top of page

WHO WE ARE

Acla Essentials GmbH is a company founded in Zurich, Switzerland by Raphaela Haenggi, Boris Stoll and Florian Krummenacher in 2021 with the intention to create a line of solid beauty essentials to simplify the daily routine.

After years of individually using different Shampoo Bars, we were left with the feeling that no product available could satisfy our needs. There was always some component missing to make it a personal favourite, so we decided to make our own. This is how Acla was founded.

Together with a network of photographers, visual designers, directors, creative directors and perfumers we are constantly working on our idea and vision of a truly sustainable skincare routine. These collaborations drive our daily work and are the reason why we are able to constantly evolve as a young brand.

 

For us, sustainability means making ethical decisions within the company, whether in the procurement or manufacture of the products. This is the only way we can ensure that our core values are upheld: unisex, minimalist, plant-based and eco-friendly.

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND ACLA?

We’re a company founded by four friends in Zurich, Switzerland, with a mission to create a line of solid, plant-based beauty essentials you can truly trust in.

 

WHAT DOES «ACLA» MEAN?

 

Acla originally means «alpine hut» in swiss-romansh, or as we say in swiss-german: «Maiensäss».

WHERE IS IT MADE?

Each product is designed, formulated and produced in Zurich, Switzerland.

IS ACLA VEGAN?

Yes. Our products do not contain animal byproducts.

IS ACLA TESTED ON ANIMALS?

No. Acla is cruelty-free.

IS THE SHAMPOO BAR NATURAL?

Yes. All of our ingredients are naturally derived, e.g. from shea nuts, broccoli seeds or coconuts. We also use a blend of organic essential oils to give it its distinct scent.

HOW DO I USE THE SHAMPOO BAR?

Wet your hair and slide our Shampoo Bar from root to tip 3-4 times until it foams. Alternatively, you can create foam by rubbing it between your hands. Put the Shampoo Bar down, rinse and you’re all done.

DOES THE SHAMPOO BAR FOAM?

Yes. Apply our Shampoo Bar directly to your wet hair or rub it between your hands, massage into your scalp until it foams. You will see that it only takes a little for a clean result.

 

 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SHAMPOO BARS?

The benefits are numerous. Our Shampoo Bar is made of high quality, natural ingredients, it’s functional, especially while traveling, easy to apply and environmentally friendly. On top, it’s free of any unwanted additives.

DOES ACLA USE ANY PRESERVATIVES?

For its longevity our Shampoo Bar contains the preservative Biogard 221, allowed by Ecocert and COSMOS.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHAMPOO BAR AND LIQUID SHAMPOO?

Our Acla Solid Shampoo Bar is a concentrated version of liquid shampoo and it works in much the same way as regular shampoo. But instead of squeezing shampoo out of a plastic bottle, you simply wet the bar to activate the foam.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHAMPOO BAR AND BAR SOAP?

There’s a huge difference! Shampoo Bars can be classified into two major groups: soap-based and soap-free (pH-balanced) bars. Our Acla Solid Shampoo Bar is soap-free and made specifically for use with hair. It has scalp-friendly pH which helps cuticles to lie flat resulting in healthy-looking and shiny hair.

IS THE ACLA SOLID SHAMPOO BAR SAVE TO USE ON COLOR TREATED HAIR?


Yes. Our Shampoo Bar is sulfate free and therefore safe to use on color treated hair.

HOW LONG DOES A SHAMPOO BAR LAST?​

 

It depends on the length and thickness of your hair and how often you wash. We say that it lasts at least as long as two 300ml bottles.

 

 

HOW DO I STORE THE SHAMPOO BAR?

The same way you'd store a soap bar – dry and away from direct water. We’ve designed a special travel case, the Acla Home, that also functions perfectly as storage in your shower. In addition we’ve created a limited edition of the Acla Shampoo Dish with our friends at LEHMAG. It's a very special little home for your bar.

HOW DO I TRAVEL WITH ACLA?

Our Shampoo Bar is the perfect travel companion. Lightweight, compact and no hold-ups through security. We’ve designed a special travel case, the Acla Home, that also functions perfectly as storage in your shower.

IS THE PACKAGING RECYCLABLE?

Yes, the eco-friendly packaging is 100% recyclable. And our shipping materials are recyclable as well.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We’ve come a long way and our research helped us define what we were after: solid, plant-based beauty essentials made with the best ingredients at the highest standards.

Shea Butter

Shea butter (organic) is full of vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. It moisturizes and revitalizes dull, dry hair and can prevent split ends and frizz. Its antioxidant properties can protect the scalp from sun damage and fight dandruff.

Broccoli Seed Oil

Broccoli Seed Oil (organic) contains Omega 9 fatty acids that help to give a healthy and glossy shine to your hair. It is considered to have a strong conditioning and smoothing effect, with a super light consistency that doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy.

Glycerin

Glycerin (organic) is known to be the most effective humectant. It draws in moisture from the environment to the hair and scalp and helps to create a barrier to prevent moisture from leaving the skin and hair follicle. This can be especially helpful during the dry winter months.

SCI

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) produces a silky foam, adds hydration and moisture and gently lifts away dirt, oil and other build-up. It’s derived from coconut oil and serves as a gentle alternative to harsher, drying cleansers (like sulfates).

Panthenol

Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5,  works as an incredible moisturizing agent. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory benefits, emollient and hydrating effects, and protective properties. Typically, dehydrated or low moisture hair can benefit the most but it’s generally great for all types of hair. 

BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS

Shea Butter

Broccoli Seed Oil

Panthenol

Glycerin

SCI

Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5,  works as an incredible moisturizing agent. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory benefits, emollient and hydrating effects, and protective properties. Typically, dehydrated or low moisture hair can benefit the most but it’s generally great for all types of hair. 

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) produces a silky foam, adds hydration and moisture and gently lifts away dirt, oil and other build-up. It’s derived from coconut oil and serves as a gentle alternative to harsher, drying cleansers (like sulfates).

Glycerin (organic) is known to be the most effective humectant. It draws in moisture from the environment to the hair and scalp and helps to create a barrier to prevent moisture from leaving the skin and hair follicle. This can be especially helpful during the dry winter months.

Broccoli Seed Oil (organic) contains Omega 9 fatty acids that help to give a healthy and glossy shine to your hair. It is considered to have a strong conditioning and smoothing effect, with a super light consistency that doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy.

Shea butter (organic) is full of vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. It moisturizes and revitalizes dull, dry hair and can prevent split ends and frizz. Its antioxidant properties can protect the scalp from sun damage and fight dandruff.

All our products are made in Zurich. This ensures that our vegan Shampoo Bars are produced to the highest possible standards. They contain only what’s good for you, made using naturally derived and biodegradable ingredients such as shea butter, broccoli seed oil and coconut oil. 

bottom of page