For those Who Love the Sea, Sustainability Is a Lifestyle
If you’re passionate about the sea and nature—whether you’re a sailor, camper, or explorer—you know how important it is to make sustainable choices. Yet, finding products that truly align with your values can be challenging. Many everyday items for personal care, home, or even pets still contain substances that harm our oceans and coastlines, despite our best intentions. Even products made from recycled plastics can sometimes slip out of the recycling loop and end up polluting our beaches.
The Birth of Naturalwave
This realisation inspired the creation of Naturalwave, a Salento-based startup founded by Gabriella and Cristiano. As underwater archaeologists, they transformed their fieldwork into a mission: to protect our heritage by shaping a sustainable future. Their research along the Mediterranean’s most precious and fragile coasts—Marine Protected Areas, WWF Oases, Nature Reserves, and Regional Parks—revealed a common problem: persistent plastic pollution, especially in coastal dunes.
Exploring the Mediterranean: A Commitment to Conservation
Their research activities have taken them across many areas of the Mediterranean coast, places rich in history but often threatened by erosion, pollution, and uncontrolled urbanisation. Through their work, they have witnessed firsthand how these environmental challenges not only endanger valuable archaeological sites but also jeopardise the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems. This field experience has deepened their understanding of the urgent need for sustainable practices and has strengthened their resolve to actively contribute to the preservation of both nature and cultural heritage.
Their investigation began in precious and fragile contexts—Marine Protected Areas, WWF Oases, Nature Reserves, and Regional Parks—all sharing the same critical issue: the constant presence of beached plastic, often layered in coastal dunes.
“As archaeologists, but above all as people, we cannot ignore that what we leave today will become tomorrow’s history. This has driven us to intervene actively in the present, to seek a way to reverse the trend and hope for an ecologically sustainable future,” say the founders.
Skincare That Respects You and the Ocean
From this vision, cosmetic products were created that respect both the skin and the environment, minimising their impact on marine and coastal ecosystems. The distinctive feature of Naturalwave products is that they can be used in seawater without altering the marine environment. This is because their formulation is free from silicones, petroleum derivatives, and substances harmful to ecosystems. They also have a naturalness index above 98%; they are of organic origin and dermatologically suitable even for sensitive skin. They are not tested on animals and are designed for those who live by the sea, sun, and nature, offering a moisturising and protective effect even under intensive use.
Friend of the Sea Certification
Naturalwave’s responsible approach has earned the company the Friend of the Sea certification, a project of the World Sustainability Organization (WSO), for the certification of products and services that respect the marine habitat and aquatic species. This certification is granted only after rigorous sustainability audits conducted by independent and accredited bodies.
Specifically, the company has obtained certification for Sustainable Cosmetics and Sustainable UV Cream.
More Than a Brand—A Movement
Naturalwave is more than just a brand; it’s a shared commitment to raising environmental awareness and inspiring more conscious choices. As Gabriella and Cristiano put it:
“From a drop comes a wave: we believe that every small gesture can generate real change.”
An Opportunity to Discover Naturalwave Up Close
On December 18th, visit the World Sustainability Organization’s concept store, Sustainable Friends (Galleria Passarella 1, Milan), to discover Naturalwave’s story, meet the founders, and purchase—or gift—the exclusive Naturalwave Beauty Box. This special set, perfect for those who cherish nature, includes a sustainable shower shampoo, a nourishing conditioner, a body cream, and a sunscreen—a thoughtful, responsible gift for the holidays.
For further details about participating in the event, contact press@wsogroup.org.
