Ingredients spotlight - VERBENA

Verbena and Lemon Verbena feature heavily in a lot of our soaps, adding a citrus herbal scent that has universal appeal across all ages and all genders. It is an ingredient with a long heritage of herbal and medicinal benefits along with a key place in the perfume industry.

Verbena soaps are amongst our best selling soaps and with good reason - they smell fantastic! 

Our formulation vary and include 

• Exfoliating soaps
• Essential oil soap
• Soaps free from colour
• Liquid Marseille Soaps
• Soap Bars
• Laundry soap
• Rotating Wall Soap
• Candles & Diffusers & Fragrance Oils

See our full Verbena collection here

There are about 1200 plant species in the verbena plant family, verbena is a popular ornamental plant with white or lilac flowers and striking leaves that look similar to a mint leaf. Although the plant originates from South America verbena grows very well in the UK climate and its very attractive to butterflies and bees so another good reason to plant in your garden.

Lemon verbena is more specifically grown for its scent, medicinal applications, for food grade applications such as tea and flavouring and for essential oils. Lemon verbena leaves are very aromatic and release a lemony scent when rubbed. It is known as the "Queen of the Aromatic Herbs" 

Lemon verbena has been associated with many health supporting properties and has been used as remedies for all sorts of ailments through the ages. Lemon Verbena tea was traditionally used to aid digestion and treat colds, flu and high temperatures. It was also made into an ointment or a poultice to disinfect wounds and speed up healing and to relieve joint pain brought on by inflammation. There is good evidence of the following benefits although there are no supporting clinical trials: anti-anxiety properties, antibiotic and antifungal, anti-inflammatory and supporting of gum health and digestive problems. As you would expect there are also lots of other myths and legends regarding verbena's properties which symbolises romance and sensitivity. 

Verbena was very popular during Victorian times: lemon verbena leaves in finger bowls and tucked into hankies for the aromatic scent but also the possibility that it would help to transmit messages between lovers.

Delicate, citrusy, and refreshing, verbena has long been cherished for its uplifting scent and healing properties. In Provence, it's more than just a plant – it’s a cherished part of daily life, found in soaps, skincare, teas, gardens, and local folklore.

Verbena, also known as verveine in French, has ancient roots. The Romans believed it had sacred powers and used it in ceremonial cleansings and protection rituals. Ancient Egyptians considered it a holy herb, while the Celts and Druids used it for divination and healing.

In medieval Europe, verbena was often referred to as the “Enchanter’s Herb” for its believed magical and medicinal qualities.

In Provence, verbena is a beloved summer herb. Locals drink it as a digestive tea (infusion de verveine) after dinner, grow it in their gardens, and scent their linens and bath products with its fresh lemony aroma. It’s commonly found at farmers markets in bunches, dried or fresh, and is a staple in traditional apothecaries.

Verbena is also a common note in Provençal perfumery, symbolizing sunlight, purity, and revitalization. In folklore, it was believed to bring peace and good luck when grown at the doorway of a home.

Verbena isn’t just fragrant—it’s functional. As a plant rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it offers a number of benefits in skincare:

• Toning: Helps balance and tighten the skin

• Calming: Soothes irritation and reduces redness

• Antibacterial: Gently cleanses without stripping natural oils

• Aromatherapeutic: The scent lifts the mood, refreshes the mind, and reduces stress

Traditional verbena soap from Provence is typically made with plant oils and enriched with lemon verbena essential oil or extract or 'parfum'. It’s favuored for its:

• Fresh citrus scent with herbaceous notes

• Gentle, non-drying cleanse

• Energizing effect on both skin and senses

• A true unisex fragrance

Classics are classics for a reason, and still there is opportunity to use these to bring new, contemporary  scents to our products. 

Savonnerie Bleu Jaune have taken their traditional Verbena and blended it for us to create Oriental Verbena.  A carefully crafted mix of Verbena with Lemongrass and Jasmin. Available in soap bars and liquids, browse below.

From herbal teas to botanical skincare and home fragrance, verbena captures the light and vibrance of Provence. Its popularity in natural beauty and lifestyle products is timeless.

Whether enjoyed as part of your morning routine or gifted as a scent of summer, verbena is a fragrant reminder of Provence’s connection to nature, healing, and everyday nourishment.

Verbena: The scent of serenity. The soul of Provence.