When and how was the Huygens brand born?

The Huygens brand came to life in 2013, with the opening of our natural beauty apothecary in the Marais district of Paris. After several years spent in the finest perfume and beauty houses in Paris and Milan, I realized that, as exceptional as these brands were, they didn't bring naturalness into their products. For me, nature has always been essential, because I grew up in a natural environment. I believe nature is essential to our well-being. So it was obvious to me to create a brand of excellence combining effectiveness and natural actives.

What is the philosophy behind Huygens?

The Huygens philosophy rests on a simple conviction: nature does us good. We are committed to a quest for effectiveness, which means we invest enormously in research and testing. Every product is designed to transform the skin and deliver visible results. We believe in high-performance formulas, built from as many natural actives as possible, to guarantee maximum results.

Why choose the name Huygens?

Huygens is above all a 100% French brand: all our processes, from production to creation, take place here. The name is a nod to my Dutch origins. It pays tribute to an influential 17th-century Dutch family that was sent to Paris by the Dutch crown. This family was passionate about plant science and even created a botanical garden shaped like a human body. Their contribution to botany in France and the Netherlands is inspiring. I am very proud of this name.

Which flagship products have marked the history of Huygens?

Among our iconic products, The Face Scrub stands out. It was the first facial care product to find success, thanks to its unique formula that nourishes the skin while gently removing impurities. Then there is The Lift & Firmness Collagen Cream, one of our very first products, which has evolved to increase its incredible effectiveness on deep wrinkles. Finally, our lash & brow serum The Booster, launched in 2022, is a real success in terms of effectiveness: up to +19% volume in 30 days.

How does Huygens stand out from other organic and natural cosmetics brands?

We stand out through our obsession with effectiveness. That's how we position ourselves as a premium brand. We hold natural and organic certification from Cosmos, which reflects our rigor in formulation. This certification doesn't only cover the ingredients, but also the packaging and the manufacturing process. Huygens embodies a demanding kind of beauty that respects both effectiveness and quality.

How are the ingredients in your products selected?

We use two types of ingredients: on the one hand, actives with proven effects, like anti-wrinkle actives or growth boosters, chosen for their demonstrated efficacy. On the other hand, we include ingredients from organic farming, like argan oil or aloe vera, selected for their quality and natural effectiveness.

What are the next steps or developments planned for Huygens?

We have very promising distribution projects with several partners: perfumery chains, high-end pharmacies, and beauty salons. We will soon be opening the English market and Indonesia. On the product side, building on 12 years of facial care expertise, we are going to expand the anti-aging collection, notably with a new Lift & Firmness Serum with resveratrol and a rich version of our Hyaluronic Cream. We are also preparing a plant-based retinol collection.

How is Huygens committed to protecting the environment and animal welfare?

Since its creation in 2012, Huygens has never tested its products on animals, even when it was required in countries like China, where we refused to be distributed. All our products are vegan, after removing even beeswax from our formulations. We are also committed to the environment: our production is French and uses short supply chains. We favor recyclable glass packaging and, for plastic, we choose recycled and recyclable materials. Finally, we use FSC-certified paper for our packaging and have established a list of banned ingredients, also because of their environmental impact.

Which product or project are you most proud of?

It's hard to choose. On the human side, I am particularly proud of the team we have built, a tight-knit team. Every day, it's a pleasure to come to work. I am also very proud of our beautiful product catalog and the loyalty of our customers. Finally, I want to mention our stores in Paris, Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur! All these points of sale around the world — what a beautiful achievement!

Who is this brand for?

Huygens is aimed at active women from age 35 who are looking for concrete results. They are demanding and attentive to the natural composition of products. They want products that are both beautiful and of high quality, and we strive to meet all their expectations. We also have a purifying collection for younger skin, with salicylic acid, although this is not our core audience.

A personal anecdote?

As a child, I grew up near a nature reserve, the North Holland Dune Reserve. I loved concocting potions with the plants I found there, mixing them into my parents' shampoos or creams. It was my way of taking care of myself and my loved ones. That passion for nature and natural ingredients is still with me today!

OUR FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS:

• The Face Scrub
• The Lift & Firmness Collagen Cream
• The Booster Lash & Brow Serum