Swiss essence, sustainability and social purpose: What drives La Colline as a beauty brand
Think of Switzerland and what leaps to most people’s minds are two things: the country’s famous scenic beauty and its equally famous technological prowess. This very combination makes it the ideal cradle of luxury skincare brands such as La Prairie and Valmont.
One such top-notch brand that is loved by the Swiss but is perhaps a little lesser-known in Hong Kong is La Colline, a maison based in the Swiss Riviera that combines the best of nature and science to create quality products adhering to the strictest standards.
What sets apart La Colline is how it applies its research on stem cells and biotechnology in developing specialised skincare products. The brand also claims to have a higher social purpose behind its operations, namely improving the quality and speed of skin grafts.
Tatler sits down with the maison’s CEO Ghislain Pfersdorff to understand La Colline’s social purpose, Swiss essence and sustainability measures.
La Colline’s event at Carlyle & Co.
Tell us about La Colline’s social purpose.Our primary focus is that we develop skincare products. We strive to create the best possible skincare in Switzerland, with the utmost respect for the environment.
But it’s our success in skincare that has allowed us to fund a fundamental research programme, which provides us with our social purpose. Switzerland is known for creating the Red Cross, and we feel a responsibility to contribute to humanity. Skincare serves as a means to develop resources for our research into improving the quality and speed of skin grafts. Our goal is to help people who have lost all or part of their skin recover and return to a normal life.
Typically, those in need of skin grafts have suffered severe burns, injuries, skin cancer or conditions like diabetes. Before this programme came into place, patients needing skin grafts would face long wait times. In 2014, we launched the La Colline Skin Engineering Lab in the University of Zurich to develop reliable, safe, traceable and effective methods for skin repair.
La Colline says it offers “beauty treatment from the Swiss Riviera”. What does this mean exactly?When people think of Switzerland, they often envision mountains and forests, which make up about 75 per cent of the country. However, a large chunk of the Swiss population lives within 15 minutes of a lake, making Swiss culture largely lakeside. The Swiss Riviera is significant for us, as we are practically surrounded by lush green hills and crystal-clear lakes. The beauty and purity of the nature is what we want to embody in our products.
La Colline combines Swiss spirit with social purpose
What role does this beautiful setting play in La Colline’s product development?It influences us profoundly. We are located in a small town the Valais region, and as I said we have lakes and water sources nearby. So all the energy we use is hydroelectric. This renewable energy is a key ingredient in our products. Also, we source the water, which makes up 90 per cent of skincare products, from local springs and rains, ensuring it’s the highest quality water. This connection to nature gives us a responsibility to maintain it.
We use biotechnology, particularly bio-fermentation, to mimic natural ingredients in a lab. For example, in the La Colline NativAge line, we use a complex which mimics the nectar that can be derived from a specific type of bee found in Switzerland. This sustainable ingredient is transformed into a powerful active compound.
How do you capture Swiss excellence and craftsmanship in your products?We don’t need to recreate or capture anything; we simply embody Swiss craftsmanship. Switzerland’s reputation for excellence is rooted in its skilled workforce and high educational standards. We ensure our team understands the importance of their work, which aligns with our social purpose. This motivates them to contribute meaningfully to our mission.
La Colline’s newest Clarology collection features a serum, a cream, a lotion and a métaprotecteur
As an environmentally responsible brand, how does La Colline minimise its carbon footprint while shipping?We have consciously limited our shipping, but our high-end products hold significant value, allowing us to maintain a limited volume with high returns. Our partners are committed to using eco-friendly shipping methods, and we work closely with them to minimise environmental impact.
La Colline’s NativAge line seems to promote “anti-ageing” concepts which is contradictory to the positive ageing narratives we see around us. What is your stance on this?You’re right, the term “anti-ageing” is somewhat misleading. Only death and condition before birth can be called “anti-ageing”. What we mean instead is healthy ageing. Our focus is keep the skin healthy. We use a complex called the Cell Life Extender, which transforms harmful free radicals into water and oxygen, promoting cell renewal.
What skincare trends do you predict will dominate 2025?While I can’t predict the exact future, I believe environmental commitment will be crucial. La Colline is the first skincare brand to offer 100 per cent recyclable packaging made from 97 per cent recycled materials.
Additionally, consumers are increasingly choosing luxury brands based on their social purpose. As we’ve seen in the past 12 years, this trend is growing and consumers are willing to pay more for products that contribute positively to society and the environment.
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