Croatian immortelle usually refers to Helichrysum italicum grown in Croatia. The species name describes the plant; origin must be documented separately.
Start with the botanical name
Kew accepts Helichrysum italicum as a Mediterranean species. The Croatian name smilje is useful when speaking to growers, but a purchasing specification should use the scientific name and identify the plant material used. [1]
One plant, several ingredients
Essential oil, hydrosol and an oil macerate are not interchangeable. They result from different processes and belong in different formulations. Always ask what the supplied material actually is, rather than relying on the word immortelle alone.
What “Croatian” should mean
Ask where the plant was cultivated, where it was distilled and where the final product was made. These may be different places. Our editorial approach is to record each step rather than treating a brand’s address as proof of ingredient origin.
Sources & further reading
Sources consulted · · Read our standards
