Ortigia: The Scent of Summer

About the brand

Ortigia Sicily is a charming Italian soap and fragrance company founded by Sue Townsend in Sicily. Drawing inspiration from the island's rich aesthetics, vibrant colours, and captivating scents, Ortigia offers a luxurious range of products meticulously crafted using natural ingredients native to Sicily.

The brand holds a special place in our founder Deryane's heart. Years ago, her husband Chris gifted her an Ortigia perfume. After countless customers inquired about her gorgeous scent, Deryane decided to add Ortigia to The Dressing Room's collection. What began as a small perfume offering quickly expanded into an extensive range for home and body. Today, our collection features Ortigia soaps, Ortigia candles, Ortigia diffusers, and Ortigia hand creams.

Master perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi distills Ortigia perfumes from Sicily's flowers, capturing the island's essence. The base of all Ortigia products includes natural ingredients like olive oil, vegetable glycerine, and organic colours. Committed to ethical and sustainable practices, Ortigia products are free from SLS, nickel, silicone, and parabens, and are never tested on animals. The brand seamlessly blends traditional ingredients with modern integrity.

Ortigia Sicily collaborates with small family companies known for their quality products. The highly decorative packaging, designed by Sue Townsend, showcases exotic Sicilian images and colours, evoking the island's vibrant spirit. The name Ortigia is derived from a small island at the edge of Siracusa's ancient fortified city on Sicily’s southeastern coast. Known for its picturesque streets and breathtaking sea views, Ortigia boasts the stunning Piazza del Duomo, one of Italy's most beautiful squares.

Sicily's southeastern region, "la Sicilia Orientale," enjoys a near-tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil, thanks to Mount Etna. This active volcano enriches the land, nurturing vibrant groves of oranges, lemons, figs, almonds, pistachios, and more. This diverse landscape mirrors Sicily's colourful history and cultural heritage, which Ortigia celebrates through its captivating scents and imagery. Ortigia offers scents for all tastes, but our summer favourites are Fico D’India and Zagara. 

Fico D’India features notes of powdery fig and cedar, inspired by the wild exotic cactus with orange flowers that grow across Sicily

Zagara, a highly aromatic citrus scent with neroli, petitgrain, and a woody base, perfectly captures the summer vibe.

Ortigia's beauty lies in its versatility. Perfumes and lotions can be layered to create personalised scents unique to you. For your home, mix and match candles and diffusers to complement each other's notes or designate specific scents for different rooms. There are no rules—just enjoy the sensory journey.

Sustainability

Ortigia Sicily takes pride in its commitment to the environment and sustainability. The company collaborates with small, local Sicilian businesses to source its high-quality ingredients, ensuring that each product is as authentic and eco-friendly as possible. This dedication to sustainability is evident in every step of their production process, from the careful selection of raw materials to the meticulous crafting of their products.

The use of natural ingredients such as olive oil and vegetable glycerine not only provides a luxurious experience for users but also aligns with Ortigia's commitment to environmental responsibility. Each product is carefully formulated to ensure that it is gentle on the skin and free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe and ethical choice for consumers.

Ortigia's packaging also reflects its dedication to sustainability. The brand uses recyclable materials and designs its packaging to be both beautiful and functional.

For those who appreciate fine fragrances and luxurious skincare products, Ortigia Sicily offers a sensory journey that is both indulgent and environmentally conscious. Whether you're looking for a signature scent, a soothing hand cream, or a beautifully scented candle, Ortigia's range has something to offer for everyone. By choosing Ortigia, you're not only treating yourself to a touch of Sicilian luxury but also supporting a brand that values sustainability, quality, and the rich cultural heritage of Sicily.

In essence, Ortigia Sicily is more than just a fragrance and skincare company; it is a celebration of the island's beauty, culture, and commitment to ethical practices. With its carefully curated range of products, Ortigia invites you to experience the essence of Sicily in every scent and every touch.

How long does perfume last?

Perfume typically lasts 3-5 years, with heavier notes enduring longer. Some believe that perfumes age like fine wine, improving over time. To ensure your perfume lasts, keep it in its box in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

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