Benedetta

More than the company’s founder, Julia Faller is the formulator of Benedetta, which has been produced in Petaluma for three decades.

“When we welcome people in, we’re welcoming them to not just a retail shop or a spa, but to the community where our skin care is made,” she says.

Faller’s journey began with her work as an aesthetician in the mid-1980s.

Frustrated with the cosmetic industry’s use of questionable and toxic ingredients, she began crafting her own formulations, ultimately prioritizing 100% vibrant ingredients decades before terms like “clean,” “organic,” and “biodynamic” became widely known.

Faller recalls the pushback she received from other traditional chemists, but her diligence paid off. More than 30 years later, the proof of Benedetta is in its longevity. Using only fresh botanicals and raw materials from certified organic and biodynamic family-owned farms, both local and global, the acclaimed line is still handcrafted in small batches, resulting in popular products like the Rosemary & Geranium Crème Cleanser and Crystal Radiance Hydrating Elixir.

Those uncertain of where to start can opt for a consultation or a 30-minute signature facial with Faller that combines cleansing, compresses, tuning fork rejuvenation, and a customized five-step facial ritual.

“Benedetta means ‘blessed’ in Italian,” Faller says. “Each preparation is created out of respect and reverence for the intended user, effectively transforming the skin and bringing each person into harmony. You could say that all who use it are blessed.” –Lauren Eberle