To fight against waste, Fabien Poulenas and Océane Camus transform “ugly” vegetables into organic soaps. Since the launch of their “Leggun” brand in June 2024, their soaps made from twisted carrots or chubby broccoli have already helped save many fruits and vegetables.
Why throw away vegetables just because they’re not “perfect”? Océane and her partner launched Laying following their end-of-studies project at school Pub Soupwhere they had to design a business from A to Z. Starting from the problem of food waste, they focused on an eco-responsible solution: revalorize fruits and vegetables discarded for aesthetic criteria, but rich in beneficial properties for the skin. “Today, the equivalent of a football stadium filled to the brim with edible vegetables is wasted every year in France because they do not meet beauty standards” explains Océane.
From “ugly” vegetables to committed cosmetic products
The brand offers a range of soaps enriched with 40% vegetables in atypical shapes. Twisted carrots, chubby broccoli and twisted apricots, selected for their benefits, are incorporated via an artisanal cold saponification process, in order to guarantee superior quality and preserve the properties of the ingredients. “This method preserves essential vitamins and minerals from vegetable oils and vegetables” specifies Océane. To date, Laying offers three ranges of soap:
- Carrot soap: rich in beta-carotene, it brightens the complexion.
- Broccoli soap: improves the elasticity and suppleness of the skin.
- Apricot exfoliating soap: deeply hydrates and nourishes thanks to its soothing properties.
How are soaps made in the laboratory?
Océane and Fabien want to ensure that “Laying” remains anchored in a 100% French approach, from the selection of ingredients to recyclable packaging. The soaps are produced in partnership with a laboratory in the Hautes-Alpes, which allows the brand to maintain an artisanal standard, while increasing production: “We chose organic for an environmentally friendly approach” specifies Océane, adding that each step, from laboratory tests to the creation of the packaging, is designed to minimize the ecological impact.
Before collaborating with a laboratory, the creators carried out their first tests in their own kitchenwith sometimes surprising results. “It was a real apprenticeship,” says Océane. “We come from a communications background, not cosmetics, so making soaps was a challenge. Some experiments worked very well, others much less so!” she quips.
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