The Langhe are among the most fascinating landscapes in Piedmont, stretching across the provinces of Cuneo and Asti, where these hilly lands offer enchanting natural and architectural scenery. The area has a rich and ancient historical tradition that makes it a particularly popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts, where time seems to have stood still.
This is where LeLang was born, and it is not a marketing detail: the plant-based actives we use really do come from these hills.
A UNESCO-recognized heritage
Recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site of exceptional uniqueness and beauty, the Langhe are home to majestic castles and noble fortresses dating back to the Middle Ages, small ancient villages, and expanses of prized vineyards that symbolize the area’s renowned winemaking and food tradition.
The Langhe are enchanting in every season, although they reach their full potential in autumn, when the hills are painted in an endless range of shades from yellow to reddish orange. This season is also the perfect time to enjoy the local food and wine specialties and the region’s relaxing, welcoming climate: it is the season of truffles and grape harvesting.
From red grapevines to antioxidant actives
Among the celebrated products appreciated around the world, red wines stand out in particular, made from prestigious native grape varieties. These same grapevines are the source of the powerful antioxidant red grapevine extract that LeLang uses in the formulation of some of its anti-aging treatments.
To survive intense sun exposure and temperature fluctuations in the hills, grapevines naturally produce large quantities of polyphenols. These are the same molecules that, when applied to the skin, help counter oxidative stress. We explored the mechanism in two dedicated articles: one on red grapevine stem cells and one on Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract.
Winemaking also provides a second valuable ingredient: grape seeds, from which an linoleic acid-rich oil is extracted. A by-product of the wine supply chain becomes a cosmetic ingredient: this is exactly the kind of circularity we strive for.
Piedmont hazelnuts, another treasure of the hills
This group of hills is also home to many other crops, including wheat and the renowned Piedmont hazelnuts. These hazelnuts can be used to produce an extraordinary plant-based oil, rich in cosmetic benefits, which is used as an active ingredient in LeLang’s advanced treatments.
Tonda Gentile delle Langhe is a PGI cultivar, and its oil has a useful formulation characteristic: it is dry, absorbs quickly, and does not leave an occlusive film, making it suitable for combination skin as well. You can find the complete overview in the article on hazelnut oil for the skin.
Short supply chains are not only an ethical issue. A raw material harvested and processed close to the manufacturing facility undergoes less transportation, fewer storage stages, and less time between harvesting and extraction: these are all factors that affect the quality of the finished oil, particularly its resistance to rancidity.
A region that shapes our approach
From this land, as rich in history as it is in plant diversity, LeLang found the inspiration and resources to create a skincare company committed to protecting the area and its raw materials, carefully selecting its plant-based actives through sustainable practices and extensive expertise.
Working with local ingredients also entails certain constraints: seasonality, variation between harvests, and the need to check every batch. These are constraints we have chosen to embrace, and they are also reflected in the way we produce and package our products: we discuss this in the article on LeLang and sustainable beauty.
Finding the right product for your skin
Knowing where an ingredient comes from is useful, but it is not enough to determine whether a product is right for you: your skin type, the season, and any sensitivities all matter. If you are unsure how to build your routine, we can discuss it together.
