Goodness from nature
A beauty label from Italy banks on Mother Nature to deliver efficient skincare, writes Tengku Nor Azah
WOMEN are getting more conscious of what they apply on their bodies. There is an increasing awareness of the harmful effects that can be caused by synthetic beauty products.
At a glance, those without appropriate background may not understand the majority of the ingredients on the labels of beauty products. But thanks to Google, now they can learn more about the chemicals they put on their face or body.
Chances are some of these ingredients may cause harm in the form of side effects such as allergies.
There are a lot of benefits that can be derived from natural products, but what differentiates them from synthetic products is that they are rich in antioxidants (known for anti-ageing effects). They also do not create dependency on product.
BEAUTY, NATURALLY
Italy is known for producing natural beauty products. L’Erbolario is a household brand in the country and can be found at all major pharmacies.
With a wide range of products from facial and body care to hair products and household wares such as scented candles, L’Erbolario provides a complete set of beauty regime where one can mix and match according to one’s preference.
L’Erbolario (from the ancient term erborare — which means “to gather herbs in the fields in order to study their beneficial properties”) was started in the home of Franco Bergamaschi and his wife, Daniela Villa, a biologist and cosmetologist.
Family recipes were tested and improved with experiments, research and distillation. The family beauty business expanded and now boasts of 500 products that have undergone rigorous clinical tests carried out at the University of Pavia, one of the oldest and most respected universities in Italy.
L’Erbolario sources its ingredients from different parts of the world and all of its products are not tested on animals.
“The creams are essential oil- based, so when the aromatherapy oil in the product evaporates, you can smell the essential oil and it will affect your mood (positively)”, said Joe Lee, 35, founder of Advanced Apotheke, the exclusive distributor of L’Erbolario in Malaysia.
“Very little emulsifiers are used in L’Erbolario creams and their colours are the natural essential oil colours, with no artificial colouring,” he adds.
The creams contain a high amount of shea butter, making the creams readily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Its fashionable boutiques mimic the original showroom at Lodi, Italy with large windows to resemble the Palladian arches.
Customers are immediately greeted by the sheer number of products upon entry, each of which are packaged to reflect understated Italian sophistication through sketch-like paintings of key ingredients, resembling delicate artworks found in the journals of herbalists.
However, you may need the help of sales assistants to explain the products since the labels are completely in Italian without English translation.
OIL CREAM
I was particularly intrigued with two products — the Argan Oil line and the unusual deodorant cream. Argan Oil is rich in Vitamin E and nutrition for scar healing, and also works wonders on damaged hair. The oil is produced from the kernels of Argan trees that can only be found in Morocco.
While conventional deodorants come in the form of solid sticks, roll-on and sprays, L’Erbolario makes deodorant creams. They have quick absorption and instantly dry off, and last the whole day!
With over 500 products, it’s hard not to find anything one fancies. From facial and body products, hair products to household products, they are packed in beautiful packages ready to be delivered as gifts to loved ones.
Whether it’s a gift to a friend who is concerned about the environment, or to a grandmother who loves the fragrance of happier days, L’Erbolario has something for everyone and makes thoughtful Christmas presents.
L’Erbolario is a household brand in Italy.
Nature’s harvest in the products.
Lee says the brand uses essential oils in its products.
