Alchimie Forever
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Company type | Private |
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Industry | Skin care |
Founded | Geneva, Switzerland Washington, D.C. |
Founder | Luigi Polla, MD Barbara Polla, MD |
Key people | Ada Polla |
Products | Purifying Facial Cleanser Gentle Cream Cleanser |
Website | AlchimieForever.com |
Alchimie Forever is a Swiss, dermatologist-formulated, plant-based skin care line created by the Polla family. The line includes anti-aging products for the face, body, and products created specifically for men’s skin.
History
Upon completing his studies, Luigi Polla opened a dermatology practice in Geneva, Switzerland. Over time he became recognized as an expert in the use of laser treatment in dermatology.[1]
In December 1997, Luigi and his wife Barbara Polla, a biomedical researcher whose work has focused on antioxidants and stress proteins, decided to convert his dermatology practice into Forever Laser Institut, the first medical spa in Europe.[2] The business combined traditional spa services with medical treatments done under strict medical rules.
In 2000, they began selling their own line of beauty products, originally called Forever Choice at Forever Laser Institut. Luigi said that "the line was [created] to enable patients with all skin types to benefit from naturally derived medical-grade skin care without side effects."[3]
The products sold well and the Pollas soon decided to expand distribution beyond Geneva.[4] In 2003, Barbara, along with daughter Ada, started Alchimie Forever LLC, located in Washington, D.C., to distribute Alchimie Forever products in the United States.[5]
Today, Alchimie Forever is distributed throughout Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, France, and the United States, mostly through spas and independent beauty boutiques.[2] Ada Polla currently serves as the President and CEO of Alchimie Forever.
Products
The Alchimie Forever line includes anti-aging products for the face, body, and products created specifically for men. The products are rich in natural antioxidants, and are designed to enhance a more youthful appearance, while protecting the skin from environmental stressors. Common ingredients include extracts from basil, blueberries, grape seeds, green tea, rosemary, tomatoes, turmeric, and watercress.[6]
A recent independent third party study found that Alchimie Forever's Diode 1 + 2 Age-Defying Serums tightened skin an average of 20.4% shortly after application, with the effect fading to 10.2% after an hour's time.[7] These products are a combination of rosemary and green tea extracts, which are believed to have long-term anti-aging benefits in addition to an immediate firming effect.
The same study found that Alchimie Forever's Alexandrite Gel for Neck and Bust provided an average skin firmness increase of 9.2% after 30 minutes, with the effect increasing to 11.6% after 60 minutes.[7] Alexandrite gel uses antioxidants derived from green tea and rosemary which are believed to help prevent skin damage and lighten uneven pigmentation.
Alchimie Forever products are sold primarily through spas, to dermatology offices and independent beauty boutiques. They are also available online to consumers residing in France, Switzerland, and the United States.
Reaction
Alchimie Forever products have appeared in numerous fashion magazines including Elle, Vogue, Lucky, Redbook, and Men's Journal.
Other interests
In 1991, the art gallery Analix Forever, located in Geneva, was launched by the Pollas. The gallery is dedicated to the discovery and promotion of young artists worldwide.[2] The Gallery changed its location recently, with its new address in Geneva being, 2 rue de Hesse. It has also opened another location in Paris.[8]
Alchimie Forever has long had close ties to the artistic community. Artist Martin Creed created a photo piece, called "Lights On and Lights Off" to launch the Lights On day cream product and Lights Off night cream product at the Hayward Gallery.[9] Marc Horowitz created a short film featuring courting male and female feet that was inspired by Alchimie 532 nm foot cream.[9]
References
- ^ "Luigi Polla Bio @ Alchimie Forever". Alchimie Forever. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
- ^ a b c "About Alchimie Forever". Alchimie Forever. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
- ^ Caridad, Ava (May 2006). "Forever young: skin care continues to target aging consumers with youthful desires and money to spend". Household & Personal Products Industry. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
- ^ "Alchimie Forever". BeautyInterviews.com. 2008-11-02. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
- ^ Sullivan, Melissa (2004-06-23). "Textbook startups". Washington Business Journal.
- ^ "The Science of Alchimie Forever". Alchimie Forever. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
- ^ a b "Alchimie Forever Tightens, Firms Skin". Inside Cosmeceuticals. 2009-05-19. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
- ^ Analix Forever
- ^ a b "Art world gets back to bare essentials". The Art Newspaper (192). June 2008.