Founded in 1221 by Dominican monks in Florence, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a living legend. Recognized as the world's oldest pharmacy still in operation, it perpetuates age-old recipes where botany converges with aristocracy. Here, luxury is not merely marketing; it is an 800-year-old tradition.
The catalog is a journey through time. It features the iconic Acqua della Regina (the Queen's Water, created for Catherine de' Medici), creamy milk soaps, and of course, the celebrated Pot Pourri: a blend of herbs and flowers from the Tuscan hills, fermented in terracotta jars. It embodies Italian 'art de vivre' at its zenith, blending effective natural care with unforgettable scents.
About this selection
In 1221, Dominican friars settled in Florence and grew medicinal and aromatic plants in their garden to prepare remedies, balms and care waters. In 1612, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella officially opened its doors to the public, making it one of the oldest pharmacies and perfumeries in the world still in operation. Its famous Acqua della Regina, created for Catherine de' Medici, is among the first eaux de Cologne in history.
Santa Maria Novella's DNA rests on historic formulas, natural ingredients and production in Florence, faithful to the friars' recipes. Eaux de Cologne, body care, soaps and home fragrances carry forward eight centuries of savoir-faire, in bottles and packaging of timeless charm.
Our Santa Maria Novella selection includes the 100 ml Eaux de Cologne Acqua della Regina, Angeli di Firenze, Fresia, Melograno, Pot Pourri, Rosa Gardenia, Iris, Fieno, Muschio, Muschio Oro, Opoponax, Patchouli, Vetiver, Zagara, Caprifoglio, Cinquanta, Alba di Seoul and Colonia Imperial Lavender, as well as the Eaux de Parfum Ambra, Incenso and Quercia. Scented body creams, liquid soaps, milk soaps and scented soaps, body oil, deodorant cream and the toning waters Acqua di Rose, Acqua di Maggio and Acqua di Erba complete the care ritual. For the home, the Fresia, Melograno, Pot Pourri and Tabacco Toscano candles, scented wax tablets, the famous Pot Pourri sachet and the silk pouch filled with lavender.
At Actuel B, Santa Maria Novella perfumes and care products are available in our boutiques in Avignon and Arles as well as on our website, with delivery in France and worldwide. Our teams guide you in choosing your fragrance with the personalised advice that defines our approach to multi-brand luxury.