Founded in 1962 with the ambition of using natural active ingredients extracted from seawater and seaweed, in cosmetics and beauty dermatology, Algotherm equipped itself in 1970 with a Research & Development Laboratory that was a pioneer in algotherapy and the cosmetic development of ocean resources. Over 60 years, dozens of species of seaweed have been studied and then adopted for use in the composition of high-performance complexes. After a spell with the Gilbert Group and a rather unsuccessful attempt to break into the pharmaceutical sector, the brand is getting back to basics under the aegis of Snow Group, its new owner.
Under the Group’s impetus, Algotherm aims to fully reintegrate the professional circuit — institutes and spas — by combining its historical expertise with the development of marine cosmeceuticals based both, on state-of-the-art active ingredients and a clearer definition of its DNA. As the European leader in the creation and management of spas (60 outlets in France and abroad), Snow Group is taking advantage of the combination of three brands with complementary identities: Cinq Mondes, Deep Nature and Algotherm.
Anchored in the marine world
Within the Group’s cosmetics division, Algotherm intends to become the benchmark in Marine Cosmeceuticals, a crossroads where the brand’s marine expertise (now extended to all the oceanic riches), the innovations of pharmaceutical science and the achievements of cutting-edge medico-aesthetic cosmetology come together. The brand puts the spotlight on its ability to combine bio-assimilable natural marine extracts with market-leading dermatological active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, AHAs, niacinamide...).
In 2022, two ranges were reformulated. The Ocean Life range, highly concentrated in the Algogene complex, which was supplemented with various active ingredients such as Bisabolol, Adenosine and Infra-Skin, and the Ocean Time line featuring a retinol-like active ingredient. This reformulation drive will continue in 2023. Eventually, it will cover the entire range, i.e. around sixty products.
Paraben-free since 2004, the formulation is now silicone-free, with a minimum of 90% ingredients of natural origin in each formula. The brand boasts many responsible commitments, both in terms of product composition and the manufacture of packaging: short distribution channels, greater use of recycled plastics and glass, FSC-labelled paper and cardboard, double-sided printing on boxes to avoid inserting a leaflet...
A modernised identity
The brand has adopted a new identity in line with its repositioning. The new logo reflects the brand’s scientific expertise and its move upmarket, while the curves of the lettering suggest the movement of waves.
The ocean’s depths are reflected in a colour palette that evokes marine life and naturalness. These shades, in harmony with the packaging, are visible in the interior design of the urban spa recently opened in Lyon. The surroundings combine sandy colours with blue-green spirulina shades.
Finally, four colour codes were used to identify each of the product categories: anti-ageing, face expert, body expert and face all-rounders.
Reasserting the brand’s presence in spas
Finally, the return to basics also entails a reassertion of the brand’s presence on the professional circuit, with Thalasso Deauville Algotherm, the historic flagship where people come to indulge in the benefits of the ocean, and as an emblem of the brand’s revival, the newly opened Dermo Ocean Spa, which has taken up residence near Place Bellecourt in Lyon. Located on two floors, the spa has six treatment rooms, including one double room.
Algotherm spas are also opening up to biotechnology with new-generation equipment (LED treatment, cryotherapy or oxygen diffusers) and delivering hyper-personalised treatment protocols: thanks to the Dermoscan, skin therapists carry out an intelligent diagnosis of the needs of each skin type. Protocols are also evolving, with a wide range of face and body treatments, ranging from 15-minute flash treatments to 80-minute expert treatments. In short, a complete range designed to meet the growing demand for expert, personalised treatments.
