When French military officers were living in Indochine (modern-day Vietnam) during the first part of the 20th century, many experienced skin irritations that often occurs in humid tropical climates.

Madame Lucienne MERLE who was living in Indochine responded by concocting her now-famous skin treatment, Friction de Foucaud Invigorating Body Tonic. Not only did the soldiers use it to cure their rashes, they soon became addicted to it for daily use due to its refreshing sensation and fragrance.

Upon their return home, the soldiers helped spread the popularity of the tonic and it quickly became a favorite grooming product among men and, later, among women as well. The original formula, created by Madame MERLE in 1946, has not changed and the product is still used by the French Foreign Legion today. The Foucaud body tonic owes its success to its secret aroma therapeutic blend of menthol, camphor, and essential oils of orange, lemon, lavender, rosemary and thyme.

This unique combination of ingredients creates the particularly refreshing and uplifting fragrance Friction de Foucaud has become famous for.