Switzerland is loved for many things. Beautiful mountains, Christmas markets, and of course, delicious chocolate. However, one thing that people don't talk about enough is just how good the skincare is. Yep, that's right, Switzerland is home to some of the most impressive, effective skincare brands on the market. Funnily enough, I didn't even realise that some of my favourite beauty brands were based in Switzerland until writing this article. From affordable faves such as Weleda to luxury offerings from the likes of La Prairie, there is plenty to choose from.
As a beauty editor, I've been keen to know more about what makes Swiss skincare so good. So, I reached out to Jérémie Sœur, Ph.D, chief science officer at leading Swiss skincare brand, Cellcosmet, and asked him all of my burning questions. To learn more about why Swiss skincare formulations are so effective, and to shop my top product recommendations, keep on scrolling...
Why Is Swiss Skincare So Highly Regarded?
First things first, I wanted to know why Swiss skincare is so well-respected within the beauty industry. "Swiss precision, thoroughness, and our attention to detail, are key strands in our DNA – and the same goes for our skincare," explains Sœur. "In both Cellcosmet and Cellmen, all our product claims are based on facts and scientific measurements, [rather than] feelings or self-satisfaction evaluations. Our emphasis is on the performance of our products and we focus everything on the development of our formulas and the choice of ingredients."
This is evident when looking at some of the most popular Swiss skincare brands on the market. Just a quick glance online and you will soon notice an emphasis on the science behind each formula. "We look for the best ingredients – in terms of purity, efficacy and origin that will give the best results to our customers," adds Sœur.
When asked why the formulas are so effective, Sœur tells me that the country is a laboratory of innovation, not to mention the cradle of numerous technologies such as cell therapy, which explains why many of the ingredients are so cutting-edge. "It is also important to mention the specific biodiversity in Switzerland, particularly in terms of the alpine flora," he says. "Plus, we have very high-quality water and this is a key ingredient in most skincare products. Of course, the access to high quality water is certainly a competitive advantage of Swiss skincare brands [when compared to] others."
Pretty impressive if you ask me. Below, you'll find some of the best Swiss skincare brands that money can buy.
The Best Swiss Skincare Brands to Shop
1. Cellcosmet
First up is Cellcosmet. This brand is known for its effective formulas, which are developed in the in-house laboratory and made in Switzerland. "At the core of the brand and found in every cellular product is our signature CytoPep™ Cellular Extracts, obtained by Swiss medical standard biotechnology," explains Sœur. "[These extracts] are composed of peptides and proteins crucially extracted and preserved using our own exclusive CellControl™ method to revitalize the skin."
Shop My Top Picks:
The Eye Contour Cream is enriched with CytoPep™ Cellular Extracts and a Postbiotics Complex, to moisturise, improve elasticity and smooth the eye area.
I have slightly sensitive skin, so I am always looking for gentle cleansers that will effectively remove makeup. This rich formula lifts away dirt and impurities while nourishing the skin thanks to sweet almond oil and rose extract.
Another great product for more sensitive skin. This cream helps to soothe and reduce redness. It is enriched with the brand's CytoPep™ Cellular Extracts and Postbiotics Complex to leave you with a radiant complexion.
2. Weleda
Next up is Weleda. This natural Swiss skincare brand is known for its famous Skin Food formula, a moisturiser that is loved by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Victoria Beckham and Rosie HW. That being said, the rest of the brand's skincare offerings as just as impressive, not to mention super affordable.
Shop My Top Picks:
People can't get enough of this hydrating moisturiser. Enriched with natural oils and extracts from certified organic plants, it helps to soothe and nourish dry skin.
I love a facial oil, and Weleda's lightweight formula harnesses the power of antioxidants from pomegranate to firm and smooth the skin.
I always use this cleansing oil as the first step in my evening skincare routine. The plant-based, fragrance-free formula melts away makeup without stripping my complexion.
3. La Prairie
I couldn't do this roundup and not include luxury skincare brand, La Prairie. Founded in 1931, this brand started as a wellness destination in Switzerland, under scientific leadership of Dr Paul Niehans. Dr Niehans developed cellular therapy, and the brand came up with its own exclusive cellular complex to enhance the skin's renewal process. The products don't come cheap, but the formulas are seriously impressive.
Shop My Top Picks:
Yep, you read that right. This caviar-enriched serum is designed to provide an "immediate lifting sensation". It contains both Caviar Premier and Caviar Absolute which come together for a truly spectacular finish.
If you want to take things one step further, why not try the brand's caviar eye cream? Aside from the luxurious packaging, this cream is formulated with golden caviar extract to firm and add luminosity to the eye area.
For a renewed complexion, you'll want to try the Platinum Rare Cellular Life-Lotion. The essence-in-lotion is infused with a Platinum Peptide and works to support three detoxification processes, including helping the skin to fight external stress factors.
4. Dr. Levy
Last but by no means least, say hello to Dr. Levy, a Swiss, family-led skincare brand. Co-founder, Dr. Philip Levy, has a strong passion for dermatology, which is reflected in all of the brands formulations.
Shop My Top Picks:
This clever cleanser features micro-beads and gentle AHAs for both manual and chemical exfoliation, perfect for when your complexion is looking a little dull. This exfoliation also allows for deeper absorption of ArganCellActiv®, the brand's patented stem cell-activating complex, which harnesses an extract from Argan tree roots stem cells.
Another impressive formula comes in the form of the Enriched Booster Cream. This cream features ArganCellActiv® alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid, restorative omegas 3, 6 and 9, brightening vitamin C, antioxidant vitamin E and protective niacinamide. What more could you want?
This product is designed to be applied as the last step in your skincare routine. It helps to fight against five key skin aggressors and ward off pollution.
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