Biotherm is a luxury skincare brand born from a unique mineral thermal spring in southern France. The company has developed a range of high-quality cosmetics and skincare products for the face and body, which are rigorously tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists to ensure their effectiveness. Founded almost 70 years ago by French biologist Jos Jullien, Biotherm has stood the test of time and remains a thriving business thanks to Jullien’s passion for medical research and marketing savvy.
The Discovery of Thermal Plankton
The origin of Biotherm dates back to the 18th century when the gentle and exceptional plant species known as Thermal Plankton first appeared on Earth. The discovery of hot springs containing this unique ingredient in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France marked the first encounter with Thermal Plankton. At the time, the mineral water from these springs was believed to have curative properties. It was used by a sanatorium for thermal treatments.
The success of these treatments led to the establishment of a dermatological station, which offered science-based medical care. It wasn’t until much later that the true potential of Thermal Plankton was fully realized and became the key ingredient in Biotherm’s skincare products.
During the 1940s, Dr. Jos Julien, a station biologist, was the first to identify Thermal Plankton in the water. Quickly, he recognized that this substance was likely responsible for the longstanding reports of the beneficial effects of thermal mineral water on the skin.
After consulting with the young visionary Jeanine Marissal, Dr. Jos Jullien began experimenting with incorporating plankton into a beauty product’s formula. The two people eventually managed to isolate and replicate the ingredient from the waters, planting the seeds for Biotherm.
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The Founding of Biotherm
Biotherm was founded in 1952 under the supervision of Adrien Barthelemy, who at the time was the proprietor of the springs at Molitg-Les-Bains. Effective skincare is a must for any cosmetic, which led to the discovery of this brand. Biotherm’s success can be attributed largely to thermal plankton, a key ingredient whose special qualities elevate every Biotherm recipe.
In 1952, Biotherm launched three of its earliest products: Biotherm Cure, La Crème Triple-Usage, and Biomains, a hand moisturizing cream still distributed by the brand. In 1955, only three years after its launch, Biotherm’s success was acknowledged when The New York Times praised the brand for its successful use of Thermal Plankton.
It wasn’t until 1957 that La Crème Hydrothermale, Biotherm’s first hydrothermal product, was introduced to the public. In 1967, one of the best sun care products, the first Biotherm sunscreen, was a hit. Demand for individualized skin care solutions soared in tandem with the company’s rising revenue. Beginning in 1964, the company put resources into developing specialized skincare formulas for different skin types.
The Acquisition of Biotherm by L’Oréal
In 1970, Biotherm was acquired by the well-known luxury brand L’Oréal, marking the beginning of the French brand’s ascent to international fame. Two years later, in 1972, Biotherm’s new products, including Biotherm body milk and the first-ever anti-wrinkle sun care, were introduced and sold in various European locations.
Later on, after opening a new research center in Monaco, Biotherm established itself as a prestigious European brand. The products of this brand were well-known for their safety and efficacy in clinical trials. In 1985, the company introduced Biotherm Homme, a line of skincare products explicitly aimed at male consumers.
New Biotherm ambassador Elle Macpherson opened the Balneotherapy Centre in Deauville that same year. Biotherm Biologics, a new line of women’s products introduced in 1987, helped propel the company to the forefront in Japan. To appeal to a diverse audience, the brand’s skincare line was divided into three separate formulas, each targeting individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s and promising a sophisticated lifestyle.
Life Plankton: Biotherm’s Key Ingredient
In 1994, Biotherm established its own biotechnology center in France. Researchers and developers first isolated and studied Life Plankton, a highly effective regenerative ingredient in skincare products. The company pledged to launch a series of innovative products, including water-based treatments, moisturizers, and anti-aging treatments, in the future.
In 2006, scientists at Stanford University discovered that Life Plankton has unique properties that protect and strengthen the skin. To celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2012, Biotherm introduced its Beauty from the Deep biotechnology platform with the goal of uncovering new molecules in aquatic biodiversity.
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Types of Products that Biotherm Sells
Biotherm is a luxury skincare brand that offers a wide range of products for both the face and the body. Some of the types of products that Biotherm sells include:
1. Cleansers: Biotherm offers a variety of cleansers, including foaming cleansers, micellar water, and oil-based cleansers, to help remove impurities and excess oil from the skin.
2. Toners: Biotherm’s toners are designed to help balance and refresh the skin and are available in both liquid and mist form.
3. Moisturizers: Biotherm offers a range of moisturizers for different skin types, including gel creams, lotions, and oils. These products help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
4. Eye care: Biotherm offers a selection of eye care products, including eye creams, eye serums, and eye masks, which are designed to minimize the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines around the eye area.
5. Serums: Biotherm’s serums are designed to target specific skin concerns, such as dullness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. This lightweight, quickly absorbed formula should be applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing.
6. Masks: Biotherm offers a range of masks, including sheet masks, clay masks, and peel-off masks, to help purify, nourish, and revitalize the skin.
7. Exfoliators: Biotherm has a range of exfoliators that include both physical and chemical options, which work to slough away dead skin cells and enhance the texture and tone of the skin.
8. Sun care: Biotherm offers a range of sun care products, including sunscreens, after-sun lotions, and self-tanning products, to help protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
9. Men’s skincare: Biotherm has a range of skincare products specifically formulated for men’s skin, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and serums.
10. Body care: Biotherm has a range of body care products, including body washes, body lotions, and hand creams, to help nourish and hydrate the skin.
11. Makeup: Biotherm also offers a range of makeup products, including foundations, concealers, and lip balms, to help enhance and perfect the skin’s natural appearance.
Biotherm also offers gift sets, travel sizes, and limited edition collections. All of the brand’s products are developed using high-quality ingredients and are rigorously tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
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Today, Biotherm continues to be a leader in the luxury skincare industry, with a strong reputation for producing innovative, effective products that cater to a wide range of skincare cosmetics concerns and needs.