Clarins has been producing cosmetics and skincare products since 1954.  The Clarins Group prides itself on consumer safety and the protection of both the environment and animals, so in 1994 the French company decided to stop using any ingredients of animal origin in its formulas.  This move cemented Clarins’ place in history as the first cosmetics company to end the use of ingredients derived from animals.  Earlier on, in 1987, Clarins also became the first cosmetics company to stop all product testing on animals and, in 1991, it stopped using cellular extracts of animal origin.

Instead of using animal ingredients, Clarins uses plants – the key component of the Clarins brand.  The use of plants has benefited many animal species as well as the environment.  Clarins’ environmentally conscious actions don’t stop at protecting animals.  The brands production sites are strictly managed.  The company reports 100% maximized use of waste, and they plan to use renewable energy sources to supply their logistical platform in Amiens, Paris beginning this year (2009).

Since 1954, Clarins’ goal was to create highly effective products containing the highest quality ingredients, while respecting the environment and preserving the planet’s resources.  So, in addition to using plant products in cosmetics instead of animal products, and managing waste effectively, Clarins supports a wide range of environmentally conscious organizations such as Alp Action.  Alp Action supports the preservation and restoration of several natural sites in the Alps and the Clarins Herbarium.  Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan heads the organization.

Once Clarins products leave the Clarins laboratories and processing centers, Clarins goes a step further by enforcing a policy called “cosmetovigilance”.  This means that the company monitors products after their distribution on the market.  According to the Clarins website, “in close collaboration with the Client Relations department at Clarins company headquarters in Neuilly, the collection and analysis of client complaints was instituted, focusing on, but not limited to:  product identification, description of symptoms and the conditions of their appearance”.  This ensures that Clarins’ original mission is fulfilled – to offer consumers the safest and most effective products, without compromising the environment.

Clarins products can be purchased online through the official Clarins website at www.clarins.com or at a number of Clarins cosmetics counters around the world.  Just a few of the fine department stores currently carrying the Clarins brand include:  Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.  Clarins can also be purchased at Sephora and a number of freestanding Clarins stores around the world.  To search for a Clarins counter or freestanding store in your area, visit the official website to search for stores by city and state.

Clarins Product Line

The Clarins product line-up features products for the face, body, sun protection, make-up and fragrances.  The line also offers products for men such as face wash, shave products and age control products.  Clarins current face product offerings include cleansers and toners, exfoliators and masks, face treatment oils, serums, moisturizers, eye, lip and neck treatments, brightening products, oil control products, sensitive skin products and anti-aging products specially formulated for the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.  Body products include aroma body care, shape-up care, products for pregnancy and well-being products.

Self-tanners, sun protection and after-sun protection products can be found in Clarins sun line and fragrances, include the Par Amour and Par Amour Toujours lines.  The Clarins make-up line offers the usual suspects, including complexion products and products for the eyes and lips.