CHANEL INTEGRATIVE BEAUTY – Inside The CHANEL Research Labs

Nel-Olivia Waga
November 27, 2023

CHANEL INTEGRATIVE BEAUTY – where simplicity meets elegance, strength meets confidence, and self-care meets wellness. Channeling the timeless vision of Gabrielle Chanel, we’re on a holistic journey from past inspirations to future creations of unique innovation, eco-transformation and incredible values which go way beyond beauty.

Exploring the CHANEL Research Labs in Pantin provided me with valuable insights into the brand’s vision and commitment to social responsibility. This extends not only to their customers and employees but also to our planet. In the development of their skincare formulas, CHANEL goes beyond the mere creation of a product; it actively contributes to advancements in the medicine and science industry through its research efforts based on these pillars:

FROM GABRIELLE TO CHANEL

Gabrielle Chanel, a visionary ahead of her time, challenged societal norms, introducing a dynamic perspective on beauty. Embodying liberation, independence, and ambition, she forged her path in an era of constraints. In 1920, at rue Cambon, she pioneered a transformative body of work, navigating a male-dominated landscape. Guided by intuition, Chanel redefined lines and volumes, crafting avant-garde pieces that mirrored her desires. Her creativity extended beyond fashion, influencing fragrance, makeup, and skincare to shape the iconic CHANEL Allure. Acknowledging the intricacies of women, she nurtured a holistic vision, leaving an enduring imprint on the canvas of beauty’s history

FROM PANTIN TO THE WORLD

CHANEL’s journey from Pantin to the global stage traces back to Gabrielle Chanel’s visionary concepts of holistic beauty. The inception of N°5 in 1921 marked a revolutionary shift, followed by the debut of the first makeup collection in 1924 and skincare products in 1927. The Société des Parfums CHANEL, established in 1924, birthed a laboratory-factory in Pantin, becoming the historical cradle of CHANEL’s R&D in fragrance, skincare, and makeup. Today, Pantin remains a nexus of cutting-edge technology, artisanal craftsmanship, and scientific expertise, linking the past, present, and future of CHANEL beauty.

The Pantin Research and Innovation Centre, along with four international counterparts, forms a powerful network where over 300 researchers and artisans synergize, enriching CHANEL’s comprehensive approach to beauty. This interconnected collaboration extends across continents, fostering innovation and uncovering unprecedented active ingredients. CHANEL’s holistic vision integrates partnerships with leading entities, from LABSKIN’s 3D bio-printing for human skin to DAMAE’s 3D medical imagery, MYCOPHYTO’s mycorrhization of plants, and collaboration with the University of Vienna in understanding cutaneous senescence. This global network enhances CHANEL’s ability to identify emerging technologies and provide innovative solutions for evolving beauty standards.

FROM FIELD TO FACE

Gabrielle Chanel’s legacy instilled a commitment to scrutinize raw material quality. CHANEL, embodying simplicity and authenticity, extends this vision globally, perpetuating the founder’s ethos. Open sky laboratories, where plants for key ingredients are cultivated, symbolize a unique synergy of site, plant, and people, fostering social and environmental innovation.

Guided by five foundational principles, CHANEL ensures fair-trade networks, biodiversity preservation, agroecology, and protection of plant-related intangible heritage. Five such laboratories worldwide, from Madagascar to Bhutan, encapsulate the brand’s dedication to high-quality, environmentally responsible beauty, bridging nature’s wonders with cutting-edge science.

FROM SENESCENCE TO A GLOBAL APPROACH TO AGEING

Championing a revolutionary approach to ageing, CHANEL Research focuses on senescence, the cellular ageing process, shifting from merely countering time to enhancing cellular vitality. Senescence, marked by diminished cellular vigor and accumulation, leads to premature ageing. Collaborating with Professors Johannes Grillari and Florian Gruber, CHANEL’s 6-year research program pioneers innovative 3D skin models and advanced imaging to identify senescence markers. This groundbreaking partnership unveils potent ingredients capable of combating senescence, refreshing active cells, and eliminating senescent cells. The result is ultra-targeted skincare, exemplified by the SUBLIMAGE Les Extraits line, offering a comprehensive approach to skin regeneration and repair for enduring beauty.

FROM SKIN TO MIND

CHANEL Research is dedicated to cultivating integrative and virtuous beauty, centered on individuality, fulfillment, and a connection to the world. In alignment with Gabrielle Chanel’s belief that beauty emanates from the heart and soul, the house empowers women to assert their individuality. Pioneering the fusion of beauty and well-being, CHANEL Research established a Sensory Evaluation Laboratory in 1993, focusing on hedonic benefits. Recognizing the significance of night-time in skin regeneration, CHANEL studies the impact of beauty routines on both skin and sleep quality. The result, exemplified by SUBLIMAGE L’Extrait de Nuit, optimizes night hours for a rested appearance.

CHANEL’s commitment extends to crafting luxurious, sensorially pleasing formulas that contribute to well-being, reinforcing an emotional connection to beauty. Collaborating with neuroscience technologies, CHANEL decodes emotions activated by cosmetic application, ensuring an optimum sensorial experience. The exclusive LA FASCIA DE CHANEL method, developed with fasciatherapy expert Hélène Bourhis-Bois, integrates body and mind through a unique stretching protocol, promoting relaxation and overall well-being.

The most holistic approach to beauty I have ever witnessed – just after the spirit of its founder:

“The face is a mirror that reflects the events of your inner life. Take good care of it.”

– GABRIELLE CHANEL

HER/etiquette

Founded in 2014, re-launched in 2019, by Nel-Olivia Waga. HER/etiquette is an international luxury lifestyle blog, that features curated stories coming from a conscious mindset. It collaborates with leading brands and specialists who share the idea of generating a positive impact in the world. Based in Zurich, we cover local hotspots and global trends around sustainability, innovation, well-being, health, beauty, travel, time, art, business and philantropy.

Nel-Olivia Waga is the Founder & Publisher of HER/etiquette. She is a Brand Consultant, an Author and Entrepreneur, most passionate about well-being, travel, nature and art. Her work can regularly be seen in her column on FORBES. Her consultancy YMPACT LAB, creates innovative projects for luxury brands based on passion, purpose and sustainable impact.

CONSCIOUS LUXURY

#ConsciousLuxury is the theme of HER/etiquette. We combine luxury lifestyle with consciousness. Each story we share, is underlined with values. The purpose and innovation of the brands we collaborate with, are as important to us, as their initiatives towards ethical craftsmanship, sustainability, holistic health and social responsibility.

This is our first step towards contributing to the global movement of creating a more positive impact within our community and beyond.

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PHOTOS BY CHANEL, TOMMY DO, NEL-Olivia Waga

CONSCIOUS LUXURY

#ConsciousLuxury is the theme of HER/etiquette. We combine luxury lifestyle with consciousness. Each story we share, is underlined with values. The purpose and innovation of the brands we collaborate with, are as important to us, as their initiatives towards ethical craftsmanship, sustainability, holistic health and social responsibility.

This is our first step towards contributing to the global movement of creating a more positive impact within our community and beyond.

PLANT TREES WITH US

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