The idyllic, brightly colored fields of fresh herbs and flowers in Provence serve as the backbone of L’Occitane’s company philosophy. They stay true to the integrity of natural ingredients, which they have a palpably deep respect for.

All of the incredibly luxurious, soothing products are inspired by botanical ingredients. They’re formulated with their inherent active ingredients, which are expertly extracted and blended by their skilled chemists. And for all those asking, it is pronounced Lox-ee-tahn. Welcome to our L’Occitane review.

L’Occitane Company Overview

Rosemary essential oil.

Founded in 1976 by a 23-year-old Oliver Baussan, L’Occitane began as a booth at a local open-air market. Baussan sold rosemary and lavender essential oils that he distilled himself and vegetable-based soaps made in an old soap factory that was donated to him.

In 1981 L’Occitane opened its first factory and shop. It has since expanded to about 100 countries. In the late 1990’s, the company name changed to L’Occitane en Provence. This is a constant reminder of the company’s roots, whose spirit it has remained faithful to.

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L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Review

Hand cream is the bread and butter of L’Occitane. There are many women who won’t leave the house without their L’Occitane in their bag! They are available in different fragrances, which are lovely and light, and a few different formulations. Of all of the options, the L’Occitane shea butter hand cream is the most popular.

In a 2018 article published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences, the authors write that “plant oils have been utilized for a variety of purposes throughout history, with their integration into foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. They are now being increasingly recognized for their effects on both skin diseases and the restoration of cutaneous homeostasis.” These effects may be inconsistent, due to different skin types and other factors, but it seems that the use of plant-based substances in mainstream cosmetics has been increasing with each passing year.

According to their website, someone purchases one of these delicious hand creams every three seconds worldwide. It absorbs quickly into the skin leaving no greasy feeling at all, it hydrates deeply and replenishes dry or worn out skin.

Take me to Amazon: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

L’Occitane Shea Butter Verbena Soap Review

This liquid soap fuses the rich softening properties of shea butter with the refreshing scent of lemon verbena. It cleanses well without any harsh detergents, and will keep hands soft even after excessive washing thanks to the shea butter and added aloe vera extract. A 16.9 fl.oz bottle of L’Occitane shea butter verbena soap will run you about $27.00, which is a lot more than the average person spends on hand soap. But as with all L’Occitane products, it makes a nice treat or a pampering gift. And specifically, for anyone with eczema, very dry skin, or easily irritated skin, a soap that doesn’t exacerbate skin issues is completely necessary, and can be difficult to come by.

In the International Journal of Pharmacy and Life Sciences appeared a 2017 article discussing the evolution of the verbena leaf. The authors state that the leaf “is commonly used for anti-inflammatory effect…antioxidant and antifungal activity…anti-inflammatory activity… antioxidant activities… anti-skin infection. Verbena officinalis Linn. Possess very therapeutic effects. Nevertheless, it is still required to carry out more studies on this plant to identify its other properties.” Clearly, this is an ingredient which would fit very nicely into a soap, which is precisely what L’Occitane did.

I want it: L’Occitane Shea Butter Verbena Soap

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil Review

Almond oil.

The hydrolipidic film is a defensive barrier covering the skin that protects the skin from damage, dehydration and environmental toxins. Using regular soaps and detergents strip away part of the crucial hydrolipidic film and the skin can take up to 36 hours to replenish itself and restore its optimal pH level of 5.5 after showering depending on skin sensitivity.

The L’Occitane almond shower oil has a proper pH balance and does not contain any harsh soaps, so it does not hurt skin. The oil turns into a foam when mixed with water in the shower, clearing away dirt and sebum and leaving the skin supple and moisturized.

The almond line is one of their only sweet scents, and not overpoweringly so at all. Sweet almond oil is full of nourishing vitamins and promotes cellular turnover and renewal, and won’t clog pores, making this a real treat for any skin type. Get your own here.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream Review

The L’Occitane shea butter ultra rich body cream is made up of 25% pure shea butter. Shea butter is uniquely rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that deeply moisturize the skin, have anti-inflammatory properties, and increases the rate of natural collagen production in the skin.

This cream is an Ultimate Natural Beauty Bible Awards Winner. It can have immediate renewing effects on the skin with other superpower softening ingredients including apricot oil, sweet almond and honey. It helps to protect and restore the hydrolipidic film, locks in moisture for up to three days, and absorbs into the skin without leaving any oily residue behind.

Honey is a unique substance, since it is not plant-based. In an article from 2016, published in the Central Asian Journal of Global Health, the authors state: “A plethora of in vitro studies have revealed that honeys from all over the world have potent antimicrobial activity against skin relevant microbes. Moreover, a number of in vitro studies suggest that honey is able to modulate the skin immune system. Clinical research has shown honey to be efficacious in promoting the healing of partial thickness burn wounds while its effectiveness in the treatment of non-burn acute wounds and chronic wounds is conflicted. ”

The effects of honey on acute and chronic wounds has not been proven conclusively, but the overall benefits of honey for skin have been demonstrated and replicated in different clinical studies.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream

$34.99

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L’Occitane Almond Delicious Hand Cream Review

The L’Occitane almond delicious hand cream has a subtle almond and vanilla scent with a hint of fresh almond flowers. It includes nourishing and softening almond milk and almond oil. It is more lightweight than some of the others, but still very hydrating, and as is trademark to the L’Occitane hand creams, leaves no greasy residue on the hands.

Learn more: L’Occitane Almond Delicious Hand Cream

L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream Review

L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream.

I think we can all agree that dry, cracked heels and feet ain’t cute. The feet are a body part that is easy to ignore and neglect, and this concentrated foot remedy is one simple way to turn that trend around. The anti-inflammatory, discomfort-relieving arnica and the lavender oil, which is a natural disinfectant that also increases blood circulation, make a formidable team. Add the wonderfully moisturizing shea butter to the mix and your feet will look and feel as soft as ever with the L’Occitane shea butter foot cream.

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L’Occitane Verbena Shower Gel Review

Essential oils verbena, orange, geranium and lemon unite in the refreshing L’Occitane verbena shower gel. It lathers nicely and softens while it cleans. The gel finds a nice balance between thorough cleansing for oilier skin and gentleness for drier skin. The packaging is really beautiful, with the outline of a verbena leaf imprinted into the bottle, and the naturally soft, citrusy fragrance lingers on the skin throughout the day. Get it here.

L’Occitane Truck Review

L’Occitane has set up “Mellow Yellow” truck booths to sell their products showing that they “We bring Provence to you.” Now they sell these adorable little yellow trucks filled with some of their best products including the Almond shower oil (75ml), Neroli & Orchidee Eau de Toilette (7.5ml), Almond Milk Concentrate (50ml), Shea Butter hand cream (30ml) and the Repairing Shampoo (50ml). The collection makes an amazing gift with so many wonderful products to try and such a fun package to receive them in.

L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream Review

Immortelle essential oil is a fairly new discovery in the world market. It has swiftly become one of the most well-known for wound healing and skincare uses. This oil is very precious and can be quite expensive. This is because a huge number flowers is required to extract just one kilo of oil. The oil works by promoting skin cell regeneration and increasing blood flow to the capillaries underneath the skin. The L’Occitane immortelle precious cream is firming, plumps up the skin and smooths out wrinkles.

It is not as rich in immortelle as you’d expect for a product in which it is advertised as the star, and I happen to think there are better facial creams out there at this price point. For example, the Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Crème. However, it smells amazing and has transformed the skin of many reviewers.

Check it out: L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream Review

The L’Occitane immortelle divine cream seems to be an update of the Precious Cream with more beneficial natural ingredients. It renews the skin and increases cellular vitality. It noticeably improves the brightness and even tone of the complexion, and skin seems to glow after continued use.

In the future, immortelle essential oil may be used for more than skin brightness and tone. In a 2013 article published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the authors state that “in vitro studies characterized Helichrysum italicum as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Its flavonoids and terpenes were effective against bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus), its acetophenones, phloroglucinols and terpenoids displayed antifungal action against Candida albicans and its flavonoids and phloroglucinols inhibited HSV and HIV, respectively.”

As with the immortelle precious cream though, it doesn’t quite live up to expectations considering that there are some really incredible creams out there at this price and that it has quite a bit of added fragrance which can irritate sensitive skin.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream

$110

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Is L’Occitane Cruelty Free?

Is L’Occitane Cruelty Free?

The most common standard regarding animal practices in the cosmetics industry right now is that animal testing is frowned upon. But the companies allow it so as not to limit themselves from the giant consumer market of China, which requires the testing of all incoming products.

L’Occitane does not test their products or ingredients on animals and works to develop new non-animal testing practices. The company also does not commission anyone else to test on its behalf. But their products are tested on animals by Chinese laboratories, so they are not totally cruelty-free.

L’Occitane Vs. Erno Laszlo

Both L’Occitane and Erno Laszlo produce luxurious products that are a delight to use and smell nice. I personally prefer the fragrances of L’Occitane, but I know there are those would disagree. The L’Occitane packaging is also prettier in my opinion, and are a nice accent on any vanity or bedside table.

However, the Erno Laszlo jars are heavier and very minimalist, which some may prefer and definitely feel more expensive. At the end of the day, the most important factor when comparing products is the effectiveness of the formulations. It is here that Erno Laszlo is the clear winner. Erno Laszlo is also pricier, though. So both are really great options, depending on budget and personal aesthetic or scent preferences.

Conclusion

The L’Occitane products are kind to the skin and include amazing naturally derived ingredients and organic plant extracts. One disclaimer is that although the company calls these products “natural”, they are not natural. This is an important distinction to understand. If that doesn’t bother you, these are really lovely cosmetics that smell absolutely amazing and seem to really improve the feel and appearance of skin.

It is difficult to say whether they are worth their relatively high price point. However, there are definitely some products that I can confidently say are worth every penny. This includes the shea butter hand cream and the almond shower oil. L’Occitane en Provence products give you the kind of pampered feel that we don’t always treat ourselves to, but that makes them really nice gifts to your friends or to yourself.

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