Interview with the creative manager: The Lemon Balm Collection in New Design

What is new about the Lemon Balm collection and why should we try it?

How long has the Lemon Balm collection been part and parcel of Manufaktura?

Actually, the Lemon Balm has been with us since the beginning of production of soaps in 1990s. The lemon balm soap, as well as lavender or mint soap, was one of the first that we manufactured. 

We launched the comprehensive collection including more products when we connected lemon balm with beneficial effects of Carlsbad thermal spring salt in 2004.

What inspired you to create the Lemon Balm collection with thermal spring salt?

We use the lemon balm because it is our traditional and local herb exploited also by our ancestors, which is the philosophy of Manufaktura. 

When I was thinking several years ago about how to supplement and enrich it, I drew inspiration in my childhood and studies spent in Carlsbad. Thanks to my parents I stayed in the environment of spa and Carlsbad springs. 

The exceptional natural phenomenon in the form of thermal spring salt amazingly supplements relaxing effects of the lemon balm.

Why has the Lemon Balm collection been refitted?

We like to regularly refit our permanent ranges because it allows us to take into consideration trends, to enhance both formulae and design, but at the same time to maintain the popular products of our customers. 

In case of the Lemon Balm collection, it was high time to do it. The last refit was in 2013.

What changes can we expect in the new Lemon Balm collection?

The Lemon Balm collection is still conceived primarily as relaxation and relief from stress. It offers perfect relaxation, soothes body and calms mind. 

Traditionally, the formulae were upgraded and fine-tuned within our latest knowledge, i. e. we included new natural oils and plant extracts, used a more modern method of preservation, increased a share of ingredients of natural origin. 

A significant change in formulation of all the products consists in addition of citronella aromatherapy essential oil, which promotes anti-stress and relaxation effects of the lemon balm and also good mood.

Who is the Lemon Balm collection suitable for?

For everyone who loves fresh scents with citrus tones, who is tired after a hard day, needs relief after sport or physical exertion and appreciates help for calming and better sleep. 

For the lovers of relaxation and aromatherapy, highly natural cosmetics and local brands. 

However, with regard to the content of natural extracts and citronella essential oil, which may be allergens for some people, we recommend that sensitive individuals first test the lemon balm products on smaller parts of their body. This is true of cosmetics in general.

Was the range of the products maintained?

Basically, yes, with slight modifications within conception of the individual products. 

The collection includes shower and bath gel, soap, hand cream and salt-oil scrub. 

The shower gel has a new 400ml packaging with a dispenser and multifunctional 3-in-1 formula, which makes it fantastically fragrant relaxation shower gel, pleasant liquid soap and gentle universal shampoo. 

The bath preparation was significantly changed too: compared to the original two-component formula, when it was necessary to shake and mix the components before use, the new foam creates perfect bath of green-turquoise colour and exceptionally long-lasting foam.

At first glance, the collection has new design. Does it use original motifs of the artist Diana Delevová again?

Did you take into consideration ecology when choosing packaging?

Yes, definitely we did, since sustainability is a natural part of our whole development. 

The new collection has e. g. one third larger container for the 3-in-1 shower gel, which lasts longer. Someone may object that there is a dispenser but user-friendliness is important to us too. A positive feature of the dispenser is controlled dosage and prevention of waste. 

All containers are, of course, made in the Czech Republic with a high share of recyclate (we save more than 10 tons of plastic per year by using recyclates). Paper boxes for soap and hand cream tubes are also made in Bohemia. 

The fans of ecology can appreciate bar soap, which lasts several times longer than liquid soap.

And the last question: which product from the Lemon Balm collection does Manufaktura swear by?

I am a big lover of the lemon balm mainly for its amazing scent. 

The salt-oil scrub, which I enjoy using most during bath, because it softens my skin and subsequently melts in water and creates aromatherapy oil bath, is my great love. 

I enjoy the scent wafting through our entire flat for a long time after bath.