As summer heats up, skin-nourishing ointments by Santa Maria Novella come to the rescue
Keep skin cool with these summer saviours
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The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is over 800 years old. The Italian heritage business’ first retail site opened in 1612, on Via Reginaldo Giuliani, in Florence. Here, in Tuscany, temperatures can reach the low 40s from early July to late August. Reason enough for Santa Maria Novella to create a number of products that offer cooling salvation across the summer season. One even wards off biting insects.
The line of products includes a cleansing gel and a serum enriched with pomegranate extract and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) inspired by the brand’s traditional Acqua di Rose, which is made with damask rose flower water and has been in steady production since 1381. Acqua di Fior d’Arancio, for which the scent of bitter orange blossom bud is distilled via steam, is an alternative. The formulation for Santa Maria Novella’s Citronella and Costmary Emulsion blends citronella essential oil with eucalyptus, lavender and mint; an aromatic mix put together to keep mosquitoes away.
Scented with Santa Maria Novella’s signature Melograno eau de cologne, the Dermo-protective Oil nourishes skin after days in the sunshine. Its recipe includes sweet almond oil and jojoba oil, in addition to extracts of St John’s wort and helichrysum, both traditionally cultivated for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Good To Know
While anchored in Florence, Santa Maria Novella operates boutiques around the world, from Seoul to New York City. In the UK, there are three shopfronts in London, including one in the Piccadilly Arcade.
The Good Life remixed - A weekly newsletter with a fresh look at the better things in life.
Felix Bischof is the executive editor of The Blend. A contributor to HTSI, British Vogue, Pop and Vanity Fair, he has also worked with brands such as Dior, Piaget and Herzog & de Meuron.