L'opificio
Italian excellence since 1920
The Banci Cosmetic Factory has always been dedicated to the artisanal production of natural cosmetics and phytocosmetics. It was founded as a pharmacy in 1920 when the Banci family acquired Carlo Tozzi’s long-established pharmacy and grocery store in Pistoia, founded in 1886.
“…it is a large shop with two large doors, partially enclosed by two elegant windows. This shop is very successful, and the owner, a diligent pharmacist, keeps it stocked with all the pharmaceutical specialties.”
So read an article in a local newspaper of the time announcing the new opening.
A story born 100 years ago
Guido, the eldest of the Banci brothers, acquired the pharmacy along with a rich collection of products developed over time by Tozzi himself, which had become well-known locally and beyond: such as Melani-Tozzi Dental Cream, the Elixir of Long Life, a stomach tonic that stimulates and aperitifs, Tozzi Chilblain Fuga cream, and many others.
Upon Guido’s death in 1923, the pharmacy passed to his brothers Mario and Giulio. Mario continued the business, while Giulio moved to Argentina, where he led an adventurous life, before taking over the renowned Repetto pharmacy in Buenos Aires.
The production continued, and the family formulary was enriched with new recipes and remedies, which were passed from Mario to his son Umberto and finally to Massimo, the last of the Banci pharmacists. In 1998, he qualified as a cosmetologist, thus also starting the cosmetics production business within the pharmacy.
From 1998 to the present, there has been a careful and systematic analysis of traditional formulations passed down over time and their integration with modern knowledge in cosmetics and phytotherapy, which has gradually been acquired. This has given rise to new recipes that form the basis of the products currently offered by Opificio Cosmetico Banci.
With the sale of the pharmacy in 2019, the business shifted to cosmetics production, and in 2020, Opificio Cosmetico Banci was established. This artisanal laboratory, led by pharmacist and cosmetologist Massimo Banci, aims to usher in a new approach to cosmetics, open to innovation and the future, yet drawing on the experience and tradition gained over 100 years of history.
L'opificio Today
Every Opificio Cosmetico Banci product is created in our laboratory: from the idea to the formulation, to production, and finally to packaging, all strictly in small batches. This “artisanal” production method and small quantities allow us to achieve excellent quality standards, to meticulously craft every detail, and to consistently deliver products that are “fresh” and at their peak organoleptic qualities.
The principle underlying all Opificio Cosmetico Banci formulations is to always use “vegetable oils, butters, waxes, and emulsifiers” instead of the synthetic oils, thickeners, waxes, and PEGs normally used in the cosmetics industry. This allows for the creation of a “living” cosmetic, completely different from industrial standards, a cosmetic rich and dense in raw materials that pleases and awakens the sensory capabilities of those who use it, while also having an affinity with the physiological characteristics of our skin.
The products are free of paraffins, petroleum jelly, and silicones, and the amount of preservatives is minimized, selecting only the most tolerable and safest.
There is passionate and continuous research into the rarest and most precious natural raw materials from all over the world and from reliable and select suppliers, and the study of scientific literature in the sector to evaluate the efficacy and eudermic properties of all the extracts used.
The fragrances are based either on natural essential oils or on selected fragrances specifically created for Opificio Cosmetico Banci by a specialized company in Provence.
The packaging, labeling, and decoration of the packages are entirely manual and meticulously crafted.
Special jars are produced by a Dutch company that uses a unique violet-colored glass that preserves the organoleptic characteristics of the product inside. The high-quality cardboard boxes are made by a Tuscan artisan company.
The Cosmetologist
I have a degree in Pharmacy, and since the beginning of my career, I’ve loved spending time in the laboratory, developing and deepening the most practical and creative aspects of my work, namely the creation of galenic products.
Cosmetics came soon after, when in 1998 I specialized in Cosmetic Science and Technology at the University of Siena. There, I learned all the basic knowledge of cosmetology, thanks also to the privilege of attending the lectures of the late Professor Gianni Proserpio, the undisputed father of modern cosmetics in Italy.
From that moment, a long journey of practice, experimentation, and continuous training began, culminating recently with my diploma in Cosmetic Product Safety Evaluator from the SICC (Italian Society of Chemistry and Cosmetology Sciences) and a Master’s degree in Chinese Phytotherapy and Western Phytotherapy in integrative medicine.
My goal is to combine technical knowledge of cosmetic formulation with phytotherapeutic expertise to create products that are pleasant to the touch while also containing plant-based substances and derivatives with proven efficacy.