L'Occitane en Provence : a French Cosmetics Brand

Introduction

L'Occitane en Provence, a brand rooted in the Provence region, has been dedicated to natural beauty since its founding in 1976 by Olivier Baussan. The brand has grown significantly from its beginnings and is now recognized globally for its skincare and beauty products.

Olivier Baussan began his venture with a simple alembic and a small truck. He distilled rosemary essential oil, which quickly gained popularity. This marked the start of L'Occitane's mission to deliver the natural benefits of Provence to customers around the world. As demand for his products grew, Baussan expanded the range to include various essential oils and natural products. In 1981, he opened the first L'Occitane boutique in Volx, Provence. The introduction of shea butter products, sourced from cooperatives in Burkina Faso, became a cornerstone of the brand. By around the end of the 90s, L'Occitane began expanding internationally, opening stores in major cities worldwide.

L'Occitane is committed to preserving the biodiversity of Provence. The brand collaborates with over 140 producers and 10,000 pickers to sustainably source ingredients like Immortelle from Corsica and lavender from Provence. This approach is evident in products like the Almond collection and the Shea Butter range.

L'Occitane's product range includes the Immortelle Divine collection, inspired by Corsica's everlasting flower, and the Amande range, enriched with almond oil. Shea butter hand creams are also popular.

Today, L'Occitane operates over 2,000 stores in 60 countries including 102 stores in France, sharing the scents and traditions of Provence with a global audience. The brand is part of the L'Occitane Group, which owns five other brands : January Sun, Elemis, Erborian, Melvita, L'Occitane in Brazil, Limelife by Alcone and Dr. Vranjes Firenze. The Group has 3,000 points of sales in 90 countries.

L'Occitane en Provence continues to offer products that capture the natural beauty of Provence. With a focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community empowerment, the brand remains a trusted name in natural skincare and beauty products.