At the heart of IKKARI is Ikaria, a Greek island where vitality unfolds in circles of connection, time marked by simple rituals, grounded living, and a deep attunement to nature. As spring arrives, bringing light, warmth, and a flourish of florals, we turn to geranium, a bloom that embodies both freshness and grounding.
A Floral with History
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) has long been revered not only for its fragrance but for its role in rituals of care and restoration. A flower that has moved across cultures and centuries, it continues to circle back to moments of calm and renewal.
On the island of Ikaria, geranium is more than a familiar bloom in gardens and courtyards. It has long been folded into local skincare practices. In traditional preparations, its petals and oils were blended into remedies and beauty rituals, reflecting the Ikarian devotion to natural, accessible care that supports both vitality and longevity.
Sensory Awakening
The scent of geranium is layered, floral yet herbal, airy yet grounding. On the skin and in the air, it brings clarity, a reminder of the season’s vitality. Unlike the sharpness of citrus or the heaviness of resin, geranium rests in the middle: uplifting without overwhelming.
The Science of Geranium
Modern research confirms what centuries of tradition have suggested: geranium offers tangible benefits for both skin and spirit. Its essential oil contains active compounds such as citronellol, geraniol, and linalool, which have been shown to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and help the skin recover from minor irritations.
By balancing sebum production, it supports both dry and oily complexions, restoring equilibrium where it is most needed. Its antioxidant activity protects against free radical damage, enhancing resilience and maintaining a healthy, luminous glow (R).
Beyond the skin, geranium is also deeply valued in aromatherapy. Its fragrance is often described as harmonising, able to ease stress, uplift mood, and bring a sense of emotional steadiness. Studies suggest that inhaling geranium can help reduce fatigue and even lower stress markers in the body (R), while traditional use links it to balancing the fluctuations of hormonal cycles (R). In this way, geranium becomes not only a botanical for the skin but also a companion for the mind, helping restore both clarity and calm.
Rituals of Spring
Incorporating geranium into daily rituals transforms the ordinary into the sensory. The Apothecary Hand & Body Balm (Geranium, Parsley, Bitter Orange) restores all-over hydration while enveloping the skin in a bright, grounded floral trace. The Apothecary Hand Wash (Geranium, Parsley, Bitter Orange) is a botanical hydrating cleanser, cleansing while leaving the imprint of spring florals on the skin.
Together, they invite a circle of care, cleansing, nourishing, and protecting, while echoing the season’s vitality in both fragrance and touch.