Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Frankincense perfume and co.: Vatican Pharmacy's own products online

Perfumes, creams and anti-cellulite capsules: The Vatican Pharmacy not only sells all of these products, but also produces them itself. 

The product range can now be viewed on its own website, as the Governorate of the Vatican City announced on Tuesday. 

However, anyone who wants to buy the perfumes with the fragrances frankincense, myrrh and gold, for example, has to come to the Vatican. 

An online shop has been under consideration for years, but has not yet been realised.

Vatican feeling in the bathroom

According to pharmacy manager Thomas Binish Mulackal, the fragrances inspired by the gifts of the Three Wise Men are among his customers' favourites. 

The cologne line and the lavender fragrance with fresh citrus notes - inspired by the Vatican Gardens - are also in demand. 

"Perfumes with natural ingredients and exclusive lines that evoke the history and spirituality of the Vatican are also very popular," says the Indian religious Mulackal. 

The pharmacy also offers room fragrances for that Vatican feeling in the bathroom or living room.

Founded in 1874 for the medical needs of the Pope and cardinals, the pharmacy also produces its own anti-ageing creams and aftershaves. 

The new research currently includes a line "specifically aimed at the well-being of men and women", says the head pharmacist. 

"We have recently introduced new mother tinctures for liver and digestive health and for mood, as well as coenzyme Q10 capsules and spirulina capsules, which are valued for their energising and restorative properties," the director adds.

Buying without VAT

The "Farmacia Vaticana" is one of the busiest pharmacies in the world. 

According to its own figures, it serves an average of 2,000 customers every day, more than 50 per cent of whom come from outside the Papal States. 

Due to the independence of the Vatican City, the pharmacy can also stock foreign medicines that are not on sale in Italy. 

VAT is also not applicable.