Farm to Face: The Home-Grown Skincare Ingredients from the Clarins Domaine

For skincare brands, one of the most challenging parts of the production process is sourcing the very best quality ingredients to put into products. From sustainable sourcing to ethical harvesting, or the overall process of being kind to the planet, there’s a lot to consider before packing all those ingredients into a product for you to enjoy.  

At Clarins, there is the ‘Clarins Domaine’ – a ‘high altitude HQ’ spanning over 200,000 acres high in the French Alps, 4,500 ft above sea level. It’s unique, as it has a microclimate that makes it the perfect pollution-free environment to grow some of the most effective organic skincare ingredients used to combat a host of complexion concerns. Currently, Domaine Clarins is researching 18 plants, and so far, four extracts have been produced.  

But, what exactly are they? And how do they work? We’ve got all the information you need when finding out about the ingredients in your most-loved Clarins skincare products. 

Yellow Gentian 

Micellar waters are often known as the kind-to-skin alternative to make-up wipes. But choosing one with the best ingredients can make this nifty cleanser work harder than just removing your make-up. The Cleansing Micellar Water, £24, contains Organic Yellow Gentian – an ingredient grown in Le Domaine Clarins – that has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it the perfect ingredient for deeply cleansing even the most sensitive of skin types. 

Lemon Balm 

A herb derived from the mint family, lemon balm is a deeply nourishing and antibacterial plant often used to treat acne, eczema and psoriasis. You’ll find it in the Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser, £23, as a soothing and softening agent for squeaky clean skin that doesn’t feel tight or dry.  

Bison Grass  

Usually found in cold and damp areas, this plant is a soothing and energizing ingredient in many ClarinsMen products. Why? Well, because of the skin irritation that shaving can cause, men’s post-shave facial products usually need some extra calming properties to help the skin heal quicker and eradicate razor burn or nicks. The ClarinsMen Active Face Wash, £20, is the perfect cleanser for a man that shaves regularly, as it’s brimming with bison grass to soothe and refresh skin after a shave. 

Houseleek 

One of the most hydrating ingredients grown at the Clarins Domaine? The Houseleek plant. Known in the industry as a skin-quenching powerhouse, this plant deeply hydrates the skin and boasts a range of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. Try Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Hydrating Multi-Protection Mist, £26, to see it in action. 

Alpine Rose 

The ultimate all-rounder. In skincare, alpine rose is known for soothing, rejuvenating, protecting and even boosting skin’s elasticity. That’s why you’ll find it as the main ingredient in several My Clarins products. My Clarins RE-BOOST Healthy Glow Tinted Gel Cream, £23, My Clarins RE-FRESH Roll-On Eye De-Puffer, £18 and My Clarins Hydrating Beauty Mist, £18 – where it uses its diverse abilities to leave skin looking radiant and glowing.   

White Horehound  

The number one ingredient for fighting off the effects of pollution on the skin? White horehound. Often used as a medicinal plant to treat the likes of respiratory disorders and indigestion, when it comes to skin, this organic extract is better known for its ability to shield the skin from blue light and pollution. That’s why you’ll find it as the main ingredient in Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Translucent, £34. 

Learn more about Le Domaine Clarins here, and click here for a virtual tour of our living laboratory.  

Next Read: Why High-Altitude Ingredients Make a Difference