Our Story
A soap made for skin that has changed
How it started
It started with something we noticed in our own lives.
Lavena didn't start in a lab or a boardroom. It started with something we noticed in our own lives.
Around some of the older people we knew, there was a particular scent. Not unpleasant exactly, and not a matter of hygiene either. These were people who showered every day and took good care of themselves. It was just there, a little different from how they used to smell, and it seemed to stay no matter what they did.
We didn't think much of it at first. We had no idea how common it was, or how much it bothered the people living with it.
What we found out
This isn't something people are doing wrong.
When we started looking into it, we found a lot of people asking the same question online. Most were in their fifties and sixties, and plenty were in their seventies and eighties. Some had noticed it themselves. Others had been told by someone close to them, which is often harder. Many had tried stronger soaps, more showers and more perfume, without much luck.
Nonenal
It turns out there's a reason for it. In 2001, researchers identified a compound called 2-nonenal that the skin produces more of as we age. It's oily, so it tends to stick to the skin and to fabrics like pillowcases and clothes. Regular soap and perfume aren't really designed to deal with it, which is why it so often lingers.
That changed how we saw the problem. This isn't something people are doing wrong. It's a natural change that happens to many of us with age, and most body care simply hasn't caught up with it.
Why persimmon
One ingredient kept coming up.
The more we read, the more one ingredient kept coming up: persimmon. The fruit is rich in tannins, and persimmon extract has been used for a long time in products made for exactly this kind of odour.
So that became the heart of our soap. Lavena Persimmon Soap is made with concentrated persimmon extract, olive oil and coconut oil. We left out added perfume on purpose. We didn't want to cover anything up with another scent. We wanted a bar that simply leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh.
Persimmon extract
Carries away nonenal, the compound behind age-related odour.
Olive oil
Feeds skin that has grown drier with the years.
Coconut oil
Removes oil and residue without drying the skin.
Who it's for
You simply swap it for the soap you already use.
Lavena is for anyone in their fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond, whether you've noticed a change yourself or you just want to stay ahead of it. You don't need a new routine or extra products. You simply swap it for the soap you already use.
Our promise to you
Your first bar comes with our 60-day guarantee.
We know it can feel like a leap to try something new, especially for something so personal. That's why your first bar comes with our 60-day guarantee. If it isn't right for you, just email us and we'll put it right.
We started Lavena because we believe nobody should have to feel self-conscious in their own skin, at any age. We hope our soap helps you feel fresh, comfortable and close to the people you love.