are not proven and clinical trials are needed. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicity, safety Limitations: Narrative review of mixed extracts and compounds, not the essential oil; the abstract gives no numbers. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Balazs 2022 Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) Essential Oil Showed Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibitory Activity against Respiratory Tract Pathogens Molecules · PMID 36080283 · DOI |
Laboratory study lab |
Four species of respiratory bacteria in culture | Immortelle essential oil essential oil Not reported here |
The oil had antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects against the respiratory bacteria tested. H. parainfluenzae was most sensitive and P. aeruginosa most resistant. The authors say the oil may have a role in treating respiratory infections, which is a hypothesis. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Bacterial growth and biofilm Limitations: Test-tube work only; the abstract gives no numbers; it does not show benefit in a person with a chest infection. Funding and conflicts: No conflict declared. Read: abstract |
| Barbaud 2023 Allergic contact dermatitis from essential oil in consumer products: Mode of uses and value of patch tests with an essential oil series. Results of a French study of the DAG Contact Dermatitis · PMID 37403438 · DOI |
Case series of patients with essential oil allergy |
42 French adults with allergic contact dermatitis from their own essential oils (79% women, average age 50) |
Essential oils used by patients; two cases attributed to helichrysum italicum flower absolute flower absolute Not reported here |
All 42 patients were sensitised to the essential oil they used, mainly lavender, tea tree and ravintsara. Two cases were attributed to helichrysum (flower absolute). 8 patients needed hospital care. 71% had positive patch tests to fragrance mix I or II. 40% did not mention essential-oil use unprompted, and only 33% had been given advice at purchase. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cause of the allergy; patch tests Limitations: Small clinic series of people already allergic; cannot give a rate for helichrysum. The product was an absolute, not the steam-distilled oil. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Foti 2013 Allergic contact dermatitis caused by Helichrysum italicum contained in an emollient cream Contact Dermatitis · PMID 23782363 · DOI |
Case report (title only) |
Patient reacting to a cream | Emollient cream containing Helichrysum italicum Not reported here |
Title only was read: it reports allergic contact dermatitis caused by Helichrysum italicum contained in an emollient cream. PubMed holds no abstract, so details are not known. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Allergic contact dermatitis Limitations: Only the title and record were read; no details on the product, the form of helichrysum or the number of cases. Funding and conflicts: Not known. Read: title-only |
| Fraternale 2019 In Vitro Anticollagenase and Antielastase Activities of Essential Oil of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum (Roth) G. Don J Med Food · PMID 31199702 · DOI |
Laboratory study lab |
Oil from cultivated plants in the Marche region of Italy; enzyme tests | Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum flowering aerial parts essential oil flowering aerial parts Not reported here |
78 components made up 98.71% of the oil. Neryl acetate was the largest at 15.75%, then alpha-pinene (8.21%), italidione I (7.34%), nerol (4.75%), limonene (4.55%), linalool (4.42%) and italidione II (4.26%). The oil blocked collagenase and elastase in a test tube (IC50 36.99 and 135.43 ug/mL). Neryl acetate, nerol and linalool alone had no activity; alpha-pinene and limonene did. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Composition; collagenase and elastase activity Limitations: Enzyme tests, not skin in people. The activity came from other compounds than neryl acetate. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Furlan 2023 Helichrysum italicum: From Extraction, Distillation, and Encapsulation Techniques to Beneficial Health Effects Foods · PMID 36832877 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Extracts, essential oils and polyphenols | Helichrysum italicum extracts and oils varied Not reported here |
Reviews antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antimicrobial, insecticidal and antiparasitic effects of extracts and oils, plus extraction and encapsulation methods. The abstract describes laboratory findings and does not report human trials. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Reported health effects Limitations: Review of mostly lab work; the abstract gives no numbers. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Gencic 2022 New neryl esters from Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don (Asteraceae) essential oil Nat Prod Res · PMID 33111574 · DOI |
Chemical analysis lab |
Corsican immortelle oil | Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum essential oil flowering parts Not reported here |
The typical subspecies (italicum) makes an oil rich in neryl acetate and characteristic beta-diketones called italidiones, highly valued in perfumery. Four new nerol esters of medium-chain branched fatty acids were found. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Ester composition Limitations: Chemistry only; no health outcome. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Granger 2020 Night Cream Containing Melatonin, Carnosine and Helichrysum italicum Extract Helps Reduce Skin Reactivity and Signs of Photodamage: Ex Vivo and Clinical Studies Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) · PMID 32915393 · DOI |
Ex vivo test plus four single centre open label trials |
117 Adults using a face cream nightly for up to 12 weeks |
Night cream containing melatonin, carnosine and Helichrysum italicum extract (a combination) extract Not reported here |
Skin hydration rose by 64.4% and water loss fell by 10.0% within 1 hour. Wrinkle counts fell by up to 18.9%, and brown and UV spot numbers by 5.5% and 13.2%. Lactic-acid stinging was reduced within 7 days and 86.7% said their skin felt calmer. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Hydration, water loss, wrinkles, stinging Limitations: A three-ingredient cream with an extract; no control group (open-label); the effect of helichrysum alone cannot be told. Not the essential oil. Funding and conflicts: Funding was not stated in the abstract; the work may have been done by the product makers. Read: abstract |
| Han 2017 Chemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ten essential oils in human skin cells Biochim Open · PMID 29450150 · DOI |
Laboratory study (cell culture) lab |
Pre-inflamed human skin fibroblasts in a dish | Ten essential oils or blends, including helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) oil essential oil Not reported here |
All ten oils slowed the growth of the cells. Helichrysum, ylang ylang and the Immortelle blend mainly lowered tissue-remodelling proteins, which the authors read as a possible wound-healing property. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Protein markers of inflammation and tissue remodelling Limitations: Cells in a dish; the paper has a commercial blend called Immortelle; tests of skin cells do not show effects on a person's skin. Funding not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Ivkovic 2026 Oral Ulcerations and Phytotherapy: Potential Role of Helichrysum Essential Oil - A Literature Review Oral Dis · PMID 42834680 · DOI |
Literature review review |
Recurrent mouth ulcers (aphthous stomatitis) | Helichrysum italicum essential oil essential oil Not reported here |
The authors say a role for helichrysum oil in mouth ulcers 'remains hypothetical' because direct clinical evidence of efficacy and safety is lacking. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Possible role in mouth ulcers Limitations: A hypothesis paper; no trial of the oil in mouth ulcers. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Judzentiene 2022 Antioxidant and Toxic Activity of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench and Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don Essential Oils and Extracts Molecules · PMID 35209096 · DOI |
Laboratory study lab |
Commercial flower material and brine shrimp | Helichrysum italicum flower essential oil (commercial herb material) flowers Not reported here |
The main parts of the H. italicum flower oil were gamma-curcumene (21.5%), beta-selinene (13.6%), alpha-selinene (8.1%), beta-eudesmol (8.3%) and alpha-pinene (6.5%). The H. italicum flower oil was toxic to brine shrimp (LC50 15.99 ug/mL), as was the other species' oil. Antioxidant activity of the oils was lower than that of plant extracts. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Composition, antioxidant activity, brine shrimp toxicity Limitations: Brine shrimp is a crude lab test and does not show harm to human skin. Its makeup differs from the neryl acetate-rich oil reported in other papers, so oils from this plant are not all alike. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared. Read: abstract |
| Kenig 2022 Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum arenarium infusions in reversing the traits of metabolic syndrome: a double-blind randomized comparative trial Food Funct · PMID 35749144 · DOI |
Double blind randomized comparative trial |
27 Adults with at least two traits of metabolic syndrome |
Infusion (herbal tea) of H. italicum subsp. italicum (n=14) or H. arenarium (n=13) daily for 28 days herb Not reported here |
In the H. italicum tea group body weight, BMI and visceral and total body fat fell significantly. In the H. arenarium group glucose fell more and lipids improved. HDL fell in both groups. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Body weight, fat, glucose, lipids Limitations: 27 people, no placebo group (two plants compared), tea not oil. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Kramberger 2021 A Review and Evaluation of the Data Supporting Internal Use of Helichrysum italicum Plants (Basel) · PMID 34451781 · DOI |
Review of clinical studies review |
6 Six clinical trials found for pain, cough and mental exhaustion |
Helichrysum italicum (taken by mouth, usually as part of a mixture) varied Not reported here |
Six eligible clinical trials were found for pain, cough and mental exhaustion. The authors say it is hard to credit results to H. italicum because it was usually not tested alone. No adverse effects were reported in the trials, and the authors conclude it is safe to use internally while saying new trials of H. italicum alone are needed. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Efficacy and safety of internal use Limitations: About taking mixtures by mouth, not the essential oil. This page does not accept 'safe to swallow' for the oil: a trial without reported side effects of a mixture does not show that an essential oil is safe to swallow. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Kunc 2022 Essential Oil and Hydrosol Composition of Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) Plants (Basel) · PMID 36235438 · DOI |
Chemical analysis lab |
Plants grown in Slovenia from one population and from three Croatian populations | Immortelle stem-and-leaf essential oil and hydrosol stems with leaves Not reported here |
Oils from one- and two-year-old plants were mainly alpha-pinene, alpha-eudesmol and rosifoliol. Oils from the Croatian populations were mainly alpha-pinene, geranyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl tiglate. Hydrosols had a different makeup. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Composition by GC-MS Limitations: Shows that oils from this plant vary a lot with plant age and origin; stems and leaves, not flowering tops. Funding and conflicts: No conflict declared. Read: abstract |
| Maksimovic 2023 Towards a modern approach to traditional use of Helichrysum italicum in dermatological conditions: In vivo testing supercritical extract on artificially irritated skin J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 36202166 · DOI |
Randomized in vivo volunteer study of impregnated fabrics |
Human volunteers with artificially irritated skin (number not given in the abstract) | Supercritical CO2 extract of H. italicum on cotton gauze or polypropylene fabric (not the essential oil) aerial parts (as in the abstract) Not reported here |
Both fabrics caused no irritation or redness. A polypropylene fabric made with ethanol as co-solvent showed significantly greater skin-protection potential than the other samples. The authors say the results support its use in skin-protective products. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin capacitance, water loss, erythema, melanin index, pH Limitations: Extract on fabric, not the essential oil; the number of volunteers and the effect sizes are not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract |
| Nardoni 2014 Clinical and mycological evaluation of an herbal antifungal formulation in canine Malassezia dermatitis J Mycol Med · PMID 24746728 · DOI |
Small veterinary trial plus lab test animal |
30 Dogs with Malassezia skin infection |
A six-oil mixture that included helichrysum oil at 0.5% (not helichrysum alone) essential oil in a mixture Not reported here |
In the lab, helichrysum oil on its own showed no antifungal effect up to 10%, while oregano, peppermint, marjoram, orange and lavender oils did. The six-oil mixture was used on 20 dogs for a month and the dogs improved; no adverse effects were noticed. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clinical improvement; lab antifungal tests Limitations: Dog study of a mixture; helichrysum contributed nothing in the lab test. No help for human conclusions. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Nincevic Runjic 2025 Phenotypic plasticity vs. local genetic adaptation: essential oil diversity of natural immortelle populations along eastern Adriatic coast Front Plant Sci · PMID 39974731 · DOI |
Chemical analysis of 18 populations lab |
18 Immortelle populations grown from seed under uniform conditions |
Immortelle essential oil aerial parts Not reported here |
84 compounds were found. Populations differed significantly in nine compounds, including neryl acetate, linalool, nerol, limonene and neryl propionate, and three chemotypes were identified. The authors attribute the differences to genetic adaptation to the native environment. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Oil composition Limitations: Shows the oil is not one fixed product. No health outcome. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Paulsen 2005 Colophonium and Compositae mix as markers of fragrance allergy: cross-reactivity between fragrance terpenes, colophonium and compositae plant extracts Contact Dermatitis · PMID 16283907 · DOI |
Patch test study |
Consecutive eczema patients tested with essential oils, fragrance compounds and oxidised terpenes | Essential oils and fragrance compounds (not helichrysum specifically) Not reported here |
Contact allergy to the essential-oil and fragrance series was frequent (5% of 318 and 4.6% of 262 tested) and was statistically linked to Compositae, colophonium and fragrance-mix sensitisation. The authors concluded that positive reactions to essential oils, colophonium and Compositae were based on cross-reactivity rather than separate sensitisation, and that cross-reactivity between essential oils and Compositae related to Compositae plant extracts. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Link between Compositae allergy and essential-oil / fragrance allergy Limitations: Helichrysum is not named in the abstract. Eczema patients, not the public. Shows a link between daisy-family and fragrance allergy in general. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Pet Poison Helpline 2026 Essential Oils (Pet Poison Helpline; page read 2026-10-25) petpoisonhelpline.com · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
Pets | Essential oils in general Not reported here |
Says essential oil poisoning can affect all species but cats and birds are at greatest risk. Common signs are drooling, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite and irritation of skin, airways or mouth. Signs usually appear within 6 to 8 hours. Oral exposure is considered the highest risk, then skin, then breathing. The page does not name helichrysum in the part read. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Toxicity in animals Limitations: General to essential oils; the part read does not name helichrysum. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text |
| Poison Control 2026 Essential oils: Poisonous when misused (Poison Control, National Capital Poison Center; page read 2026-10-25) poison.org · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
General public | Essential oils in general Not reported here |
Says misuse of essential oils can cause serious poisoning. Some can be poisonous if absorbed through skin or swallowed; oil entering the lungs can cause pneumonia. Children have thin skin and immature livers and may be more susceptible. Oils may interact with medicines. Diluting a potent oil in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction from direct skin contact, and oils should not be used on damaged skin. Stop at once and wash off if a rash occurs. Bottles must be locked away from children and pets. It is hard to know species, concentration or contaminants in a bottle. It describes an 18-month-old who swallowed a small amount of lavender extract and became extremely drowsy and confused. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Poisoning, rashes, children and pets Limitations: General to essential oils; helichrysum is not named. No date in the text read. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text |
| Sala 2002 Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Helichrysum italicum J Pharm Pharmacol · PMID 11902802 · DOI |
Animal and lab study animal |
Mouse ear and paw swelling models; lab antioxidant tests | Helichrysum italicum aerial-part extracts (not the essential oil) aerial parts Not reported here |
The extracts reduced several kinds of acute and chronic swelling in mice. The authors suggest a corticoid-like effect, enzyme inhibition and free-radical scavenging. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Swelling and antioxidant tests Limitations: Mouse and lab work with extracts, not the essential oil; no people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Sovljanski 2024 Antibacterial and Antifungal Potential of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don Essential Oil Antibiotics (Basel) · PMID 39200022 · DOI |
Literature review review |
20 20 papers on lab antimicrobial tests |
Helichrysum italicum essential oil flowering tops Not reported here |
Found 20 papers on antibacterial, antibiofilm and antifungal activity of the oil. The dominant compounds in these samples included neryl acetate, alpha-pinene and gamma-curcumene, which the authors say are known for antimicrobial properties. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Antibacterial, antibiofilm and antifungal activity in the lab Limitations: Lab tests, not infections in people. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract |
| Wang 2023 Effects of Essential Oils on Scars and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review Facial Plast Surg · PMID 36070793 · DOI |
Systematic review review |
3 Human studies of essential-oil topical agents on scars and wounds (searches to June 2020) |
Three different essential-oil topical agents varied Not reported here |
Only three manuscripts were found, each on a different essential-oil product. All concluded the products were better than or no worse than controls. A Hypericum-Calendula oil gave a lower wound surface perimeter area, and a peppermint oil product significantly reduced erythema (p = 0.001). The abstract does not name helichrysum. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Healing rate, erythema, pain and other wound outcomes Limitations: Three studies of three different products; helichrysum is not named in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| n/a 2026 PubChem compound records: neryl acetate (CID 1549025), alpha-pinene (CID 6654), nerol (CID 643820), linalool (CID 6549) (PUG REST read 2026-10-25) n/a · Source |
Registry or database n/a |
n/a | n/a Not reported here |
Confirms names, CIDs and formulas: neryl acetate C12H20O2, alpha-pinene C10H16, nerol C10H18O, linalool C10H18O. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Compound identity Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text |
| n/a 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don (match API read 2026-10-25) n/a · Source |
Registry or database n/a |
n/a | n/a Not reported here |
Accepted species, key 3131614, family Asteraceae, order Asterales, genus Helichrysum, match confidence 98. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Accepted name and family Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- What the evidence supports: nothing beyond very-low, and no human trial of the oil.
- No trial of the oil on scars, bruises, wounds or any other use in people was found.
- No helichrysum-specific source on pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, asthma, sun or pets.
- No LiverTox, LactMed, EFSA, EMA/HMPC, IFRA or SCCS statement was read.
- No paper on adulteration of helichrysum oil was found.
- How common allergy to the steam-distilled oil is in the public is unknown.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it is added.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 4
Wound contraction (percentage)
Increase in trials
How much a wound has shrunk compared with its starting size.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Skin hydration and water loss
Mixed results in trials
Measures of how well the skin holds water; higher hydration and lower water loss mean a stronger skin barrier.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Collagenase and elastase inhibition (lab)
Decrease in trials
How much an enzyme that breaks down skin collagen or elastin is blocked in a test tube.
Not enough evidenceBody weight and body fat
Decrease in trials
Weight, BMI and fat percentage.
Very low certaintySafety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 6
- Do not swallow helichrysum oil, or any essential oil.. Poison Control says misused essential oils can cause serious poisoning, that some are poisonous if swallowed or absorbed, and that oil entering the lungs can cause pneumonia. It describes an 18-month-old who swallowed a little lavender extract and became extremely drowsy and confused. We found no helichrysum poisoning case, and no safe amount is known. A 2021 review calls helichrysum 'safe to use internally', but it rests on mixtures and teas taken in trials, not on the pure oil, so we do not follow it for the oil. Call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222) or your emergency number if anyone, child or pet, may have swallowed any essential oil. Authoritative guidance 22 15
- Skin allergy is possible, and the plant is in the daisy family.. In a French clinic series of 42 people allergic to their own essential oils, two cases were attributed to a helichrysum flower absolute; 8 of the 42 needed hospital care. A review mentions a reported allergic reaction to its extracts, and a case report describes allergic dermatitis from an emollient cream containing it (title only read). The plant belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae, also called Compositae). A 2005 patch-test study found that allergy to Compositae plant extracts was linked to allergy to essential oils and fragrances through cross-reaction; helichrysum was not named in that abstract. So if you react to daisy-family plants, perfumes or other oils, speak to a pharmacist or dermatologist before using it. Stop at once and wash off if a rash appears. Case series 5 3 6 20 22
- Do not put it on skin undiluted or on broken skin.. Poison Control says pure essential oils are potent, diluting in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction from direct skin contact, and essential oils should not be used on damaged skin. This matters because helichrysum is marketed for bruises, scars and wounds. We found no human trial showing it helps those, and this page gives no dilution figure. Authoritative guidance 22 25
- Keep it away from children and pets, especially cats.. Poison Control says children have thin skin and immature livers and may be more susceptible. Pet Poison Helpline says essential oil poisoning can affect all species but cats and birds are at greatest risk, with signs including drooling, vomiting, lethargy and irritation, usually within 6 to 8 hours. Neither source names helichrysum. Authoritative guidance 22 21
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, asthma and sun: no helichrysum-specific source found.. We found no source on helichrysum oil in pregnancy, breastfeeding, asthma, seizures or sun sensitivity. Absence of a source is not proof of safety. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma or take medicines. Gap
- The bottle is not a fixed product.. Poison Control says it can be hard to know the species, strength or contaminants in an essential oil bottle. Lab papers show the oil's makeup changes with the plant's origin, age and variety (neryl acetate versus other main compounds), and a flower absolute, a CO2 extract and a steam-distilled oil are different products. Studies of one are not studies of another. Laboratory 22 19 16 13 7
Side effects 4
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis) Clinic series; shows allergy can happen, not how often. | 2 of 42 allergic patients in one French series were attributed to a helichrysum flower absolute; a case report with an emollient cream exists. No rate for the public. | 8 of the 42 patients in the series needed hospital care (cause not split by oil) Not stated in the abstracts | Case series 5 6 3 |
| Cross-reaction with other daisy-family plants, fragrances and oils A 2005 patch-test study linked Compositae and essential-oil/fragrance allergy by cross-reaction; helichrysum was not named in the abstract. | Not given for helichrysum | Not stated Not stated | Case series 20 |
| Poisoning if swallowed (general to essential oils); pneumonia if inhaled into the lungs No helichrysum case was found. | Not given for helichrysum | Serious according to Poison Control Not stated | Authoritative guidance 22 |
| Irritation of skin, mouth, airways in pets; drooling, vomiting, lethargy Does not name helichrysum. | Not given | Cats and birds at greatest risk (general to essential oils) Mild cases resolve within hours, severe cases can take 3 to 7 days (pet source, general) | Authoritative guidance 21 |
Liver
No liver injury linked to helichrysum oil was described in the sources we read. LiverTox was not checked. Poison Control says children may be more susceptible because their livers are immature. 22
How often. Not established.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Helichrysum Oil (Immortelle) supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other daisy-family plants, fragrances, essential oils allergy | Cross-reaction on patch testing in eczema patients. | A 2005 study found linked reactions to Compositae extracts, essential oils and fragrance; helichrysum itself was not named. | Case series Low certainty 20 5 | If you react to perfumes, daisy-family plants or oils, tell a pharmacist or dermatologist before using it. |
| Medicines cleared by CYP liver enzymes liver-enzymes-medicines | A review notes that one flavonoid from the plant inhibited some CYP forms in lab work. | What this means for people is not established; it concerns a plant flavonoid, not necessarily the essential oil. | Theoretical Not enough evidence 3 | Tell a pharmacist about any essential oil you use, especially with medicines that have narrow safety margins. |
| Medicines in general general-medicines | Poison Control says essential oils may interact with medications. | General statement; no helichrysum case was found. | Authoritative guidance Not enough evidence 22 | Ask a pharmacist. |
Who should check first 4
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Known allergy to helichrysum, daisy-family plants (Asteraceae), fragrances or essential oils | Avoid. Cross-reactions are described in patch-test studies. | Case series 5 20 |
| Swallowing the oil, or using it in the mouth or nose | Do not. If a child or pet may have swallowed any essential oil, call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222) or your emergency number. | Authoritative guidance 22 |
| Broken or damaged skin, including wounds | Poison Control says do not use essential oils on damaged skin. This applies even though helichrysum is marketed for wounds. | Authoritative guidance 22 |
| Pregnancy, breastfeeding, babies and young children | No helichrysum-specific safety data found. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using. | Gap 22 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxic or lethal amount for helichrysum oil in people is described in the sources we read, and none is stated here.
Amounts. No safe amount is established, and this page gives none.
Onset and course. Not described for helichrysum.
Repeated use. Repeated skin exposure is the route linked to allergy in clinics (general).
Animal data. In a brine shrimp lab test, the H. italicum flower oil was toxic (LC50 15.99 ug/mL). A review says the plant did not show significant cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in the studies it covered. Neither result shows what happens on human skin. In a dog trial of a six-oil mixture containing 0.5% helichrysum, no adverse effects were noticed; that trial does not make the oil safe for pets.
Toxic parts. The oil is distilled from flowering tops; which compounds cause allergy was not found in the sources read.
Not read. LiverTox, LactMed, EFSA, EMA/HMPC, IFRA and SCCS documents, and full texts were not read.
The oil is a variable natural mixture and comes in several forms.
Unknown species, strength and contaminants. Poison Control says it can be hard to know what species, concentration or contaminants are in an essential oil bottle. 22
Chemical type varies. Studies found different main compounds depending on where and how the plant was grown: neryl acetate and italidiones (Corsican/Italian type), alpha-pinene with other esters, or gamma-curcumene with selinenes. Eighteen Adriatic populations fell into three chemotypes. 7 9 13 16 19
Different products share the name. An absolute (solvent extract), a CO2 extract and a steam-distilled oil are not the same, and the French allergy cases involved an absolute. 5 17
Adulteration. No paper on mixing or fake helichrysum oil was found in this search, so nothing is said about how common it is.
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Poison Control (National Capital Poison Center) (United States) | General warnings on essential oils: poisoning if swallowed or absorbed, pneumonia if inhaled, rashes, dilution, damaged skin, children and pets. source | 2026-10-25 |
| Pet Poison Helpline (United States) | Essential oil poisoning can affect all species; cats and birds at greatest risk. source | 2026-10-25 |
When to get medical help
- If a child or pet may have swallowed any essential oil, call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222) or your local emergency number right away.
- Swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or a spreading rash after contact needs urgent medical care.
- Coughing or choking after oil is swallowed can mean it has entered the lungs: seek emergency care.
- A rash after use: stop, wash the oil off with soap and water, and see a doctor if it does not clear.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is helichrysum oil safe to swallow?
No. Do not swallow essential oil. Poison Control warns of serious poisoning and of pneumonia if oil gets into the lungs. We found no helichrysum case and no safe amount is known. If a child or pet may have swallowed any essential oil, call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222) or your emergency number.
Can helichrysum oil cause an allergic reaction?
Does helichrysum oil help scars?
Does helichrysum oil help bruises?
We found no trial of it for bruises, in people or animals. The claim is marketing and tradition.
Is it safe to use undiluted on skin or on a wound?
Poison Control says diluting a potent oil in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction and that essential oils should not be used on damaged skin. We give no dilution figure. Ask a pharmacist or dermatologist.
Is helichrysum oil safe in pregnancy or for children?
Not established. We found no helichrysum-specific source. Poison Control says children may be more susceptible to oils. Ask a doctor, midwife or pharmacist.
Is helichrysum oil safe for pets?
Keep it away from pets, especially cats and birds. Pet Poison Helpline says these animals are at greatest risk from essential oils. It does not name helichrysum in the part we read, and we found no study of it in pets.
Does it work for skin ageing?
Is immortelle the same as helichrysum?
What is in helichrysum oil?
Can I trust the label on a bottle?
Poison Control says it can be hard to know the species, strength or contaminants in an essential oil bottle. We found no paper on fake helichrysum oil, so we cannot say how common it is.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We read the abstracts of 22 PubMed papers and the title of one more (one by title only), the Poison Control page and part of the Pet Poison Helpline page, checked the plant name in GBIF and the compounds in PubChem. We did not find or read a LiverTox, LactMed, EFSA, IFRA or FDA statement.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. Industry links are labelled where the abstract gave them; for the night cream study the abstract does not say who funded it.
Sources 27
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Andjic M, Draginic N, Kocovic A, et al. Immortelle essential oil-based ointment improves wound healing in a diabetic rat model. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022. PMID 35429742. DOI 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112941. (abstract)
- Andjic M, Bradic J, Kocovic A, et al. Immortelle Essential-Oil-Enriched Hydrogel for Diabetic Wound Repair: Development, Characterization, and In Vivo Efficacy Assessment. Pharmaceutics. 2024. PMID 39458638. DOI 10.3390/pharmaceutics16101309. (abstract)
- Antunes Viegas D, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A, Salgueiro L, et al. Helichrysum italicum: from traditional use to scientific data. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014. PMID 24239849. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.005. (abstract)
- Balazs VL, Filep R, Repas F, et al. Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) Essential Oil Showed Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibitory Activity against Respiratory Tract Pathogens. Molecules. 2022. PMID 36080283. DOI 10.3390/molecules27175518. (abstract)
- Barbaud A, Kurihara F, Raison-Peyron N, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from essential oil in consumer products: Mode of uses and value of patch tests with an essential oil series. Results of a French study of the DAG. Contact Dermatitis. 2023. PMID 37403438. DOI 10.1111/cod.14377. (abstract)
- Foti C, Guida S, Antelmi A, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by Helichrysum italicum contained in an emollient cream. Contact Dermatitis. 2013. PMID 23782363. DOI 10.1111/cod.12049. (title-only)
- Fraternale D, Flamini G, Ascrizzi R. In Vitro Anticollagenase and Antielastase Activities of Essential Oil of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum (Roth) G. Don. J Med Food. 2019. PMID 31199702. DOI 10.1089/jmf.2019.0054. (abstract)
- Furlan V, Bren U. Helichrysum italicum: From Extraction, Distillation, and Encapsulation Techniques to Beneficial Health Effects. Foods. 2023. PMID 36832877. DOI 10.3390/foods12040802. (abstract)
- Gencic MS, Aksic JM, Zivkovic Stosic MZ, et al. New neryl esters from Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don (Asteraceae) essential oil. Nat Prod Res. 2022. PMID 33111574. DOI 10.1080/14786419.2020.1839462. (abstract)
- Granger C, Brown A, Aladren S, et al. Night Cream Containing Melatonin, Carnosine and Helichrysum italicum Extract Helps Reduce Skin Reactivity and Signs of Photodamage: Ex Vivo and Clinical Studies. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020. PMID 32915393. DOI 10.1007/s13555-020-00443-2. (abstract)
- Han X, Beaumont C, Stevens N. Chemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ten essential oils in human skin cells. Biochim Open. 2017. PMID 29450150. DOI 10.1016/j.biopen.2017.04.001. (abstract)
- Ivkovic R, Antic R, Majumder A, et al. Oral Ulcerations and Phytotherapy: Potential Role of Helichrysum Essential Oil - A Literature Review. Oral Dis. 2026. PMID 42834680. DOI 10.1111/odi.70531. (abstract)
- Judzentiene A, Budiene J, Nedveckyte I, et al. Antioxidant and Toxic Activity of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench and Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don Essential Oils and Extracts. Molecules. 2022. PMID 35209096. DOI 10.3390/molecules27041311. (abstract)
- Kenig S, Kramberger K, Sik Novak K, et al. Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum arenarium infusions in reversing the traits of metabolic syndrome: a double-blind randomized comparative trial. Food Funct. 2022. PMID 35749144. DOI 10.1039/d2fo00880g. (abstract)
- Kramberger K, Kenig S, Jenko Praznikar Z, et al. A Review and Evaluation of the Data Supporting Internal Use of Helichrysum italicum. Plants (Basel). 2021. PMID 34451781. DOI 10.3390/plants10081738. (abstract)
- Kunc N, Frlan A, Baricevic D, et al. Essential Oil and Hydrosol Composition of Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum). Plants (Basel). 2022. PMID 36235438. DOI 10.3390/plants11192573. (abstract)
- Maksimovic S, Stankovic M, Roganovic S, et al. Towards a modern approach to traditional use of Helichrysum italicum in dermatological conditions: In vivo testing supercritical extract on artificially irritated skin. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023. PMID 36202166. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115779. (abstract)
- Nardoni S, Mugnaini L, Pistelli L, et al. Clinical and mycological evaluation of an herbal antifungal formulation in canine Malassezia dermatitis. J Mycol Med. 2014. PMID 24746728. DOI 10.1016/j.mycmed.2014.02.005. (abstract)
- Nincevic Runjic T, Pljevljakusic D, Runjic M, et al. Phenotypic plasticity vs. local genetic adaptation: essential oil diversity of natural immortelle populations along eastern Adriatic coast. Front Plant Sci. 2025. PMID 39974731. DOI 10.3389/fpls.2025.1467421. (abstract)
- Paulsen E, Andersen KE. Colophonium and Compositae mix as markers of fragrance allergy: cross-reactivity between fragrance terpenes, colophonium and compositae plant extracts. Contact Dermatitis. 2005. PMID 16283907. DOI 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2005.00704.x. (abstract)
- Pet Poison Helpline. Essential Oils (Pet Poison Helpline; page read 2026-10-25). petpoisonhelpline.com. 2026. (full-text)
- Poison Control. Essential oils: Poisonous when misused (Poison Control, National Capital Poison Center; page read 2026-10-25). poison.org. 2026. (full-text)
- Sala A, Recio M, Giner RM, et al. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Helichrysum italicum. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2002. PMID 11902802. DOI 10.1211/0022357021778600. (abstract)
- Sovljanski O, Acimovic M, Tomic A, et al. Antibacterial and Antifungal Potential of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don Essential Oil. Antibiotics (Basel). 2024. PMID 39200022. DOI 10.3390/antibiotics13080722. (abstract)
- Wang JC, Fort CL, Matl CM, et al. Effects of Essential Oils on Scars and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review. Facial Plast Surg. 2023. PMID 36070793. DOI 10.1055/a-1938-0343. (abstract)
- n/a. PubChem compound records: neryl acetate (CID 1549025), alpha-pinene (CID 6654), nerol (CID 643820), linalool (CID 6549) (PUG REST read 2026-10-25). n/a. 2026. (full-text)
- n/a. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don (match API read 2026-10-25). n/a. 2026. (full-text)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- The botanical (Latin) name on the label and 100% pure oil
- A dark glass bottle and a batch number
- Essential oils are strong: dilute for skin, and do not swallow unless a qualified professional directs it
- Keep away from children and pets
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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