Lily of the valley soap: from a poisonous plant to a spring fragrance

Body care products with a fresh and floral scent

Lily of the valley is undisputedly one of Alchimia Soap’s most popular fragrances. It hints at spring, but despite its delicate appearance, it’s challenging to extract due to its toxicity. Perhaps it’s this interweaving of opposites that makes the lily of the valley so fascinating.

 

Lily of the valley: characteristics, symbolism, and plant description

Lily of the valley, also known as May lily or May bell, is the common name for Convallaria majalis. The scientific name identifies both its classic habitat (open valley) and the blossoming period (May). This herbaceous perennial plant loves cool climates typical of pre-Alpine areas. It’s easily recognisable when it blooms at the height of spring (between April and May) because of its white, bell-shaped flowers, each with 6 petals, which make this plant ideal as an ornamental garden plant.

However, the lily of the valley is a highly toxic plant if ingested. That’s why it must be kept away from the reach of children and pets. This characteristic hasn’t stopped the lily of the valley from becoming a symbol of spring. Even today, in France, people give a bouquet of lilies of the valley on 1 May, a day when this flower is celebrated and which once marked the beginning of spring. It is said that in the 16th century, King Charles IX of France gave all the dames a bouquet of lilies of the valley, as he considered it a lucky charm. In 1976, the lily of the valley became the flower of workers in celebration of Labour Day (1 May).

 

Lily of the valley-scented soaps

Lily of the valley essential oil is obtained from the plant’s distillation. More frequently, it is recreated with synthesis molecules and used for floral formulations in the cosmetic industry. Lily of the valley fragrance is fresh and delicate, hinting at spring. It expresses elegance and sophistication. Over time, it takes on a musky scent.

To leave this sense of freshness on the skin, we have included the Lily of the valley fragrance in our range of plant-based soap bars. Its floral essence delicately refreshes and energises the skin while respecting its natural pH, leaving it clean and scented. The lily of the valley solid soap (200 g) is included in the Ladybug Classic range, the one featuring a wooden ladybug on the packaging made with fine Tassotti paper. This Italian quality scented soap is safe for the skin. Order it online and try the lily of the valley’s intriguing fragrance on your skin.

Discover our lily of the valley soap bar from the Ladybug Classic range