Enter the world of sustainable cosmetics
Sustainability lives through all the elements of the story of Nona Luisa®, from choosing the ingredients to the final packaging. Since 2013.
When you use Nona Luisa®'s products you take the decision to nurture your body in a natural way and at the same time you make sure you don't burden the environment in excess.
Our philosophy
Sustainable ingredients
We only use ingredients from a short supply chain. That's why we produce a large quantity of ingredients by ourselves or we provide them locally. All ingredients are from ethical trade and fair trade. They are also minimally processed. The products don't have refined fats, palm oil or animal fats.
Traditional recipes
We respect local traditions of making natural cosmetics. The soaps are made by the traditional cold process technique. They are certified with the Art & crafts Slovenia certificate. The cosmetic products also contain macerates that are made with the traditional herbal extraction techniques.
Modern scientific discoveries
The products are made by respecting modern scientific discoveries from the fields of cosmetology, toxicology and ecology. We upgrade the traditional recipes with sustainable ingredients that have proven effects with scientific research.
Face behind the brand and the idea of making sustainable cosmetics
Hi, I'm Katjuša,
an ecologist by heart and education. I started making sustainable cosmetics under the brand Nona Luisa®, which is beneficial for our skin and the environment. All ingredients are carefully chosen and 100% natural that's why they don't accumulate in water organisms.
I believe that anyone can enhance their beauty with the help of the priceless nature's power and without using toxic chemicals, which are harmful for our health and they pollute our Mother Nature.
I always make sure that the packaging of my products is recyclable or that it can be reused. I also applied this principle to my store in Šmartno, where all furniture is recycled. I love collecting antiques - that's why when visiting the store, you'll discover meticulously chosen elements that were used in the past.
Our promise
Why are the Nona Luisa® cosmetics sustainable?
We use safe ingredients
While finishing my PhD in toxicology, I had the chance to meet from up close all ingredients that surround us every day. When analysing cosmetic products on the market, I discovered that many products contain unsustainable ingredients that could be harmful for health. Besides, on the long run, they impoverish our skin and they are the cause of many skin problems.
That's why my products don't include mineral oils, artificial fragrances, parabens, aluminium, sulfates and other ingredients that could be harmful to our health and skin.
We work in harmony with nature
As an ecologist, I am concerned with the many negative effects of the commercial cosmetics on the environment. The main ingredients are made with non-renewable sources, the products travel a long way, they are made with energetically wasteful technological processes, they are not biodegradable and they are not sustainably packaged.
My crafts contain elements that respect sustainability and they take care of the environment. All products have minimal carbon footprint. They are concentrates, without unnecessary fillers, they don't need much packaging, they are more nurturing and long-lasting.
We create socially responsible products
Unfortunately, large cosmetic corporations too often base their economy on exploiting non-renewable sources, people and the whole society.
When it comes to choosing ingredients, I always consider the social aspect. I check their origin and make sure that they come from fair trade and are ethically irreproachable. I don't use palm oil. I acquire, create and sell products as locally as possible. This way, I can contribute the most to my local community and at the same time provide fresh high quality products products. In my business I only work with socially responsible and family friendly companies.
Facts about the products
We've been making sustainable cosmetics since 2013
They are vegetarian friendly, many are also vegan friendly.
They support the needs of modern living and strive to be effective, useful and nurturing.
The supply and delivery chains are short.
All products are handmade with great precision and love.
All products only have pigments and scents of natural origin.
They are crafted at low temperatures so that the largest amount of active substances is preserved.
They follow the zero waste principle.
They are neatly packed in sustainable packaging. This ensures long shelf life of substances in the products.
The supply and delivery chains are short.
Store in Šmartno since 2013
Sustainability in our Nona Luisa® store
We also included the sustainability concept in making our store in Šmartno. The store furniture is made with carefully chosen and renewed old local cupboards and recycled antiques.
Family business
Why the name Nona Luisa?
I come from a rural family, that's why we were always close with nature. Both my grandmothers were named Alojzija. Their nicknames were "Luisa". The word "nona" comes from Italian and means "grandmother". That's how the name Nona Luisa was formed.
The name also includes our philosophy, as we combine the traditional knowledge with the needs of modern society. Our ancestors were well aware of the advantages of natural cosmetics. They also knew how to make them. With the rise of synthetic ingredients, the traditional knowledge got forgotten or even lost. The name Nona Luisa represents a concept, where tradition is connected with modernity.
Our family business strives to revive old recipes in which we include modern scientific discoveries and sustainably produced ingredients.
Our Shop
Visit us in Šmartno
You can visit us in our picturesque shop, located in a beautiful medieval village, Šmartno in the Slovenian region Brda. Visitors are always enchanted by our recycled old-fashioned cupboards, carefully chosen antiques and the amazing smell of herbal essences that caresses every body and soul.
The Slovenian Art & crafts certificate
Nona Luisa® natural soap bars
are cottage industry products. The expert panel from the section of cottage and art industry in the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia placed Nona Luisa's natural soap bars among cottage industry products. All soap bars are certified with the Certificate of Slovenian Arts and Crafts on the basis of Decision 7639-02/13.
This certificate proves the authenticity and quality of the products.