It's been 16 years since you first launched Pro-Collagen – why is now the time for a new generation of products?
We introduced Pro-Collagen Marine Cream in 2003 after three years of research and development, and it became a beauty industry phenomenon. It’s loved by beauty editors all over the world and today, almost 16 years since its launch, one is still sold every nine seconds globally. But it’s not in ELEMIS’ nature to sit back and think we’ve already reached the top. We knew that harnessing the power of the sea and those incredible seaweed extracts was worth exploring further, so we challenged our labs and our teams to discover even more.

ELEMIS always focuses on research and development, and you've spent 16 years on this range – what have you learned in that time?
I think we’ve really learned that our customers want the very best, and we’ve had to rise to the challenge. These are savvy, discerning and well-educated skincare consumers who want natural ingredients that deliver real, visible and lasting results.

We’ve also learned the benefit of getting out there and pushing yourself to discover what you want. We told the labs what we wanted these Ultra Smart formulas to achieve and they’ve worked to make it happen, not the other way around.

What are the biggest benefits of this new Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen, and what makes it 'ultra smart'?
The Ultra Smart range represents the optimal intersection of natural science and technology for ELEMIS when it comes to targeting multiple signs of ageing. First, you’ve got an incredible network of specialised, potent red, green and brown algae sourced from different depths of fresh and marine waters to help protect and preserve the appearance of skin. Then, you’ve got our targeted delivery systems. We’ve encapsulated the actives within our formulas in order to allow them to perform at maximum efficacy when they reach their target destination — they work best where they’re needed most. Doing this also enables the actives within the product to be released slowly into the skin, prolonging the skincare benefit and allowing our complexes to deliver real results on stubborn deep-set lines and wrinkles.

What are algae and what are the benefits for skincare?
Algae are amazing because they thrive in harsh environments; they’re powerhouses of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants and they’re always adapting to combat new challenges in a way our skin also needs to.

We’ve always recognised the remarkable properties and unique skin benefits of algae at ELEMIS, but after 16 years of research, we really believe we’ve found the most specialised formula of algae to help skin appear firm, smooth, deeply hydrated and more youthful.

Today, ELEMIS uses different varieties of microalgae and seaweeds across our entire skin and bodycare portfolio — it’s a pretty good sign of how much we love them!

This launch includes two eye creams and a serum – why did you feel these are the most important products to add to the mix?
Serums are a must for people who want to take their skincare seriously. It’s the big step into high-level skincare with actives that absorb quickly into the skin and enhance the performance of everything else in your routine.
Creating Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Complex. 12 Serum really felt like the most natural way to introduce ELEMIS lovers to the incredible new formulas and complexes we’ve developed for targeting multiple signs of ageing.
As for the eye creams, eyes are always the area we find people are most concerned with when it comes to skin ageing.

We’ve launched a powerfully effective eye care duo that delivers targeted day and night solutions — everything from puffy morning eyes to tired evening lines — and we’re sure this is exactly what our customers will love.

What are consumers saying about the results?
The results are amazing. Our Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Complex. 12 Serum is clinically proven* to reduce the appearance of deep-set lines and wrinkles in just 28 days. 100% agreed the product improved the feeling and appearance of skin firmness and elasticity, and 100% agreed this product dramatically reduced the appearance of the expression lines on my face.**

Our Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Eye Treatment Duo was similarly ground-breaking. 100% agreed the products gave my skin the appearance of an eye lift, by improving skin tone and texture day and night, 100% agreed after using the products, the area around my eyes looked noticeably firmer and tightened, and 100% agreed the products significantly improved the appearance of deep set lines and wrinkles around my eyes.++

We’re thrilled to have reached this level of efficacy and can’t wait to see what comes next on the ELEMIS journey.