THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

An Encyclopedia of Our Ingredients

Every botanical in our collection is chosen not merely for its efficacy, but for the story it carries — centuries of traditional wisdom, the terroir of its origin, the delicate chemistry that makes each plant a masterwork of nature's own design.

Our ingredient encyclopedia documents the eight cornerstone botanicals that form the foundation of every Aurum Botanica formulation. Each entry presents the convergence of traditional herbalism and modern dermatological science, alongside transparent sourcing information. We believe that understanding your ingredients is the first step toward trusting your skincare.

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA

❧ Eight Cornerstone Botanicals ❧

ROSA DAMASCENA

Rosaceae ❧ Perennial Shrub

Traditional Uses

Revered since antiquity by Persian physicians for its cooling and astringent properties. Rosewater distillation dates to the 10th century, used to soothe inflammation and purify the complexion.

Modern Science

Rich in flavonoids, terpenes, and glycosides with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-strengthening effects. Clinically shown to reduce transepidermal water loss.

Sourced from the Valley of Roses, Isparta Province, Turkey

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS

Asteraceae ❧ Annual Herb

Traditional Uses

The "herb of the sun" in medieval European herbalism. Used for centuries as a wound-healing poultice, anti-fungal wash, and complexion brightener in folk medicine traditions across the Mediterranean.

Modern Science

Contains triterpenoids and carotenoids that accelerate wound healing and collagen production. Proven anti-inflammatory action makes it ideal for sensitive, reactive, and compromised skin barriers.

Sourced from biodynamic farms, Provence, France

LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA

Lamiaceae ❧ Perennial Subshrub

Traditional Uses

Named from the Latin lavare — "to wash." Ancient Romans infused baths with lavender for purification. Medieval herbalists prescribed it for nervous disorders, headaches, and skin afflictions alike.

Modern Science

Linalool and linalyl acetate provide clinically verified anxiolytic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Accelerates epithelial tissue regeneration and reduces post-procedural erythema.

Sourced from high-altitude fields, Drôme Provençale, France

CHAMAEMELUM NOBILE

Asteraceae ❧ Perennial Herb

Traditional Uses

The Egyptians dedicated chamomile to the sun god Ra. Anglo-Saxon herbals list it among the nine sacred herbs. Used as a compress for skin irritation and internally as a calming tisane for millennia.

Modern Science

Bisabolol and chamazulene exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity comparable to hydrocortisone. Shown to inhibit histamine release, making it exceptional for eczema-prone and hyper-reactive skin.

Sourced from organic estates, Hampshire, England

BOSWELLIA SACRA

Burseraceae ❧ Deciduous Tree

Traditional Uses

Sacred frankincense — traded along ancient incense routes for over 5,000 years. Burned in temples from Egypt to Rome. Arabian and Ayurvedic medicine prescribed its resin for rejuvenation and wound healing.

Modern Science

Boswellic acids are proven 5-LOX inhibitors with remarkable anti-aging properties. Clinical studies demonstrate improved skin elasticity, reduced fine lines, and enhanced dermal density with topical application.

Sourced from sustainably harvested trees, Dhofar, Oman

ROSA CANINA

Rosaceae ❧ Deciduous Shrub

Traditional Uses

Rosehip has been a staple of European folk medicine since the Middle Ages. Used as a vitamin-rich preserve, wound treatment, and complexion aid. Chilean Mapuche healers traditionally used the oil for scarring.

Modern Science

Exceptionally high in trans-retinoic acid (natural retinol) and essential fatty acids. Peer-reviewed studies confirm significant improvement in photodamage, hyperpigmentation, and scar tissue when applied topically.

Sourced from wild harvest, Patagonian foothills, Chile

JASMINUM GRANDIFLORUM

Oleaceae ❧ Evergreen Vine

Traditional Uses

Called "queen of the night" in Indian tradition. Jasmine has been central to Ayurvedic skincare for over 2,000 years — used to balance skin tone, reduce scarring, and as a sacred offering in temple ceremonies.

Modern Science

Jasmine absolute contains unique esters that promote skin elasticity and even tone. Research demonstrates its ability to increase hydration, reduce melanin production, and provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.

Sourced from hand-picked harvests, Grasse, France

HELICHRYSUM ITALICUM

Asteraceae ❧ Perennial Herb

Traditional Uses

Known as "immortelle" — the everlasting flower — because its golden blooms never fade. Mediterranean folk healers used it for bruises, burns, and respiratory ailments. A symbol of eternal youth in Corsican tradition.

Modern Science

Contains rare diketones (italidiones) found nowhere else in nature. Clinical evidence supports exceptional anti-hematoma, tissue-regenerating, and anti-aging activity. Shown to stimulate collagen III synthesis.

Sourced from wild Mediterranean hillsides, Corsica, France

FROM FIELD TO FORMULA

The journey of every botanical, from harvest to your skin

I

WILD HARVEST

Our botanicals are hand-gathered at peak potency from their native terroirs — wild Mediterranean hillsides, high-altitude Provençal fields, and ancient rose valleys. We work with multi-generational farming families who understand the rhythms of their land.

II

SMALL-BATCH DISTILLATION

Within hours of harvest, botanicals enter copper alembic stills for slow, artisanal distillation. Cold-pressing for oils, steam distillation for essences — each method chosen to preserve the plant's full phytochemical complexity.

III

FORMULATION

In our Vienna atelier, master formulators compose each product as a botanical symphony — balancing traditional wisdom with clinical evidence. Every formula undergoes dermatological testing and stability analysis before release.