Atelier Populaire

Atelier Populaire

Frequently asked questions

Ordering from another country: The current online address form is for France. For another destination, contact us before ordering.

Find answers to common questions about our products and how we work. If you have another question, contact us.

Using our products

Are the products suitable for sensitive skin, babies and pregnant women?

Our products are mainly intended for adults and children aged 6 and over, partly because some ingredients contain naturally occurring fragrance allergens. We also offer specific formulas for younger children, pregnant women and sensitive skin. Always check the directions for the individual product.

Can people of any gender use the products?

Yes. Our products are designed for all genders. Their scents are intended to remain soft and discreet on the skin for everyday use. Choose according to your preferences.

How long does a product last?

Soaps: the brand estimates around 45 uses for a 90 g bar and 75 uses for a 150 g bar. Let the soap dry on a draining soap dish away from direct shower spray.

Virgin oils: this depends on how you use them. Removing make-up requires only a few drops, while a massage uses more. The range includes a 60 mL travel size and a more generous 120 mL size.

Essential oils: quantities depend on the oil and the cosmetic preparation; follow the individual product's directions. Our oils come in bottles with dropper tips to help dispense them without waste, leaks or drips.

Our products

What is cold-process soapmaking?

Atelier Populaire uses this traditional method to make superfatted soap. The additional oils contribute to the soap's softening and nourishing feel. The process uses relatively little electricity and water during production. Read our introduction to cold-process soapmaking (in French).

What is an infused oil?

An infused oil is made by macerating selected parts of a plant, such as flowers, in a plant oil without heating. After filtration, the oil containing the plant extract is retained. This is also called an oil macerate.

What is a first cold-pressed virgin oil?

First cold pressing is a method for producing virgin oils. A screw press mechanically extracts oil from plant material, usually kernels, seeds or fruit, without heating. This avoids exposing the oil to high temperatures during extraction. Each oil has its own composition and cosmetic uses for the face, body and hair. Read our article on virgin oils (in French).

What do “100% natural origin” and “certified organic” mean?

Natural origin describes where ingredients come from, including plants and minerals such as clay. An ingredient may undergo processing while retaining its natural origin: deodorising an oil is one example.

Organic certification applies a defined standard to ingredients and the finished formula. The percentage required depends on the type of ingredient and product. Check the exact certification and the organic and natural-origin percentages shown on the product, rather than assuming that a single percentage applies to every formula.

Our guides explain how to read certifications. Further background is available on our blog (in French).

CBD in our cosmetics

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa L. Atelier Populaire uses it in some of its cosmetic formulas and states that its CBD products contain no THC. These cosmetics are not presented here as medicines or as protection against UV exposure.

CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD?

CBD isolate is an extract in which CBD has been separated from the other cannabinoids. It typically contains around 99% CBD and comes as a powder or crystals.

Broad-spectrum CBD contains CBD alongside other components of hemp, such as the cannabinoids CBN and CBG, terpenes and flavonoids. The broad-spectrum extract described by Atelier Populaire contains no THC.

What is the entourage effect?

The term describes possible interactions between the different compounds in hemp, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. It should not be read as proof that a finished cosmetic product is more effective or provides a therapeutic benefit.

The workshop

Who is behind Atelier Populaire?

The brand began with Elsa, a natural cosmetics specialist trained in chemistry and formulation, and Jean & Jean, entrepreneurs with an interest in small-scale manufacturing. Their idea was to create a cosmetics workshop in the heart of Paris, making organic cold-process soaps and products that are attractive, useful and lasting, with a clear professional ethic.

Atelier Populaire has since grown into a team working on design, manufacture, marketing and sales. Find out more on our Paris workshop page.

Where are Atelier Populaire products made?

Our cosmetics are made at our workshop at 134 rue d'Aubervilliers in Paris's 19th arrondissement, established in 2018. We handle formulation, manufacturing, stamping, packaging, graphic design and communication ourselves. Printing is outsourced to European printers using recycled paper and plant-based inks.

Where do the raw materials come from?

We select natural-origin raw materials and use organic ingredients wherever possible. Our raw-material and packaging suppliers are French and selected against strict specifications. Assessment under the COSMOS standard concerns both raw-material suppliers and cosmetics manufacturers, and supports the use of organic ingredients. Read about our commitments.

Delivery and shipping

Where can you deliver, and how long does it take?

We undertake to dispatch orders placed before midday on the same day, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Mainland France: Colissimo without signature costs €3.50 and is free for purchases from €30. Delivery within 24 hours is available through Chronopost.

Overseas France and other countries: Colissimo International shipping, with a stated delivery time of 3 to 7 days, is free for purchases from €99.90.

Workshop collection: you can collect your order at our workshop in Paris's 19th arrondissement. Please let us know before coming.

See the Delivery and shipping costs page for more information.

Where can I find Atelier Populaire products near me?

Our stockists are mainly in France and the Paris region. Visit Find our stockists to locate shops that have selected our products.

How do I use my éthi'Kdo card at Atelier Populaire?

Atelier Populaire is a partner of éthi'Kdo, an environmentally and socially focused gift card.

  1. Visit the Atelier Populaire page on éthi'Kdo (in French).
  2. Convert all or part of your card's value into an Atelier Populaire gift voucher.
  3. Once you have selected the amount, you will receive an email containing the voucher code.
  4. Place your order on our website.
  5. Enter the gift voucher code at checkout.

For questions, email [email protected].

Other questions?

Open our contact form (in French).