Le Petit Marseillais

Main activity: bath & body

Country: France

Le Petit Marseillais™, the #1 body wash brand in France, was founded in sunny Provence. Their body care products and scents are inspired by the sun-drenched ingredients that thrive in the warm Mediterranean sun.

Since the 19th century, the sunny harbor of Marseille has been renowned for its fine artisan soap. Rich soils and a warm climate give the region a coveted supply of sun-kissed ingredients including moisturizing olives, lovely florals, bright citrus and fresh herbs.

It was here in the early 1980’s that a Frenchman named Bernard Lengellé was enchanted by the magic of Marseille. Walking through a picturesque outdoor market, he fell in love with the colorful and beautifully fragrant soaps that filled the air. In this moment, he knew exactly what he would do: bring the artisanal quality of Marseille to the rest of the world.

Bernard began simply. He sold charming 100g cubes of soap made with a rich 72% olive oil formula. True to the artisanal tradition, he sourced his ingredients from nearby lavender fields, citrus orchards and olive groves. Imaginative combinations, sweet-scented products and Bernard’s true passion quickly made his line of soaps successful and beloved.

A new dad at the time, Bernard drew a picture of his sweet son Cesar sitting on a marine plot, eyes looking straight towards the future. Little did he know then that this iconic image would later represent what would become one of the top French beauty and body care brands in history—Le Petit Marseillais™.