Soap That Soothes Summer Skin: Rethinking Summer Heat and UV Skincare with SAVONNIÈRE

During the summer, our skin tends to fall into a tired mode without us even noticing, which makes us want to keep adding more and more functional skincare, such as moisturizing or whitening products. But if we follow the idea of drawing out the beauty and health that skin naturally possesses, what truly matters turns out to be surprisingly simple. Rather than giving in to the urge to add more, this is exactly the moment to think in terms of subtraction—identifying only what is truly essential.

This time, we're introducing the summer skincare approach proposed by SAVONNIÈRE, a brand born in the Provence region of France. Through an interview, we'll explore a skincare style that identifies what skin truly needs and guides it toward health.

Summer Skin's Two Extremes—The Struggle Between Oiliness and Dryness

Under the scorching summer sun, sweat just won't stop. The perceived temperature easily exceeds 30 degrees even in the morning, and after just five minutes of walking outside, you start worrying about your makeup melting. But rush into a cool room to escape, and suddenly the freezing air conditioning has you worrying about dryness instead. The top concerns for summer skin are oiliness from sweat and sebum, and dryness caused by external factors like UV rays and indoor air conditioning. In other words, summer skin carries two extreme worries at once—oiliness and dryness.

This refers to a state where sweat and sebum appear on the surface, making the skin look moisturized at first glance, when in fact it's actually dry due to UV exposure and air conditioning. If you try to solve the oiliness by scrubbing it all away, this can often backfire—leading to even more dryness, or making enlarged pores and sagging more noticeable. This is precisely the kind of misunderstanding that leads to summer skin troubles. That's why it's so important to choose the right soap and practice proper cleansing—one that removes unnecessary oil and dirt while also providing moisture to restore skin to a normal, healthy state.

Locking In Moisture with Two Simple Steps: Soap + Oil

The skincare approach proposed by SAVONNIÈRE is simple and easy—just two steps: cleanse with soap, then keep skin moisturized with oil. Cleansing removes dirt, but at the same time it can strip away the moisture and sebum film that skin needs, which is why it's usually important to replenish moisture with a lotion or other hydrating product afterward. This is exactly the point where you might want to keep adding extra steps to your skincare routine. But with SAVONNIÈRE soap, not only does it protect the moisture your skin needs, it also provides moisture as it cleanses—so there's no need for additional hydration afterward.

The difference becomes clear when you compare this to a cleanser that's strong at "removing dirt and oil from the skin" but low in moisturizing power. Such a cleanser strips away even the moisture your skin needs, making it necessary to add more moisture on top afterward. This shows just how well SAVONNIÈRE's skincare excels at both "cleansing" and "moisturizing."

The sebum film is also important because it protects skin from dryness and irritation. SAVONNIÈRE's Beauty Oil supports this sebum film, which is inevitably washed away to some degree during cleansing. The oil wraps around the skin like a veil of moisture, acting as a reliable guardian that keeps your skin's own moisturizing components from escaping. Now, you may be wondering: we hear the term "sebum film" often, but what exactly is it? The sebum film is a membrane-like layer formed when sebum (oil) secreted from the sebaceous glands mixes with sweat (water) released from the sweat glands on the surface of the skin. In other words, it's a natural coating that forms on our skin thanks to our own ability to secrete "oil" and "water."

That's why it makes perfect sense that the skincare products used to replenish the sebum film after cleansing should be as compatible with our skin as possible—meaning products whose main ingredients are derived from nature. In this regard, SAVONNIÈRE's Beauty Oil blends oils rich in natural benefits, such as olive oil and tamanu seed oil—known as the "tree of the gods" in the islands of the Pacific—making it a formula that blends easily with the skin.

Brand Interview: "What Does Skincare for Summer Skin Look Like?"

SAVONNIÈRE proposes a simple skincare routine that cares for summer skin using just soap and oil. That said, everyone's skin condition and concerns are different. So we asked a representative from the brand's Japanese distributor about how to choose the right soap for summer skin, and for recommended ways to use it together with the Beauty Oil.

Summer skin troubles tend to arise because the skin becomes sensitive due to the dryness caused by air conditioning, along with irritants like sweat and sunscreen. In particular, dryness from air conditioning can worsen blood circulation and disrupt the skin's natural turnover cycle.

From that perspective, the soaps we'd recommend for summer are "Red Clay and Karite Butter," "White Clay and Karite Butter," and "Golden Calendula」. "Red Clay and Karite Butter" contains red clay that promotes skin turnover and absorbs and removes waste products from the skin, while karite butter provides moisture.

"White Clay and Karite Butter" uses finely textured white clay, giving it the gentlest cleansing power, with the clay absorbing and removing dirt. This one also contains karite butter.

We also recommend "Golden Calendula," which combines calendula with peppermint for a refreshingly cool scent that leaves you feeling invigorated after use.

In summer, I take care of my skin morning and night with just soap and oil. Honestly, that's more than enough. Since the cleansing power differs depending on the clay used, I switch between them according to my skin condition at the time, enjoying the differences between the clays. (The photo shows samples of the clays used in the soaps.)

In winter, dryness inevitably becomes more pronounced compared to summer, so I add cream or lotion after the soap and oil step to boost moisture. As for recommended usage, the key is being able to practice "the right skincare in the right place"—for instance, changing the combination of soap and oil depending on your skin's condition or mood at the time, or using different soaps for your face and body. As for what's recommended for summer, for example

・【For sensitive skin】...Soap: White Clay and Karite Butter × Oil: Cistus

・【For those wanting hydration】...Soap: Red Clay and Karite Butter × Oil: Rose

・【For those wanting to soothe summer damage】...Soap: Golden Calendula × Oil: Cistus

These combinations of soap and beauty oil create a synergy that helps care for skin worn out by summer.

As for the beauty oils, both the Rose and Cistus varieties blend naturally derived oils, and since their composition is similar to human sebum, they're characterized by how easily they absorb into the skin. Oil tends to be avoided in summer out of concern that it might feel greasy, but these are light and blend in easily, making them quite comfortable to use, I think.

Beyond applying it to your face after washing, you can also use it on hair and nails as a moisturizing oil, or mix it into liquid foundation to add a touch of glow for makeup purposes. By the way, since the Cistus oil has strong skin-repairing properties, I sometimes apply it to acne marks or cuts. Please try using them differently depending on the condition of each part of your body.

Soaps as sincere and precious as jewels

Maria, the founder of SAVONNIÈRE, is said to make these soaps within a scope she can personally oversee, using a naturally pesticide-free, cold-process method that never involves petroleum-derived ingredients, synthetic preservatives, synthetic colorants, or synthetic fragrances. Because the soaps are made carefully, one by one, directly incorporating nature's blessings, their scent and color are said to vary depending on the season and timing when the raw materials are harvested. Stories like these convey the warmth that only handmade products can offer. In Provence, France—the birthplace of SAVONNIÈRE—these soaps are also sold at local markets and continue to be beloved by the local people.

The main ingredients include pure oil extracted from olive fruit grown in the Provence region of southern France, various clays as the clarifying (cleansing) component, and karite butter as the moisturizing component, among others—no effort is spared in selecting materials that cleanse the skin healthily while providing moisture. Beyond the varieties introduced in this interview, SAVONNIÈRE offers a rich range of soaps to choose from, forming a lineup as precious as jewels. Here, we introduce the characteristics of each.

【Red Clay and Karite Butter (Recommended for Summer)】

・Leads to radiant, translucent skin while retaining moisture

・Main scent component: Patchouli

Red clay promotes blood circulation, which encourages skin turnover and has a brightening effect. Karite butter, also known as shea butter, has strong moisturizing power and protects against dry skin, making it perfect for those concerned about dryness. The scent of patchouli is also expected to help tighten skin and pores. With its woody fragrance, this soap is recommended for those who prefer a clean, refreshing feel after washing.

【White Clay and Karite Butter (Recommended for Summer)】

・Protects delicate skin from dryness

・Main scent component: Geranium

Because it uses finely textured white clay, it's gentle on the skin, offering the mildest cleansing power of all. It's recommended for summer, when skin tends to become sensitive, and it's also characterized by high moisturizing power thanks to the karite butter content. The lather is milky and moisturizing.

【Golden Calendula (Recommended for Summer)】

・Balances skin affected by dryness, UV rays, and outdoor air

・Main scent components: Calendula and peppermint

It has a clean, refreshing scent that's recommended for both men and women. Calendula, nurtured under the southern French sun, balances skin affected by dryness, UV rays, and other environmental stresses, guiding it toward a healthy, clean-feeling complexion.

【Green Clay and the Gifts of Southern France】

・Removes dirt from pores and keeps skin clean

・Main scent component: rosemary

Green clay, rich in Mediterranean minerals, absorbs and removes sebum and impurities from the pores. The crisp, refreshing scent of rosemary is another appealing feature.

【Honey and Apricot】

・Boosts shine and moisture for a healthy-looking complexion

・Main scent component: lavender

The abundant minerals in honey help prevent dryness, guiding skin toward a moist, glowing finish. The fatty acids in apricot oil also help keep skin firm, making this a good choice for anyone aiming for a healthy-looking complexion. 

【Argan and Beeswax】

・For aging care and when dryness is a concern

・Main scent component: ylang ylang

Precious argan oil harvested in Morocco leads to moisturized, youthful-looking skin. Combined with highly moisturizing beeswax, it keeps skin supple and hydrated, making this type a great pick for aging care or for those with especially dry skin.

A Soap Lather Chart at a Glance

Taking into account the characteristics of each soap, here's a summary of the texture and lather. Depending on the type, the lather may be "fluffy," "milky," "meringue-like," and so on, resulting in a wide range of finishes—from refreshing to moisturizing. When you want a "refreshing" wash that removes sebum and pore dirt, choose soaps on the left side of this map; when you want a "moisturizing" wash that nourishes and cares for your skin, choose soaps on the right side. This lets you select the right soap for your skin's condition.

We also offer sets that pair soap with a lathering net, perfect as a small gift or for anyone who wants to try a variety of soaps. These are sure to delight anyone trying SAVONNIÈRE soap for the first time, or anyone looking for a gift for a mom friend or coworker.

A Guide to Using SAVONNIÈRE Soap the Right Way

After asking about how to choose soap and oil, we were told, "In the end, it all comes back to the soap—which is exactly why using it properly matters," and we were shown some tips for creating a good lather.

(1) At SAVONNIÈRE, we recommend using a lathering net. Starting with the net lets you quickly create fine, dense bubbles.

(2) Once a bit of lather has formed on the net, take out the soap.

(3) Rub your hands together as if incorporating air, adding a little water along the way as you build up the lather.

(4) Squeeze the lather out of the net, smooth out the texture, and you're done.

【Even a Little Soap Lathers Well】

The key is to take the soap out partway through. SAVONNIÈRE soap lathers well even in small amounts, so leaving it in the net too long will wear away more soap than necessary. With a bit of practice, you'll get a feel for the right amount, so please give it a try.

【We Also Recommend Foam Masks】

Some SAVONNIÈRE soaps, especially those containing clay, are highly effective at moisturizing the skin, so we recommend using the lather as a face mask. The method couldn't be simpler: spread the lather over your entire face and leave it on for 2–3 minutes. With petroleum-based soaps that are too harsh, leaving lather on your face like this isn't a good idea, since it strips away even the oils your skin needs. But because SAVONNIÈRE soap is packed with naturally derived ingredients, a foam mask actually helps moisturizing components absorb more easily into the skin.

Beauty Oils and Balms That Form a Barrier to Lock In Moisture

As mentioned earlier, the role of restoring the sebum film that's easily lost during cleansing, and locking moisture into the skin, falls to the beauty oil. The lineup includes two types you can choose between depending on your skin's condition.

【Cistus, for a "Fully Hydrated Feel"】 

A beauty oil that firms and hydrates the skin, suitable for all skin types. Made with precious tamanu seed oil, it restores firmness to skin that has lost its moisture. The essential oil of cistus firms the skin while also smoothing it into a supple, soft texture. Its herbal musk scent feels as though it fills even your heart with moisture. 

【Rose, for an "Abundant, Bouncy Feel"】 

This aging-care beauty oil is blended with a rare essential oil extracted from Damask rose, making it ideal for dry-prone skin or skin that shows signs of aging. It wraps skin in rich moisture, guiding it toward a plump, radiant, bouncy texture. Enjoy a truly luxurious skincare moment with its gentle, elegant, feminine rose scent. 　 

【How to Use Beauty Oil Effectively】

After washing your face with SAVONNIÈRE soap, take 2 to 3 drops of oil in your palm and gently massage it in, working from your entire face down to your neck and décolletage. Even a small amount spreads well, so take your time and blend it in gently.

For areas that tend to dry out easily, such as around the eyes and mouth, layering the oil can be especially effective. When dryness is really bothering you, try a warm towel steam pack: massage 3 drops of oil into your entire face, then place a warmed towel over it and wait for 1 minute. This helps the oil penetrate deep into the skin's stratum corneum, boosting its moisturizing power.

【Calendula Skin Care Balm】

The Calendula Skin Care Balm is an all-purpose balm that's essential during dry seasons. The repairing properties of calendula help restore skin to a healthy state. Its main ingredient is "karite butter (shea butter)," a butter-like oil obtained from the fruit of the shea tree, which grows wild in Africa.

Use it on your lips, face, and body wherever dryness is a concern, as well as on your nails and hair. Since it can be used by everyone from small children to adults, it's sure to become a go-to balm for the whole family. 

▼A beauty oil that locks in moisture for your skin

▼An honest soap, sent from Provence

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