"The sun, the products of the soil and a love of nature are the essence of my Provence. It is this essence I want to share with the world. It is what inspired me to create L'OCCITANE."
--Olivier Baussan, Founder of L'Occitane

As a firm believer in supporting socially responsible companies, I'd like to bring your attention to one such company that has been around for more than 30 years: L'Occitane.

The fields and the beauty of France are the inspiration for this brand that is known worldwide for providing authentic beauty products. Olivier Baussan's mission began when he purchased a steam distiller and began harvesting wild rosemary to produce pure rosemary essential oil.

Over the years Baussan has traveled the world searching for new ingredients and different techniques, he learned about shea butter that is grown on shea trees in West Africa. There are three women's cooperatives in Africa that help produce the shea butter, otherwise known as "Women's gold". L'Occitane has partnered with the women's cooperatives and buys the shea butter at a fair price to be used in the company's products.

The benefits of shea butter include:

• Evens skin tone and brings luster to hair and nails

• Moisturizes and protects skin and scalp

• Is absorbed by the skin quickly without leaving a greasy residue, unlike petroleum or mineral oil-based products

• Naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, & F

I love Olivier Baussan's commitment and vision of producing high-quality natural and organic beauty products.

I also love the missions of the L'Occitane Foundation:

• To support organizations in the field of sensory handicaps, in France and abroad.

• To safeguard the "knowledge of nature" in Provence.

• To support projects of economic development led by women in developing societies.
  

L'Occitane offers a wide variety of products including bath and shower products like their famous French soap, skincare, haircare, and fragrances. They also offer free gift wrap, email alerts of special announcements, plus free samples with any purchase.

Photo Credit:gtknj