L’ocean was started by teenager Poppy Mosbacher to make natural cosmetics available and affordable to more people. She wanted to make it easier to identify skincare products that are natural and beneficial and to know how to avoid ingredients that could be harmful to the body or the environment.

With help from family and friends, Poppy developed her own skincare range and opened a shop in Totnes to promote natural cosmetics. It has helped her get to know customers and she is introducing new products in response to their requests.

The shop is staffed by qualified and experienced local people who make or bottle the L’ocean skincare range on site. Customers can see how we work and come to workshops where we share our knowledge. We also host evening events with guest speakers on related subjects such as herbalism and aromatherapy.

If you can’t visit the store you can download our mail order price list and Poppy is available to give demonstrations at after school clubs or Brownies/Guides.

The story so far

L’ocean came about through an inspiring parents evening at my school when I was 13. My class was too big for my form teacher to see everyone so my mum and I met the vice principal instead. I gave her a sample of soap I’d made to raise money for dolphins stranded on local beaches and we talked about how difficult it was to find natural skincare products for teenagers. She encouraged me to develop my soap making into a business.

My parents offered financial help and the benefit of their experience in running a successful health food shop. But it turned out that cosmetic regulations are far more complex than food retailing and it took a long time to get L’ocean off the ground.

After years of attending courses and experimenting on friends and family, I developed a range of natural cosmetics and opened a shop on Totnes High Street in 2010.

Although I love working in the shop and meeting customers, most of my time is spent developing the website and a mail order catalogue, creating recipes and dealing with the paperwork. Penelope Smith, who used to have her own skincare business, manages the shop and is helping me broaden the range to include products for all ages and skin types.

Since starting L’ocean it has been surprising how many customers have said they make their own skin care products. They share the same desire to make a difference and the sense of the enjoyment that comes from creating something natural. It’s wonderful to know there are other people doing the same thing for the same reasons. Collectively we can bring about change.

Choosing the name

The name L’ocean is perfect. Being an avid surfer, I have always loved the sea. So it links my concern to protect the ocean* with my desire to keep skincare natural.

*Shampoo and skincare products get washed off down the plughole and into the water supply, and sun cream often goes directly into the sea, so it’s important to use biodegradable ingredients.