Founded in 1823
In 1823, Juan Bernardo Lascaray arrived in Vitoria-Gasteiz from Ciboure (France) and leased a small tallow candle factory in the Prado neighborhood of Vitoria to dedicate himself to the production of these goods.
New Factory
Casimiro Lascaray, representing the second generation, established a new factory in 1855 under the name La Estrella Alavesa “LEA,” where stearin candles and olein soap were produced. At that time, the company entered the world of soap and detergents by beginning the manufacture of MARFIL soap.
Industrial Consolidation
In 1885, Félix Lascaray succeeded his father as head of the company and saw the industrial project consolidate. In 1905, a devastating fire reduced the factory to ashes, destroying years of hard work overnight. However, just two years later (1907), the reconstruction of the plant was completed and expanded, incorporating modern chemical industry techniques that were pioneering in Spain. During those years, Lascaray’s operations took on the profile it maintains today, with two distinct manufacturing sectors emerging: fatty acid splitting and soap making.
Shaving Products Manufacturing
In the early 1920s, under the leadership of the fourth generation of the Lascaray family, new processes and procedures enabled Lascaray to expand its operations under the LEA Products brand. Starting with the production of shaving products, the company quickly became the leading Spanish reference for shaving creams and soaps.
Relocation to New Headquarters
Between 1973 and 1975, the industry was moved to a new site established in the Arriaga Industrial Zone of Vitoria, which is the current headquarters of the Lascaray Group.
New Product Lines
More recently, since the 1990s and under the leadership of the fifth generation of the family, LEA Products has developed, manufactured, and marketed a comprehensive range of personal hygiene and cosmetic products for men, women, and children.
New Facilities – 2,000 m²
Today, Lascaray SA, under the leadership of the sixth generation of the founding family, continues to maintain its two main business areas. The cosmetics division, Productos LEA, has become a benchmark in the classic and modern shaving sector in the Spanish and European markets, as well as expanding its presence in personal hygiene and cosmetics.
Demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, in 2016 the company began a comprehensive renovation of its cosmetic facilities, adapting them to cleanrooms classified according to their function for the production, quality control, and packaging of cosmetic products, with controlled environments in compliance with ISO-14644 standards.
These new facilities, covering an area of 2,000 m², position Productos LEA optimally to work more efficiently and innovatively, ensuring quality standards and effectively meeting customer needs.
LEA celebrates 200 years
In 2023, we celebrate two centuries of history with you. Established as an iconic brand in personal care. This anniversary is not only a tribute to its history, but also a statement of commitment to the present and the future. LEA stands out for its ability to adapt to new generations without losing its essence, focusing on sustainability, technological innovation and closeness to its consumers. The brand looks to the future with enthusiasm, strengthening its international presence and maintaining the quality and trust that have made it a benchmark for two centuries. Do you know the story behind LEA? Click on the video.
Resilience and commitment forging a better future
In 2025, LEA experienced another of the most challenging moments in its history: on 20 June, a fire severely damaged its facilities. However, this event also marked the beginning of a new era, in which the resilience, innovation and commitment of the team drove rapid reconstruction, reaffirming the century-old values that have made LEA a solid brand ready for the future.
