PERS: Shaping a New Skincare Philosophy in a Complex World
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In the world of beauty and skincare, where complexity often clouds clarity, PERS emerges as a beacon of simplicity and efficacy. Bridging the gap between the scientific rigor of French medical practices and the luxurious sensorial experience of high-end skincare, PERS is redefining the beauty routine for a diverse global audience.
PERS, born from the meeting of minds between industry veterans and a visionary doctor, stands out in the saturated beauty market by distilling skincare to its essence. Its founders, Sophie Lisa Prêcheur and Quentin Douce, leveraging over a decade and a half of experience in major international beauty conglomerates, have cultivated a brand ethos that is as intuitive as it is effective.
In an industry often mired in complexity, PERS stands as a refreshing paradigm of simplicity and effectiveness. This interview with founders reveals how their journey, fueled by a fusion of French medical precision and a deep understanding of sensory luxury, has led to the birth of a skincare line that transcends traditional boundaries.
- Sophie, Quentin, you could describe the essence of PERS in one sentence, what would it be?
Offering A skincare routine that's as effective as it is sensorial; intuitive and simple to follow, for more beautiful skin over time.
- How has your background and experiences in the beauty industry led you to create PERS?
PERS was born from an encounter with a doctor who believed in skincare that's simple and intuitive, with precisely dosed active ingredients used at the right time in a care routine. We wholeheartedly embraced this approach and aimed to create a brand aligned with these values and protocols. We surrounded ourselves with medical professionals to ensure high efficacy of our products. And thanks to the network built over our 15 years in major international groups, we brought together experts in various fields: formulation, packaging, science, finance, and more. We are grateful for their contributions which helped us refine every detail of the brand and gather all necessary resources to launch this ambitious project.
- Can you describe the moment you realized there was a need for a brand like PERS in the skincare market?
We believe many users experience what we call 'cosmetic fatigue', compounded by an overly complex market that can be baffling even for experts. Our interactions with the French doctor who inspired our protocol confirm this daily – his patients are often lost, presenting skin issues frequently caused by improper product use.
- How does PERS stand out in the increasingly crowded beauty and skincare industry?
Amidst this overly complex cosmetic landscape, we wanted to distill skincare down to four essential steps, organizing all bathroom products into a simple, universal system. Designed like a prescription, it's a return to the essentials to reveal beautiful, youthful and healthy skin for longer.
- What were the initial challenges you faced when launching PERS, and how did you overcome them?
Developing our sunscreen was a real challenge. Sun protection is a critical health and beauty step, and we were determined to create a formula that’s daily-wearable for all skin tones, including men. Achieving such a product required hundreds of iterations.
- How does PERS integrate the principles of French medical practices into its skincare line?
Like French medicine, PERS offers an honest and sufficient care protocol to regenerate skin without altering it. There's nothing too much or too little; we follow the skin's needs.
- Can you elaborate on the significance of the acronym PERS (Protect, Embellish, Repair, Stimulate) in your product development?
Much like doctors use mnemonics for diagnostics, we envisioned PERS as an educational acronym for PROTECT, EMBELLISH, REPAIR, and STIMULATE. This includes protecting skin from daily aggressors (oxidative stress, UV, pollution), beautifying as often as necessary, repairing skin at night, and stimulating cellular renewal to reveal beautiful, youthful and healthy skin for longer.
- How do you ensure that your products cater to a diverse range of skin types and concerns?
Our target is the skin. Thus, we aimed to establish a universal routine suitable for all, regardless of skin type, gender, or age. Our products were dermatologically tested across a wide range of profiles, including sensitive skin. -
- Could you share the process behind selecting active ingredients for your products?
From the outset, we chose medically and cosmetically recognized active ingredients known to be beneficial for skin, in objective and effective dosages. We then underwent hundreds of iterations to find the perfect balance between active concentration and user experience.
- How does PERS balance scientific efficacy with sensory experience in its products?
While our products' high concentration of active ingredients may lean towards a cosmeceutical approach, we wanted to couple it with the sensory pleasure of luxury care. Our approach is simple, effective, without sacrificing beauty and pleasure.
- What is unique about your approach to anti-aging skincare?
We believe skincare shouldn't be anti-aging but should slow aging effects, prolong youth, and prevent aging. That's why our approach is comprehensive: not only does our routine protect the skin from UV and oxidative stress to prevent aging signs, but it also stimulates cellular renewal with ingredients like retinol.
- Could you walk us through your signature product and what makes it a must-have?
We don't have a flagship product: a skincare routine should be apparently simple yet complete, intuitive, and effective. While we've taken special care in designing each of our products, their efficacy is maximized when used synergistically.
- Can you share a personal skincare routine or tip that has significantly benefited you?
Sophie Lisa Prêcheur: I started using vitamin C two years ago, alongside developing our serum. My skin has truly gained radiance, no longer looking dull, even in winter...
Quentin Douce: Applying a reparative cream daily for years, even in summer, on the face and neck. PERS's rich cream is further fortified with a high concentration of peptides, allantoin, and panthenol for deep skin repair. It can even be used as a mask.
- Are there any collaborative projects or partnerships that PERS is currently pursuing or interested in exploring?
We're exploring the idea of collaborating with brands that share PERS's ideals and universe or are complementary... Stay tuned for more in 2024!
- What has been the most surprising or unexpected feedback you've received from customers, and how has it influenced your approach to skincare?
We're always delighted to hear from customers who notice immediate results from our products, like retinol: firmer skin, brighter complexion, reduced wrinkles and fine lines.
- Finally, can you offer a glimpse into the future of PERS skincare? Are there any upcoming launches or initiatives that you're particularly excited about?
Next April, we will be launching our new innovation : a Light Cream contained in a pumped bottle. A new galenic alternative to the Rich Cream, which reinforces the REPAIR step. It has been developed to provide hydration and long-lasting comfort, while visibly improving the skin's appearance. Thanks to its refreshing and light texture, it'll be perfect for sunny days.
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Photo credits: PERS Skincare