We truly love our sea and its inhabitants, and we wanted to take things a step further! La Saponaria has made a donation to Fondazione Cetacea, a non-profit organization based in Riccione that has been dedicated to protecting cetaceans and sea turtles in the northern Adriatic for over 30 years. We've adopted two turtles! Here's how it's going so far. We named one of them Mirtilla: she’s a sea turtle that was rescued off the coast of Cesenatico after being trapped in a fishing net. She’s now safe at the Fondazione Cetacea rescue center, where she’s receiving all the care she needs to get strong again and return to swimming free in her sea. The other turtle will be arriving soon—rescues happen frequently! We'll follow her journey together and choose her name with the help of our community. Follow us on social media to stay updated on this project, see how things are going, and help us pick the most beautiful name in the world for our next little turtle! La Saponaria: our love for the sea The first time we started developing our sunscreens, we were faced with a big question: is it possible to create a cosmetic product with the least possible environmental impact? When we apply sunscreen and then go for a swim in the sea, the product on our skin dissolves directly into the water—without any kind of filter. After extensive research and study, we finally managed to create what we consider our ideal sunscreens: the ‘Osolebio’ line was born out of the need to fully protect our skin while being as eco-compatible as possible with the marine environment. That’s why we chose to formulate sunscreens using 100% physical, NON-NANO filters, certified organic and with an easy-to-apply texture. We wanted products that would be safe and practical for the whole family to use, while also showing love and respect for our planet and our sea. Sunscreens can be formulated using either physical or chemical filters (you can read more about the differences in our in-depth article). Without going into the details of how they work on the skin, we can say with absolute certainty that many of the chemical filters commonly used in sunscreens have a significant impact on the sea and marine ecosystems. So much so that places like Hawaii and Palau have drawn up a list of banned ingredients—there, sunscreens containing certain chemical filters are prohibited because they cause coral bleaching and reef death. The physical filters we use are not only respectful of the sea and its delicate ecosystem, but they also support an ethical project focused on the protection and regeneration of Mozambique’s coral reef. From the very beginning, we wanted the impact of the ‘Osolebio’ line to be as positive as possible for the planet. That’s why, for example, we chose packaging made from re-bottle recycled plastic, which comes from single-use plastic bottles, and we created our Sea-Friendly Shower Gel and Shampoo using ultra-light, biodegradable surfactants, so it can even be used on boats or while camping.This year, we decided to take another step forward: we made a donation to Fondazione Cetacea, a Riccione-based organization that has been working for over 30 years to protect cetaceans and sea turtles in the northern Adriatic. Let’s get to know them better. Fondazione Cetacea of Riccione: over 30 years standing by the turtles’ Side Protecting the sea means taking care of the life that inhabits it. This is the daily mission of Fondazione Cetacea, a non-profit organization founded in 1988 in Riccione to safeguard the marine ecosystem, with a special focus on the Adriatic Sea. Through outreach, education, and conservation activities, the Foundation has become a key point of reference for the protection of marine biodiversity.Fondazione Cetacea is on the front lines when it comes to rescuing marine animals in distress, particularly sea turtles and cetaceans. Its Marine Turtle Recovery Center, one of the most important and active in the Adriatic, receives over 60 sea turtles every year from the waters of Emilia-Romagna and the Marche. Here, biologists, veterinarians, naturalists, and volunteers care for the animals with dedication and expertise. Many of the turtles arriving at the center are victims of accidental capture in trawl nets—facing the risk of drowning—or suffer from collisions with boats, which can cause serious neurological damage. Others are affected by hypothermia due to sudden drops in sea temperature, which can compromise their vital functions. Each turtle receives personalized treatment and, after a period of care and rehabilitation, is released back into its natural habitat, ready to swim once again in the Adriatic Sea. Beyond rescue and rehabilitation, Fondazione Cetacea also serves as an Environmental and Sustainability Education Center, officially recognized by the Region of Emilia-Romagna. Every year, its headquarters in Riccione welcomes tens of thousands of students, families, and tourists, with the goal of spreading awareness and respect for the sea and its inhabitants. Among the core messages it promotes are the importance of individual commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment, and a clear ethical stance: Fondazione Cetacea is firmly opposed to captivity.The Foundation upholds a fundamental principle: marine animals do not belong in captivity. Their place is in the sea, and every effort is made to ensure their return to nature as quickly and safely as possible, with minimal human interaction during their recovery process. What we loved about Fondazione Cetacea La Saponaria chose to partner with Fondazione Cetacea for the adoption of two sea turtles because of its deeply respectful and compassionate approach to animal care. All too often, turtles that are rescued after severe injuries—such as the loss of a flipper—are kept in captivity indefinitely and never returned to their natural environment. Fondazione Cetacea, on the other hand, has taken a different and more hopeful path by creating the "Caletta delle Tartarughe" (Turtle Cove), first in Numana and later in Baia Flaminia in Pesaro.This innovative space plays a key role in the rehabilitation of turtles, especially those with motor or neurological issues. One turtle at a time is placed in this controlled marine area—a fenced zone in the sea—where it is carefully monitored by the Foundation's staff and volunteers. The goal is to observe the turtle's behavior in a natural setting and assess its ability to adapt and become self-sufficient. Once a turtle shows it can fend for itself, the rehabilitation period ends with a joyful release back into the open sea.This method has proven highly effective: with the right recovery period, every turtle has shown the ability to rediscover its strength and freedom, ready to return to life in its natural habitat. Fondazione Cetacea has become a benchmark organization for the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions, and it runs one of the most important and active turtle rescue centers in all of Italy. To date, over 1,000 sea turtles have been treated and released back into the sea, with that number growing significantly in recent years. La Saponaria’s turtles: Mirtilla has already arrived! La Saponaria made a donation to adopt two sea turtles—and Mirtilla is already here! You can watch the video of her rescue and the first care she received at the Foundation She was found trapped in fishing nets off the coast of Cesenatico and was immediately taken in by the team at Fondazione Cetacea. We’ll be following every step of Mirtilla’s rehabilitation—all the way up to her release back into the sea.Our second turtle hasn’t arrived yet, but we know it won’t be long, as unfortunately, rescues are all too frequent. Together with our team and our amazing community on social media, we’ll choose the name and follow her entire journey—from the moment she’s rescued to the day she swims free again!In the meantime, we’ll continue to take care of our sea and do everything we can to protect it.Stay tuned and be part of the journey with us! The problems facing our seas – and how we can protect them Here at La Saponaria, we’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on one key question:What are the biggest threats to our seas, and how can we help protect them?We believe there are three main issues where we can all make a difference: 1) Pollution from chemical substances : this includes a wide range of products, especially cosmetics—from face creams and rinse-off products to sunscreens, which can be particularly harmful as they often enter marine environments directly without any filtration.Many ingredients used in non-organic cosmetics have a negative impact on the sea.Take parabens and silicones, for example—they’re non-biodegradable and tend to accumulate in sediments or marine organisms.We know it’s not yet possible to create a truly zero-impact cosmetic, but we’ve always committed to formulating with natural, low-impact ingredients that leave a gentle footprint on the Earth and sea. 2) Waste and plastic pollution : the ocean suffers greatly from plastic pollution. That’s why, over the years, we’ve worked hard to reduce our use of virgin plastic to the bare minimum. Instead, we use recycled plastic, re-bottle plastic (from single-use bottles) and ocean plastic - recovered from the sea, recycled, and given a new life (a beautiful project we’re proud to be part of!)We also use alternative materials like glass, recycled aluminum, and paper, whenever possible. 3) Ghost fishing gear : one of the most dangerous threats to marine ecosystems is abandoned fishing gear, especially ghost nets.These nets—lost or deliberately discarded at sea—continue to trap fish, turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds, causing untold suffering and death. They also contribute to plastic buildup in the oceans, upsetting delicate ecological balances and endangering underwater habitats.That’s why we’ve partnered with Sea Shepherd, an organization we’ve supported for years. We donate soaps to be used aboard their ships, which are out there every day defending oceans and wildlife. Sea Shepherd actively works to recover ghost nets—and now we’re teaming up with Fondazione Cetacea as well! Help us name our second turtle! Our second turtle will be arriving soon—and we need your help to choose the perfect name!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to vote and stay updated on her journey, as well as Mirtilla’s rehabilitation and release. Seguici sui nostri social per aiutarci a decidere il nome perfetto per la nostra seconda tartaruga e per seguire tutta la sua storia e quella di Mirtilla! Ci trovi su Facebook e su Instagram. You can also visit Fondazione Cetacea in person. If you do, snap a photo of our little turtles and send it to us—we’d love to see them cheered on by so many people! Want to support the Foundation?You can find all the details to make a donation on their website: fondazionecetacea.org

Pure & Concentrated Actives are face serums that need no introduction: they are real best sellers because, thanks to their pure ingredients and innovative formulations, they have ‘revolutionised the concept of natural beauty, offering visible results and combining effectiveness and respect for the environment’. The natural frontier of anti-ageing has powerful allies on its side! These are pure face serums with surprising efficacy, each with a specific and targeted action, allowing you to choose the one best suited to your skin. Saponaria's Pure Actives are indeed the most copied and imitated cosmetics of recent years, but why settle for copies when we can have the originals? Their proven effectiveness has already won the hearts of many people, innovative formulas, sustainable packaging and fair prices have done the rest. Now they come with a great new feature: they are Cosmos Organic certified and their effectiveness is clinically tested. Let's get to know them better. Here is what we will find in this article: - Pure Actives, what they are: a brief presentation- Characteristics of mature skin - Natural causes of skin ageing - Environmental causes of skin ageing- Pure actives: let's see them in more detail  - Pure actives: who they are and what they do    - Hyaluronic Acid    - Bakuchiol    - Plant Collagen     - Fermented Complex    - Phytoretinol    - Peptide Complex    - Stable Vitamin C    - Niacinamide + Zinc    - Salicylic Acid    - AHA Peel - How to choose and when to use Pure Actives - A few words on packaging and how to make this world a better place Pure Actives, what they are: a brief presentation They appear as serums with a watery, impalpable and very light texture and are perfectly suited to all skin types, from the youngest and most impure to the most mature and dry. They are: Hyaluronic Acid: La Saponaria's much-loved and well-known Hyaluronic Acid, a targeted multi-molecular weight anti-wrinkle treatment that has won the hearts of many of us, has a plumping and moisturising function! It is contained, like all other Pure Actives, in a post-consumer recycled plastic bottle made from used plastic waste, and fitted with a UV filter to keep the precious formula even safer. Bakuchiol: the natural alternative to retinol, with regenerating and lifting action. It is a serum in oil, making it perfect for dry, mature skin. It acts on the furrow of the wrinkle by reducing its depth and thickness. It improves elasticity, firmness and evenness of the skin and gives the face a more youthful and regenerated appearance.  Plant Collagen: the plant alternative to animal collagen with an anti-ageing, plumping and instant lifting effect. It is the Pure Active to choose before a special evening for its wow effect.. Fermentated Complex: Korean-inspired active ingredient with anti-ageing, anti-blemish and smoothing action, based on natural fermented ingredients Phytoretinol: the natural alternative to retinol, with anti-ageing, regenerating and lifting action, a vitamin A equivalent with maximum skin tolerance that mimics the actions of retinol Peptide Complex: its watchwords are firming, toning, plumping and we can use its portentous characteristics not only to care for the skin of the face but also that of the décolleté. Stable Vitamin C: with strong antioxidant power, it is able to slow down the action of free radicals and has a smoothing effect: it lightens blemishes and compacts the texture. It gives extreme radiance to the skin, leaving it fresh and radiant. Niacinamide +Zinc: a powerful active ingredient with a sebum-regulating, soothing, protective action that prevents the appearance of new imperfections and reduces sebum production, making the skin less shiny and the texture more compact, even and radiant. Salicylic Acid: the Pure Active for balancing the skin and reducing imperfections! Thanks to its exfoliating properties it is particularly useful in cases of acne or impure skin. AHA Peel: the only monthly treatment for deep skin exfoliation with regenerating and smoothing action. The last magic touch for a truly complete skin care routine. Let's get to know them better in detail and see together how and when to use them to boost our anti-wrinkle routines, brighten our skin, smooth out expression lines, and diminish dyschromia and imperfections.   Characteristics of mature skin We all have the desire to maintain a beautiful and fresh appearance even as the years go by! Unfortunately, everyday life puts a strain on our skin and skin ageing is an entirely natural process, which we can, however, slow down. We can do a lot to take care of our skin and give it all the nutrients it needs so that it always looks its best. The natural ageing process starts between the ages of 25 and 30 when we see the first small expression lines appear, especially in the more sensitive areas such as the forehead and eye contour. From the age of 25 we lose 1% of collagen per year and after the age of 30 more collagen is lost than is produced.This is why, as the years go by, these signs become deeper and more numerous, until they become real wrinkles, which also affect the area around the mouth, which is more prone to losing elasticity.  Mature skin is characterised by: Dry skin Thin skin Lack of radiance Lack of firmness and tone Deep wrinkles Pale or yellowish complexion Open pores Hyperpigmentation and age spots The causes of this process are natural, related to the normal process of cellular senescence, and environmental, caused by external factors Natural causes of skin ageing The main natural causes of skin ageing are: Less collagen synthesis: skin thickness is mainly determined by the presence of collagen. In young skin, collagen synthesis and degradation are perfectly balanced, whereas in mature skin, normal collagen metabolism is disrupted, resulting in reduced skin thickness, loss of firmness and turgidity. Reduced elastin synthesis: elastin is a protein found in all elastic fibres such as tendons, arteries and even the skin. As the years pass, we produce less and less elastin, which is why the skin loses its elasticity and first expression lines and then wrinkles begin to appear, caused by the skin's inability to stretch again after a change. Variations in melanin production: the mechanisms of melanin production also begin to vary with age, which is why we often see an irregular production of melanin with the formation of darker hyperpigmentation spots, very frequent on the hands, face and décolleté. Environmental causes of skin ageing The main environmental causes of skin ageing are: Stress, which leads to the production of free radicals, reactive and unstable species that bind with the components of our skin (lipids, phospholipids, collagen and hyaluronic acid), damaging them and causing premature ageing. Pollution. Continuous exposure to smog and pollutants attacks our skin by restricting its respiration and hydration. Exposure to UV rays, which also cause the release of free radicals, even managing to damage the deeper layers of our skin. Inadequate nutrition Smoking and alcohol Both natural and environmental causes can be acted upon, thus avoiding accelerating the normal ageing process and externally integrating all those substances useful for the regeneration of the epidermis and which can stimulate the synthesis of new cells. In general, as we have seen, skin ages, loses its radiance and elasticity for a variety of causes. This is why we cannot rely on a single product which, however complete, will never be able to respond to so many facets. Rather, for effective action, we need to act on several fronts. Only in this way will we succeed in our aim of preserving a radiant and relaxed skin over time.   Pure & Concentrated Actives: let's see them in more detail And that is precisely how pure actives act: a coordinated action on several fronts that will never conflict with other treatments but will complement them perfectly. These are in fact pure products, very functional and powerful, but extremely well-tolerated and suitable for all skin types, from combination, oily and asphyxiated skin to dry or very dry and sensitive skin, and are suitable for all ages. Each skin will find its own reference Pure Active, but there is nothing to stop us using them together to maximise their action. For example: you are 20 years old and have imperfections but also want to prevent wrinkles? Your reference active ingredients will be Niacinamide+Zinc, perfect for all combination skins, and Plant Collagen, ideal for an immediate tightening effect. On the other hand, are you 30 years old and want to diminish expression lines? You can use Fitoretinol for a long-term action combined with Hyaluronic Acid, plumping.Or are you 40 years old and want brighter, blemish-free skin? Your reference active is Vitamin C, to which you can add the toning and plumping action of Complex Peptides.If, on the other hand, you are 50 years old or older and your wrinkles are deep and pronounced, a combination of Bakuchiol, Peptide Complex and Fermented Complex may really be the effective action you are looking for. To use them all together we can mix them together, or use some pure as a serum and add drops of others to your face cream. Finally, we can use some in the morning and some in the evening.   Pure actives: who they are and what they do They are powerful and easy to use. They are certified organic and their effectiveness is clinically proven. Here are their main features in detail:   Hyaluronic Acid Multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid is a concentrated biological plumping and moisturising face serum He needs no introduction: he is the anti-wrinkle product par excellence!Its strong point is its multiple molecular weight which enables it to perform its extraordinary moisturising actions on the surface (high and medium weight) and treat wrinkles in depth (low and very low weight).After use, the skin appears smoothed and plumped, wrinkles and small sagging filled, for a relaxing effect and a visible reduction in the depth of wrinkles. Its effectiveness is clinically proven.Recommended for: those looking for a product targeted against wrinkles. Bakuchiol Bakuchiol is the regenerating and lifting organic face serum concentrate: the natural and dermo-compatible alternative to retinol, in anoil! This is a certified organic anti-ageing face serum that acts on the furrow of the wrinkle by reducing its depth and thickness. It improves elasticity, firmness and skin uniformity and gives the face a more youthful and regenerated appearance.Bakuchiol is a very good alternative to retinol, without having the disadvantages ofthe latter:- it is not photosensitising, so it can be used all year round, even in summer- it is highly dermocompatible and well tolerated even by sensitive skin- it is of plant origin, being extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea Corylifolia, known as Babchi. Recommended for: those looking for a younger, fresher look   Plant Collagen Plant Collagen is the organic lifting and toning face serum concentrate As we have previously seen, collagen is a protein that forms the structure of the skin and gives it support. It is used in the production of anti-ageing cosmetics to provide elasticity to the skin and promote cell turnover.The Problem? The collagen commonly used is of animal origin. This implies that its particles are too large: they therefore do not penetrate deeply, performing a superficial and temporary action.Plant collagen is the plant alternative to animal collagen, designed specifically for cosmetic use and to act in the deeper layers of the skin. It is able to give the skin hydration and a powerful immediate anti-age effect (+18% skin firmness), but if applied consistently, the results will be visible and stable even in the long term.Who it is recommended for: those seeking greater skin elasticity but, thanks to its immediate tightening effect, also those who want to look their best on a special occasion. Fermentated Complex Fermentated Complex is a concentrated organic lifting and smoothing face serum. Korean-inspired, it proves particularly effective as a smoothing agent and ideal for those seeking porcelain skin An innovative Korean-inspired product based on natural ingredients that undergo a fermentation process, making them more powerful and performing on the skin. Fermented Complex is a pure active ingredient based on Marine Phytocomplex, an extract obtained from the fermentation of marine microalgae, which has an anti-ageing and lifting action.It also stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, essential components for healthy skin.Recommended for: those who need a complete product to smooth the skin texture, even out the complexion and combat wrinkles. Phytoretinol  Phytoretinol is the regenerating and lifting organic face serum concentrate, a perfect dermocompatible alternative to classic retinol Retinol is a provitamin A that fights skin ageing. The problem? It has a chemical origin, is photosensitising and irritates the skin!Phytoretinol is the natural alternative to retinol, a vitamin A equivalent with maximum skin tolerability that mimics the actions of retinol, in particular promoting collagen synthesis and cell renewal.Recommended for: those in need of long-term anti-ageing treatment. Peptide Complex Peptide Complex is the smoothing and firming organic face and décolleté serum   Considered great anti-ageing allies of the skin, peptides are short amino acid sequences whose main characteristic is to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, giving the skin tone and elasticity.Peptide Complex contains a hexapeptide of plant origin derived from fermentation and the extract of Sacha Inchi, a plant from Peru already known to the Incas. The combination of these two ingredients promotes rejuvenation of the face and décolleté: this serum works against sagging skin and can be used both on the face and breasts.Peptide Complex is able to- improve skin tone and elasticity- counteract natural sagging of the skin- stimulate collagen and elastin production- minimise the appearance of skin blemishes and redness- make the skin appear smoother, firmer and less marked   Stable Vitamin C Stable Vitamin C is a concentrated organic brightening and illuminating face serum with a concentrated and even more functional formula Vitamin C is an extremely powerful antioxidant that neutralises the action of free radicals and counteracts the signs of ageing by stimulating collagen production.It gives extreme radiance to the skin, leaving it fresh and radiant. This portentous active also has an evening out effect: it lightens blemishes and compacts the texture. Recommended for: anyone who wants to brighten the face and even out the complexion. Niacinamide+Zinc Pure active agent ideal for combination and impure skin with sebum-balancing and anti-imperfection action Niacinamide, together with Zinc, is the perfect ally in the fight against pimples, blemishes and blackheads.In fact, this active ingredient is able to prevent the appearance of new blemishes and reduce sebum production, making the skin less shiny. It also acts on dilated pores, making the skin texture firmer and more even and luminous. With its soothing action, it is also perfect for combating redness or post-pimple spots. It prevents photo-ageing and has a protective action against sunlight and atmospheric agents.Recommended for: all combination and oily skin, but also for stressed and polluted skin.Niacinamide 10% and Zinc gluconate 3% are combined in our shock-acting active ingredient. Salicylic Acid Salicylic Acid is a strong purifying and sebum-regulating concentrate! This face serum acts on the imperfections typical of acne-prone or impure skin. In particular, the active penetrates the pores by reducing the occlusion caused by the accumulation of excess sebum and dead cells, thus limiting the formation of new imperfections and blackheads. In addition, among its powers, this precious active contributes to maintaining the balance of the cutaneous microbiome, which is essential for preserving the health of the skin and avoiding the imbalances that can lead to the formation of imperfections and inflammations.Who it is recommended for: all acne-prone or impure skin, even the most sensitive.Its purifying action is a panacea that provides long-lasting benefits.  AHA Peel The AHA Peel is a biological exfoliating and regenerating rinsing treatment The AHA Peel is a deep cleansing and regeneration treatment with high skin tolerability.It is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin and is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, thanks to a clever mix of natural alpha hydroxy acids (5% concentration) that make the formula gentle but highly effective.It is clinically tested and is perfect for those who wish to minimise signs of ageing, blemishes and dull skin because it promotes skin renewal from the outside, accelerating natural cell turnover, and from the inside, being able to nourish and protect the deeper layers:- Gently exfoliates the skin -> more even, radiant and smoother skin- Protects collagen -> firmer skin- Stimulates fibroblasts to produce new fibrils -> younger, smoother skin   How to choose and when to use Pure Actives The pure active ingredients can be used morning and evening: none of them are photosensitising. They can be included in one's daily beauty routine immediately after cleansing and before applying the face cream or in addition to it.To help you choose the pure Actives best suited to your needs, consult our table below The Actives can be used mixed with each other, alternating or combined with your favourite face creams or serums! They can be used: On its own, before or as an alternative to the cream, by applying 2 drops of the product directly to the face and massaging in until completely absorbed As a booster, by adding 1 or 2 drops of product to your favourite face cream or serum. It will make the texture of the cream much lighter to the touch and easier to absorb, increasing its effectiveness! After using AHA Peel, you can use all the pure Actives except Niacinamide+Zinc. Mixed with each other: 1 drop of each chosen pure active can be mixed with each application. Exception is Bakuchiol which, being on an oil base, do not mix with the other actives but can be applied immediately afterwards. Niacinimide and Vitamin C cannot be mixed together: better to use one in the morning routine and one in the evening routine if you want to use both! All pure Actives can be used together and mixed with each other, except Vitamin C and Niacinamide: better to use one in the morning and one in the evening Here is an explanatory video showing the application of the Actives used both in purity and as a face cream booster:   A few words on packaging and how to make this world a better place Our choices define us: that is why here at La Saponaria we are doing a huge job on packaging! We have decided to eliminate virgin plastic from all our packaging, which we are progressively doing on all our products. We are therefore using glass jars, recycled aluminium, recycled and 100% biodegradable cardboard and bioplastic, a plastic derived from sugar cane. Another super interesting material is re-bottle recycled plastic, i.e. post-consumer recycled plastic obtained from used plastic waste.What not everyone knows is that normal recycled plastic comes from industrial waste, but is in fact new, never having been used. This is why post-consumer recycled plastic has an added value over normal recycled plastic: not only does its creation not involve the creation of new material, but it also breathes life back into those already used, preventing them from ending up in the sea or in landfills.   Making organic, health and environmentally friendly cosmetics is not enough for us! Sustainable packaging has always been a priority for us, and now more than ever. The entire Attivi Puri line has a re-bottle made of recycled plastic and for this it won Conai's Eco-Pack 2024 award.