All About L'Occitane
We Are Cultivators Of Change
Since 1976, L'Occitane en Provence has been imagining, producing and selling beauty, skincare and wellbeing products with an intention to share nature's wonders with the world. Our ambition is to not only sustain lands, but to regenerate ecosystems. We believe beauty goes beyond what the eye can see. From seed to skin, we are holistic in our approach. At L'Occitane en Provence, we've always been Cultivators of Change. This mindset is nothing new. We do our best to create positive change for the world, and we always try to inspire everyone around us to do the same.
Cultivating Change Since 1976
It all began in the markets of Provence. With nothing but an alembic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants, a 23-year-old named Olivier Baussan began distilling rosemary essential oil to sell locally. He expanded his production from oils to soaps to creams, taking inspiration from the land he grew up on to bring natural beauty to homes across the world.
Cultivating Change Through Our Actions
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
We work directly with over 130 French farmers and 10,000 pickers - from the immortelle fields of Corsica to the lavender fields of Provence - to ensure that the ingredients we use are of the highest quality and sourced a sustainably as possible.
"We've helped our farmers to form a fair trade collective that focuses on agroecology. This means they have access to better farming practices and training programs, and learn how to care for biodiversity." Justine, Sustainable Ingredients Team
FORMULATION CHARTER
"We believe in the power of nature, and we believe in empowering customers. This pushed us to develop a strict Formulation Charter, so we can be transparent about the choices we make." Pascal, Scientific Research and Development Team
Our Story Is Divided Into Four Chapters
WE GROW NATURE
We believe in sustainable agriculture and we develop agro-ecological methods to grow our organic ingredients. They are sourced sustainably and in ways that do not put pressure on the precious ecosystems and natural environments that surround us.
WE REVEAL WONDERS
We understand that, just like everything else in nature, our hair and skin have their own ecosystems. To support their regeneration, we bring together a team of scientists who explore and investigate until new breakthroughs are revealed.
WE CRAFT SENSATION
By stirring the senses, we craft sensations. we turn to the unexpected to create long-lasting memories and bring more poetry into people's lives. Gifts that people can pass on to their loved ones knowing that they will be cherished forever.
WE ACT LOCALLY
The world needs to change, and we all have a role to play to make this happen. We know that our employees, customers, and people we work with every day can make a difference. The actions we take on a local scale can make life better on a global scale.
Our Commitments
L'OCCITANE HAS 6 COMMITMENTS
We focus on protecting our precious planet and treating people with respect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was L'Occitane founded?
L'Occitane was founded in 1976 in Provence, in the south of France.
Who founded L'Occitane?
L'Occitane en Provence was founded in 1976 by Olivier Baussan, then 23 years old, who began distilling essential oils from wild rosemary and lavender and selling them at open-air markets across Provence.
What does L'Occitane mean?
L'Occitane means "the woman from Occitania", an old region of southern France. The name honours where the brand began.
Is L'Occitane a French brand?
Yes. L'Occitane en Provence was founded in the south of France and its main factory remains in Manosque, Provence, where many of its skincare and body care products are formulated and packed. Our ingredients are sourced through partnerships with French farmers and cooperatives, including lavender growers in Haute-Provence and immortelle growers in Corsica.