Sans Savon is the first brand ever to launch non-foaming, oil-based cleansers for the hands and body. After establishing their line of detergent-free hair cleansers called Hairstory, founders Erica and Eli Halliwell wanted to apply their expertise to cleansers for the rest of the body as well. Sans Savon offers a more gentle, non-stripping alternative to conventional soap. We spoke with Erica and Eli to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Sans Savon makes the first (and only) soap-free cleansers for hands and body
What made you want to do this work?
We founded Hairstory, which features a line of detergent-free hair care cleansers, and we wanted to bring the same benefits to the rest of our bodies.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Soap is the root cause of many skin problems – it overcleans, stripping away skin’s natural protective barrier and microbiome, leaving skin dry, irritated and itchy. Soap is why so many people think they have sensitive skin.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Sans Savon is great for everyone, but it is particularly helpful for people with sensitive skin.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell our products both on our own website, on Amazon and through select retailers.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We sell across Canada and in the US. Our products are inspired by our home in La Malbaie, Quebec and they smell just like walking through the boreal forest near our house. They are manufactured in Ontario.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Q: Why is soap-free cleansing better?
A: Sans Savon gets you as clean as you need to be – removing dirt, sweat and 99.9% of dangerous (or stinky) germs, and it will leave your skin soft, hydrated, moisturized, and it will support your microbiome. When we use the term ‘soap-free’ we mean anything that foams, bubbles, lathers. We are trained to think the lather is what is getting you clean, but that is not the case. We want our dishes to be squeaky clean, not our skin. Our products feel super silky and smooth, there is NO lather so it is a very different experience.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Best: We love working together as a couple, building businesses that align with our values.
Worst: It is very hard (and scary) building a business from scratch without outside investors.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
This isn’t about our profession per say, but many people cannot believe we work together and share that they would kill their partner if they worked together. Somehow what works well in our personal life and what we are both good at, translates perfectly to a professional relationship too. I, Erica, am good at the details, Eli is good at the big picture and we get things done because of that at home and work.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
We love a local distillery in our town: Menaud
