I’m in a lab coat on a guided tour, passing through the sacred clinical hallways of Shiseido Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Tokyo. In contrast to the glossy facade of beauty campaigns and illuminated store showcases, the view before me is entirely different. It feels unembellished and highly classified as I spot researchers and workers discreetly working in silos, while occasionally catching glimpses of homogenous unlabelled bottles and equipment. The pockets of silence between my guide’s courteous explanations say more than they do, almost as if I’m imposing on a typical working day at the iconic GIC. It is where the bedrock of Clé de Peau Beauté’s winning formulas reside: within its scientific arm. Where years and years of research sow the seeds of the efficacy found in Clé de Peau Beauté’s bestselling signatures. And as poetically put by the brand, where radiance is unlocked.
Before this, the term skin intelligence never occurred to me; the fact that my skin was capable of reacting to smells, sounds and a mere touch. But in retrospect, it makes perfect sense that the largest organ in our bodies would be responsive to the five senses. The science of Clé de Peau Beauté builds upon that basis, with our skin’s ability to distinguish between good and bad stimuli.
The foundations of skin science
A dedicated research team champions the cause of revolutionary science here, led by Clé de Peau Beauté’s chief technology officer, Kiyoshi Sato. Despite our skin’s innate ability, skin intelligence can be affected by bad stimuli in the form of environmental stressors like dry air and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
But with Clé de Peau Beauté’s new developments within its science arm, it has harnessed a new skin-empowering illuminator to amplify one’s skin’s intelligence—to aid its intuitive ability of repairing and defending itself. And the road leading to this definitive formula is an arduous one, as Sato reveals.
From attending a range of conferences to meetings with the marketing team to excessive research, it takes about an average of six years to formulate a desired result. Epigenetics is a key aspect in the brand’s skin-empowering illuminator; that gene activity can be changed and manipulated through ingredients.
Unlocking one’s inner radiance
Encompassing the formidable skin-empowering illuminator is the brand’s updated Key Radiance Care line as it encompasses two new ingredients: perilla extract and Angelica acutiloba extract, on top of Japanese pearl shell extract, theanine and platinum golden silk essence—harvested from silkworms that are specially grown in northern Thailand.
It begins with the highly lauded Le Sérum, with an updated formula of an algae complex, to help activate your skin’s regenerative power. Then to follow, Hydro-Softening Lotion and Hydro-Clarifying Lotion to hydrate and nourish your skin from rough texture and dryness. The creams—Protective Fortifying Emulsion and Intensive Fortifying Emulsion—complete the ritual, with targeted formulas each for day and night. They’ve been reformulated to amplify skin intelligence while keeping your mien supple and resilient. A result that naturally glows from within; an inner radiance that the brand is committed to yielding.
As Clé de Peau Beauté’s chief brand officer, Mizuki Hashimoto, elaborates: “We want to unlock that confidence that each person has in themselves, through our products and our services. What we’re very proud of is the thoughtfulness and meticulousness that is behind every formula. For example, La Crème has over 60 ingredients, but the magic of the cream is that it needs temperature control as well as considered steps of when to introduce each ingredient. So there’s this very precise formula that goes into creating a perfect harmony of the ingredients.”
Rather than stressing keywords such as ‘anti-ageing’ and ‘age-defying’, the journey for a Clé de Peau Beauté consumer is an individual and empowering one. Global ambassadors and actors Ella Balinska and Diana Silvers have each found the power in keeping up with a consistent Clé de Peau Beauté routine.
“I’m used to waking up early on the film set and now I have a go-to regime that I swear by; no matter how much make-up I get thrown on my face during the day, I know my skin is always going to feel amazing at the end of the night”, beams Balinska.
Silvers too, attests to the tried-and true formula. “I like that it works for so many different skin types. My mum, my sister and I can see what our skin looked like before Clé de Peau Beauté and what it looks like now. Overall, it’s more hydrated, more radiant and more supple.”
Diana Silvers and Ella Balinska’s skincare essentials:
Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème, $900
“I have a very dry skin type so my mum made sure I was always moisturised.” —Ella Balinska.
Clé de Peau Beauté Le Sérum, $390
“It works especially well for my sensitive skin.” —Diana Silvers
Water
“Water’s always a win.”—Ella Balinska
Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream SPF 50+ PA, $175
“It was only until five years ago that I started wearing SPF, so I’m hoping it’s better late than never.” —Diana Silvers
The September ‘Feel the Heat’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available for sale online and on newsstands.
