Deeply believing that biodiversity is life, Clarins acquired 200,000 acres in the Alps to grow and study plants for the development of skincare and makeup formulas. At 4,500 ft altitude, the unique microclimate, shielded by mountains, provides optimal growing conditions for vegetation. Clarins owes its success to the plants that produce the company’s precious effective ingredients and products. “Above all, it’s the quality of the raw materials that make quality products,” says Christian Courtin-Clarins, President of the Supervisory Board, Groupe Clarins.
This long-term project, directly inspired by permaculture, brings together all the advantages of a virtuous and quality production: plants which grow as the seasons unfold, in a pollution-free soil, at a higher altitude and, according to organic farming criteria. No mechanical material is used so as not to traumatize the ground. From these ideal conditions, plants are prepared to make the best skin care products, naturally. “As a scientist, I am very vigilant about the quality of natural ingredients and the way these ingredients are extracted. Le Domaine Clarins gives us a chance to obtain the best ingredients while preserving the environment” says Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins, Managing Director of Groupe Clarins.
Directly connected to the Clarins laboratory outside of Paris, Le Domaine Clarins is a vast study field and an immense source of quality raw materials. A part of Le Domaine Clarins, The Collection Garden, is dedicated to new plant experimentation in this harsh but pure mountain environment. Here, expert phyto-chemists from Clarins Laboratories and Jean-Pierre Nicolas, the Group’s ethno-botanist, experiment and analyze plant specimens to extract their quintessence in order to find new beauty properties to enrich Clarins products. Each plant is carefully referenced, and information collected. This information is added to the Clarins Herbarium, which already contains 250 plants. As of now, formulas which will benefit from plant-based ingredients grown in Le Domaine Clarins include: organic Alpenrose extract found in some My Clarins products, organic Houseleek extract found in ClarinsMen products, the organic Horehound extract found in Clarins Anti-pollution complex, and Clarins cleansers.
As pioneers of responsible development, the brand values are rooted in an abiding respect for nature. The founder, Jacques Courtin-Clarins, launched the brand’s first product line with 100% pure plant extract oils in 1954. Shortly after, Jacques had the intuition that the pure Alpine environment would provide naturally effective ingredients to preserve the skin. In 1967, Jacques launched Clarins Cleansing Milks, with Alpine Herbs, which remain key ingredients in the current formulas.
Today, Le Domaine Clarins in the Alps is an important symbol of going further for the beauty of tomorrow. The long term ambition for Clarins is an owned 100% field to jar production.
SOURCE: Clarins USA
