Christine Esposito, Managing Editor09.27.21
Galderma, parent company behind venerable skin care brand Cetaphil, made a long-term commitment to supporting a healthier environment and healthier skin. The commitment, called the Clear Skies Initiative, calls for reducing environmental impact, formulating with cleaner ingredients, using smarter packaging and serving communities.
The key areas of the "Clear Skies Initiative" are intertwined; skin health is a reflection of one’s environment and environmental stresses (like pollution) can impact skin. It’s a logical extension for a brand that has built a seven decades-long history as a leader in sensitive skin to be more sensitive to the environment and societal challenges, according to Galderma.
Sustainability
Clear Skies will support the company’s efforts toward being more sustainable by using fewer resources and creating less waste. The science-based approach is based on comprehensive research from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In the announcement made today, the company said it aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity in its current factories by 2022. Three of its four factories already use 100% renewable electric through a combination of means like solar or wind.
A fourth factory, in Brazil, already relies on renewable electricity for much of its power. That site will be brough inline to meet the 2022 goal, insisted Diane Gomez-Thinnes, head of Galderma US, who spoke to Happi ahead of the announcement.
Further, Galderma and Cetaphil aim to be carbon neutral in its production facilities, too.
Since 2010, Galderma and Cetaphil have reduced water consumption by 33% per ton of product through programs to recycle and reuse it in its factories and research facilities. The company also reduced annual CO2 emissions from factories by more than 60%, by using more efficient technology and renewable sources of electricity.
Currently, 95% of the electricity that powers factories come from renewable resources and none of the waste from factories ends up in a landfill, according to the brand.
The company will address packaging, too. Cetaphil uses mostly mono-material containers and closures that are, in part, recyclable; therefore, containers and packaging can be recycled at most facilities. Additionally, most products use containers and closure systems that come apart, which the brand says makes it easier for consumers to sort. Its paper-based packaging is made with renewable and biodegradable materials.
Product Reformulation
Changes at Cetaphil aren’t limited to production and packaging. The R&D team has been working on what’s inside the bottles, too.
“We are reformulating based on the latest sensitive skin science,” insisted Gomez-Thinnes said.
According to officials, Cetaphil products now have “cleaner” formulas.
The brand’s Gentle Skin Cleanser, Daily Facial Cleanser, Moisturizing Lotion and Advanced Relief Lotion are now made with readily biodegradable formulas. The products are free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and animal origin ingredients.
“We believe the science is strong on parabens, but consumers say they want them out. So, we found new and modern systems that dermatologists approved,” Michael Sabbia, senior director, Cetaphil, said during an online event to herald the arrival of revamped formulations.
“Those with sensitive skin shouldn’t have to compromise,” he insisted.
During the reformulation, it was critical for the brand to maintain efficacy and sensorial experience that generations of consumers have come to know, and dermatologists have endorsed.
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser has been on the market for 1947.
“These are legendary formulas that consumers love. We have been working on this for a long time. Dermatologists say that it is not just as good as before, but better,” said Sabbia.
Cetaphil incorporated hydrating and skin-conditioning ingredients, including a blend of niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin, all designed to improve the overall resilience of sensitive skin and defend against five signs of skin sensitivity: irritation, roughness, tightness, dryness and weakened skin barrier. Additional ingredients in the new and improved formulations also include avocado oil adn sweet almond oil.
Products are backed by more than 550 clinical studies with more than 32,000 sensitive skin subjects over the years to ensure product efficacy and sensitive skin tolerability, noted Matthew Meckfessel, PhD, medical affairs director at Galderma.
Cetaphil’s products are not tested on animals at any stage of innovation, development or manufacturing processes, insist officials. Cetaphil officials said the firm will continue to assess and incorporate cleaner ingredient across its entire portfolio.
The brand’s portfolio has been expanding rapidly. Cetaphil added 16 new products this year. The wider portfolio includes 59 products, and expands the Cetaphil name into sun care, acne care and formulations for problematic skin. New products include a Healing Ointment, Daily Smoothing Moisturizer for Rough & Bumpy Skin, Cracked Skin Repair Lotion, Cracked Skin Repair Balm and the Healthy Radiance Collection, which addresses skin concerns like dark spots and uneven skin tone without irritation.
“It is a journey we are on as a brand. I am proud of what we have done year to date,” Gomez-Thinnes said.
Community Impact
Social impact and serving the sensitive skin community is another key tenet of the Clear Skies Initiative. In the US, for example, Cetaphil’s long partnership with Camp Wonder enables the organization to help those most severely impacted by skin diseases. Founded by the Children’s Skin Disease Foundation, the camp empowers children with chronic and life-threatening skin diseases from around the country to enjoy themselves in an environment of acceptance.
“I’m fairly new to Galderma, and I was blown away with the decade-long relation with Camp Wonder,” said Gomez-Thinnes, who joined Galderma in March 2021 after a 17-year career with Johnson & Johnson.
Cetaphil has committed to a long-term funding partnership in support of Camp Wonder, donating $1.5 million and more than 50,000 products since 2012.
But it goes beyond donating funds and products, said Gomez-Thinnes.
”What is so impactful is that our own employees will volunteer with the program,” she said.
As the reach of the Clear Skies initiative expands, Cetaphil will look to extend its efforts beyond Camp Wonder to other organizations around the world where it can further its mission of caring for sensitive skin.
“This is a company that starts with the science and the needs of all consumers, for all skin types or all environmental conditions around the world,” said Gomez-Thinnes.
The key areas of the "Clear Skies Initiative" are intertwined; skin health is a reflection of one’s environment and environmental stresses (like pollution) can impact skin. It’s a logical extension for a brand that has built a seven decades-long history as a leader in sensitive skin to be more sensitive to the environment and societal challenges, according to Galderma.
Sustainability
Clear Skies will support the company’s efforts toward being more sustainable by using fewer resources and creating less waste. The science-based approach is based on comprehensive research from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In the announcement made today, the company said it aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity in its current factories by 2022. Three of its four factories already use 100% renewable electric through a combination of means like solar or wind.
A fourth factory, in Brazil, already relies on renewable electricity for much of its power. That site will be brough inline to meet the 2022 goal, insisted Diane Gomez-Thinnes, head of Galderma US, who spoke to Happi ahead of the announcement.
Further, Galderma and Cetaphil aim to be carbon neutral in its production facilities, too.
Since 2010, Galderma and Cetaphil have reduced water consumption by 33% per ton of product through programs to recycle and reuse it in its factories and research facilities. The company also reduced annual CO2 emissions from factories by more than 60%, by using more efficient technology and renewable sources of electricity.
Currently, 95% of the electricity that powers factories come from renewable resources and none of the waste from factories ends up in a landfill, according to the brand.
The company will address packaging, too. Cetaphil uses mostly mono-material containers and closures that are, in part, recyclable; therefore, containers and packaging can be recycled at most facilities. Additionally, most products use containers and closure systems that come apart, which the brand says makes it easier for consumers to sort. Its paper-based packaging is made with renewable and biodegradable materials.
Product Reformulation
Changes at Cetaphil aren’t limited to production and packaging. The R&D team has been working on what’s inside the bottles, too.
“We are reformulating based on the latest sensitive skin science,” insisted Gomez-Thinnes said.
According to officials, Cetaphil products now have “cleaner” formulas.
The brand’s Gentle Skin Cleanser, Daily Facial Cleanser, Moisturizing Lotion and Advanced Relief Lotion are now made with readily biodegradable formulas. The products are free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and animal origin ingredients.
“We believe the science is strong on parabens, but consumers say they want them out. So, we found new and modern systems that dermatologists approved,” Michael Sabbia, senior director, Cetaphil, said during an online event to herald the arrival of revamped formulations.
“Those with sensitive skin shouldn’t have to compromise,” he insisted.
During the reformulation, it was critical for the brand to maintain efficacy and sensorial experience that generations of consumers have come to know, and dermatologists have endorsed.
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser has been on the market for 1947.
“These are legendary formulas that consumers love. We have been working on this for a long time. Dermatologists say that it is not just as good as before, but better,” said Sabbia.
Cetaphil incorporated hydrating and skin-conditioning ingredients, including a blend of niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin, all designed to improve the overall resilience of sensitive skin and defend against five signs of skin sensitivity: irritation, roughness, tightness, dryness and weakened skin barrier. Additional ingredients in the new and improved formulations also include avocado oil adn sweet almond oil.
Products are backed by more than 550 clinical studies with more than 32,000 sensitive skin subjects over the years to ensure product efficacy and sensitive skin tolerability, noted Matthew Meckfessel, PhD, medical affairs director at Galderma.
Cetaphil’s products are not tested on animals at any stage of innovation, development or manufacturing processes, insist officials. Cetaphil officials said the firm will continue to assess and incorporate cleaner ingredient across its entire portfolio.
The brand’s portfolio has been expanding rapidly. Cetaphil added 16 new products this year. The wider portfolio includes 59 products, and expands the Cetaphil name into sun care, acne care and formulations for problematic skin. New products include a Healing Ointment, Daily Smoothing Moisturizer for Rough & Bumpy Skin, Cracked Skin Repair Lotion, Cracked Skin Repair Balm and the Healthy Radiance Collection, which addresses skin concerns like dark spots and uneven skin tone without irritation.
“It is a journey we are on as a brand. I am proud of what we have done year to date,” Gomez-Thinnes said.
Community Impact
Social impact and serving the sensitive skin community is another key tenet of the Clear Skies Initiative. In the US, for example, Cetaphil’s long partnership with Camp Wonder enables the organization to help those most severely impacted by skin diseases. Founded by the Children’s Skin Disease Foundation, the camp empowers children with chronic and life-threatening skin diseases from around the country to enjoy themselves in an environment of acceptance.
“I’m fairly new to Galderma, and I was blown away with the decade-long relation with Camp Wonder,” said Gomez-Thinnes, who joined Galderma in March 2021 after a 17-year career with Johnson & Johnson.
Cetaphil has committed to a long-term funding partnership in support of Camp Wonder, donating $1.5 million and more than 50,000 products since 2012.
But it goes beyond donating funds and products, said Gomez-Thinnes.
”What is so impactful is that our own employees will volunteer with the program,” she said.
As the reach of the Clear Skies initiative expands, Cetaphil will look to extend its efforts beyond Camp Wonder to other organizations around the world where it can further its mission of caring for sensitive skin.
“This is a company that starts with the science and the needs of all consumers, for all skin types or all environmental conditions around the world,” said Gomez-Thinnes.