07.30.07
The Sensé line of skin care products. |
Marketers take divergent paths to innovation.
By LaToyah Burke
Associate Editor
New products in skin care are satisfying lotion junkies, anti-aging aficionados and basic beauties. Products enhanced by the knowledge of scientists and industry consultants are staking a claim in the medicine cabinets of consumers who are becoming increasingly aware of how to purchase skin care that suits their needs.
For example, Sensé offers beautiful science with their skin care range, Grayson+Co. feeds lotion addictions with their moisturizing collections and Pharmagel approaches acne with products that are created from a pharmaceutical background.
Sensé was created by Usana Health Sciences, a manufacturer of nutritional, personal care and weight management products. Recently, the Utah-based company patented the Sensé skin and personal care product line that boasts a two-year shelf life. The technology relies on a variety of proprietary blends of purifying botanicals, antioxidants and other actives to keep the product fresh. The line maintains its shelf life without the use of parabens or other preservatives commonly used in other cosmetics and skin care products.
Sensé skin care consists of the Basics—a daily 3-step program for promoting healthy skin and the Enhancers—a series of advanced skin treatments targeting specific beauty concerns. Sensé Splash covers hair and body care with gentle products that include Energizing shower gel, Revitalizing shampoo, Nourishing conditioner, Firming Body Nourisher and Intensive Hand Therapy.
The 3-step program begins with Gentle Daily Cleanser—it washes away surface dirt and impurities without drying skin. Step 2, the Hydrating Toner, removes lingering impurities, balances skin’s pH levels and helps soothe the effects of environmental exposure. In the morning, Step 3 calls for Daytime Protective Emulsion and at night—Night Renewal replenishes skin’s moisture levels.
The Enhancers are comprised of Serum Intensive, Perfecting Essence, Eye Nourisher and Rice Bran Polisher. Each product addresses a specific skin concern and can enhance the properties associated with the 3-step program.
Pharmagel has created an anti-acne skin care line. |
“Sensé products include topical nutrition complexes and anti-aging technologies to re-energize the skin, in formulations free of added chemical preservatives, making a visible difference in the skin’s appearance and the way it feels,” according to Daniel A. Macuga, Jr., vice president network development & public relations, USANA Health Sciences. “Many consumers today are concerned with artificial chemical preservatives widely used in their products,” said Mr. Macuga.
Skin care products must provide the specific solutions consumers need. Innovations in skin care from a scientific perspective have made an impact on the segment.
Researchers at Pharmagel, a manufacturer of pharmaceutical grade treatments for the skin, found that vitamins and antioxidants—topically applied, could drastically and visibly retard and repair skin damage. That discovery led to the conclusion that antioxidants combined with pharmaceutical grade ingredients would synergistically work to improve the appearance and condition of the skin. Thus, Pharmagel was born. Celebrities, dignitaries and people all over the world rely on Pharmagel for their skin care need, according to the company.
Pharmagel’s take on a skin care regimens can be found in its Pharma Clear 3-step Acne Treatment System. Three products, cleanse, treat and moisturize acne-prone skin.
To cleanse, step 1 is Pharma Clear Anti-bacterial and Anti-microbial cleanser. It works to remove excess oil and dead skin cells, calms inflamed tissue and encourages fast healing. The formula contains copper, tea tree oil and anti-inflammatory ingredients that will not strip or irritate skin.
Step 2, Pharma Clear Acne Treatment Concentrate, contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-bacterial agents and salicylates to reduce redness.
The final step is to moisturize with Pharma Clear Anti-bacterial Moisturizer. It contains sodium PCA, vitamins A and E, copper, sodium hylauronate and anti-inflammatory ingredients to provide a moisturizing and calming protective mantle of repair and rejuvenation, according to the company.
Pharmagel’s formulas are noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic and pH balanced. The cosmetic chemists at Pharmagel Laboratories utilize a collection of natural herbs and botanicals that are added to Pharmagel’s problem solving beauty treatments. Triple testing during Pharmagel’s blending process ensures that each product is free of irritants and as pure as possible.
Even if an entire regimen is not what some consumers are looking for, they may want to buy one or two of the components of a regimen. Most skin care regimens include a moisturizer, as some skin tends to be drier than others.
In an effort “to provide the necessary retail therapy for lotion junkies” Grayson + Co. has introduced lotion fragrances, lotion kits and a baby care line called Lil Green Apple.
“We are eliminating the tedious and costly need to roam the glove to find the best lotions,” said Mindy Schwartz, chief executive officer of Grayson+Co, Concord, NH.
According to the company, each handmade lotion combines traditional, natural apothecary ingredients along with modern fragrant, flavorful indulgences.
There are five collections in the Grayson+Co line; Citrus, Fresh, Foody/Beverage, Floral and Mind, Body and Spirit. Citrus lotions are available in Sweet Orange Cream, Juicy Clementine, Blueberry Verbena, Pomegranate Citrus, Lime and Mandarin and Pink Grapefruit. Fresh is comprised of refreshing, crisp and cool scents such as Mountain Heather, Tranquil Water and White Sands.
At Grayson & Co., lotions are handmade fresh to order, and are tested by (and on) humans, never on animals. Consumers will be hard-pressed to find parabens, petroleum or mineral oils in these products. Grayson & Co. only uses natural preservatives, moisturizing soft butters, as well as, plant-based oils.
Whatever their need, consumers can customize their own skin solutions or get a ready-made regimen of products from a brand they trust. With so many skin care options available, the possibilities are endless.