Iris with an ‘S’… certainly to signify the many symbols the plant has evoked over the ages (for 80 million years…), for its many uses and, last but not least, for the variety of species, of which there are more than 210. A Clovis talisman, it owes its name to Iridos, the Greek messenger of the Gods and personification of the rainbow. It is also linked to Horus, the falcon god, which made it popular in ancient Egypt.
Rediscovered during the Renaissance for its fragrance (a very delicate distillation process) thanks to Catherine de Medici, it found cosmetic use in Europe in the manufacture of rice powder, made from dried and ground rhizomes (Iris Germanica, iris pallida).
The emblem of Florence, the Florentine iris is used in our New Skin Mask, a professional skin care product that you’ll find in our beauticians’ offices during a Facial Escale. An ally of sensitive skin, the rhizome’s powdery fragrance gently exfoliates and matifies, while its isoflavones are renowned for their anti-ageing properties.