Meadow Sweet

Reine des Prés is a pure white flower known for its brightening properties: the flower is illuminating its petals over time. It naturally contains salicylic acid - renowned for boosting luminosity and supporting skin’s natural renewal powers. Inspired by this flower's immaculate beauty and unparalleled luminosity, L’OCCITANE has created the Reine Blanche Illuminating Program for skin that looks brighter and more translucent.

Queen of the Meadows

Reine des Près means queen of the meadows in French. It was given that name for its delicate, dominating beauty that spreads across the meadows of Provence. Traditionally used in European medicine for its anti-inflammatory powers, it’s still found in herbal remedies.

The main ingredient in our Reine Blanche collection is the Meadowsweet flower. This source naturally contains Salicylic Acid which is known to help epidermal renewal, enhance the skin luminosity and therefore evens out the complexion. The Meadowsweet flower grows in Provence, from June to September.

Reine Blanche Brightening Serum

The Brightening Serum, formulated with the Reine Blanche Complex, made with botanical extracts of natural origin, and Vitamin C, is designed to improve the appearance of 3 dimensional qualities of skin: evenness, luminosity and texture.

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Reine des Pres Brightening Concentrate Serum

30 ml

$130.00

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Traceability: Ethical Sourcing

Drawing on its extensive botanical research, L'Occitane has discovered a plant with the power to spectacularly illuminate the skin. Meadowsweet is grown in Lus la Croix Haute, in the Drome region of France, where L'Occitane has a relationship with local producers.

Our picker, Jean-Pierre Pavier harvests Meadowsweet flowers in the wild by hand. With the aim of preserving wildlife, he only cuts the flower spikes and leaves the rods. Jean-Pierre leaves 50% of the flowers on plants in order to help their renewal and ensure a sustainable supply. From that 50%, he picks the ones that have released their pollen already so they can continue to sustain in their environment.

Reine Blanche Collection

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Reine des Prés: Frequently Asked Questions

What is meadowsweet and how does it benefit skin?

Meadowsweet, known in French as Reine des Prés or queen of the meadows, is a delicate white flower native to Provence. It naturally contains salicylic acid, which is renowned for its exfoliating and brightening properties. Salicylic acid helps to support the skin's natural renewal process by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, which improves luminosity and promotes a more even, translucent complexion over time.

Is meadowsweet effective for brightening skin?

Yes. Meadowsweet is the key ingredient in L'Occitane's Reine Blanche brightening range. Its natural salicylic acid content supports epidermal cell renewal and helps to even out skin tone. When combined with vitamin C in L'Occitane's Reine Blanche Brightening Serum, the formula is designed to improve three visible qualities of the skin: evenness, luminosity and texture. Results are typically visible with consistent use over several weeks.

Is a brightening serum with meadowsweet suitable for all skin types?

Meadowsweet extract is gentle enough for most skin types, including sensitive and combination skin. Unlike higher-concentration synthetic salicylic acid treatments, the naturally occurring levels in meadowsweet are mild and less likely to cause dryness or peeling. It is a good option for those who want to improve skin radiance without using harsher chemical exfoliants. If your skin is particularly reactive, start by using the serum every other day and build up gradually.

Where does L'Occitane source its meadowsweet?

L'Occitane works with Jean-Pierre Pavier, who harvests meadowsweet flowers by hand in the wild in Lus la Croix Haute, in the Drome region of France. To preserve the local ecosystem, he cuts only the flower spikes and always leaves at least 50% of the flowers on each plant to support natural regeneration. This careful, sustainable approach ensures a consistent supply while protecting the biodiversity of the meadows where the plant grows.

How do I use the Reine Blanche brightening serum?

Apply the Reine Blanche Brightening Serum to clean skin in the morning and evening, before your moisturiser. Use a few drops and press gently into the skin rather than rubbing. For best results, use consistently over four to eight weeks, as brightening ingredients work gradually by supporting the skin's natural renewal cycle. Pairing the serum with daily SPF application is especially important in Australia and New Zealand, where UV exposure is among the highest in the world.