We are pleased to introduce Lucia, the founder of Casa Mencarelli, an organic skincare brand distinguished by its commitment to purity, sustainability, and effective formulations. With a background rooted in a passion for natural beauty and mindful self-care, Lucia has crafted a brand that emphasises transparency and quality. In this interview, she shares insights into the origins of Casa Mencarelli, her philosophy on clean skincare, and the values that guide her approach to creating products that support healthy, radiant skin. Join us as we explore the vision behind this exceptional brand.

What inspired you to create Casa Mencarelli?

I always had a passion for nature and for skincare products, I made my first massage oil when I was about 18, using plants I had in the garden. When I had a very strong adverse reaction to a high street body lotion that caused me permanent reactions to several cosmetic ingredients, I started studying the topic and discovered that mainstream cosmetic companies use many controversial ingredients which I didn't want in my daily skincare routine. I enrolled for a professional natural and organic skincare formulation diploma, graduated and started making products for myself. Then friends and family who also tried my products started asking for more products and were prepared to pay for them. I got organised and after 12 months I launched Casa Mencarelli Organic Skincare.

How does your Italian heritage influence your approach to skincare?

In Europe and in the Mediterranean area we have so many beautiful culinary and cosmetic ingredients, this is what inspired me: colours, aromas and local supplies! I created the Mediterranean Diet for the skin!

Can you share the story behind the name Casa Mencarelli?

Mencarelli is my surname, Casa means house, so this is House of Mencarelli, where you find natural organic certified skincare that gives you healthy skin and healthy lifestyle advice.

Your products focus on organic and food-grade ingredients. Why is this so important to you?

Our skin absorbs anything we apply to it, so using ingredients that are healthy and "food grade", we ensure we give the best nutrients to the skin.

Crema di Pomodoro - Nourishing Tomato Night Cream

Do you have a favourite ingredient to work with, and why?

The ingredients are combined to work well together, so Green Clay from Sicily's claypits and Lemon peel powder are my favourite ingredients for gentle cleansing and detoxification. Orange blossom water and Honey tighten the pores and hydrate the skin, while Sea Buckthorn Serum and Balm nourish and moisturise. For cleansing and makeup remover I choose anhydrous product that moisturises while cleansing using hero ingredients Tomato seed oil, Rice bran oil and Carrot seed oil.

How do you ensure your products remain effective while staying 100% natural?

My products are all certified by the Soil Association COSMOS Organic standard, which means that a third party is checking all the process, from field to bottle. Soil Association COSMOS Organic is the strictest standard worldwide for food and cosmetic products. They ensure that all the ingredients used are 100% natural and organic.

Sustainability is a big topic in beauty - how does Casa Mencarelli contribute to a greener beauty industry?

Using environmentally friendly ingredients, packaging and accessories was a must for me. I have chosen glass packaging for all the products, including the samples, gift cartons are made of FSC natural cardboard which does not contain nasties and the colourants are made with vegetables, no synthetic dyes! Our organic cotton face cloth is also certified by the Soil Association and the Mask Brush is hand made in Italy by an artisan, it's made of untreated wood, to avoid any chemicals.

Are there any upcoming sustainability initiatives you’re excited about?

We promote the Organic september which is becoming increasingly popular, and also participating in the HealScotland event in September, I will contribute with a speech regarding the importance of organic ingredients in skincare and insights on how to read cosmetic labels to avoid synthetic chemicals in cosmetic products.

What is one skincare myth you would love to debunk?

Many companies are doing green washing, so please read the labels with full attention as many products that you are using in your skincare can contain controversial ingredients. Also organic skincare is far better for the skin, personal health and for the environment!

How do you personally approach self-care and skincare rituals?

Less is best, so I use 3-4 high quality multifunctional products in my routine with great results.

What advice would you give to someone transitioning to natural skincare for the first time?

Natural and organic is the best choice for you, your family and for the planet. Read the back labels, understand the ingredients and if you don't know some of the ingredients do a Google Search. This will help you understand your product. Also look for the LOGO, if a product says that it's natural and / or organic and it does not have the Soil Association or COSMOS logo, it's very likely not to be 100% natural.

What’s next for Casa Mencarelli? Any new products or exciting plans?

My customers are asking for body products too, so I am planning to release a Body Oil in the near future.

If you could collaborate with any other brand or expert, who would it be and why?

I quite like to collaborate with retailers who embrace similar values and ethics regarding environmental issues and focused on ingredients list. Also I quite enjoy collaborating with other brands who are also certified by the Soil Association, there are a couple of collaborations agreed with a company that makes organic certified household cleaning products and another company that makes organic organic cotton.

You can discover more about Casa Mencarelli by visiting their website: casamencarelli.co.uk

An Interview with Lucia, Founder of Casa Mencarelli