Swiss Skin Care Line Alchimie Forever Opens New North American Headquarters

With its skin care line that’s almost good enough to eat, Swiss beauty brand Alchimie Forever has a stronger foothold in North America at its new corporate headquarters and show room in Georgetown. Founded and co-created by Georgetown Business School graduate Ada Polla, Alchimie Forever creatively combines the Polla family’s varied interests in cellular-level skin aging, laser beauty treatments, and contemporary art into a diverse line of plant-based anti-aging products.

Utilizing some of the most powerful botanical antioxidants extracted from herbs (rosemary, basil), plants (green tea, watercress), and fruits and vegetables (grape seeds, tomatoes), Alchimie Forever’s ingredients are 95 percent all-natural. The brand’s signature element is blueberries, which can be found in some of its most popular products, including the Brightening Moisture Mask, Protective Morning and Calming Evening Creams, and Rejuvenating Eye Balm. The secret behind Alchimie Forever’s effectiveness is the intersection of biomedical research and the laws of nature.

For Ada, developing the line meant addressing two key elements: making it pleasing to the senses, in both smell and texture; and focusing on the experience of a busy woman’s moment of self-pampering. She prides herself on making connections and offering exceptional customer service, and personally replies to online consumer queries within a day or two. While faithful to her own daily beauty and skin care regimen, which includes cleanser, serums, eye contour, and moisturizer, Ada subscribes to a philosophy of “everything in moderation, including moderation.” Her plans for Alchimie Forever center on expansion – both U.S. and international distribution, product offerings, building her team, and cultivating the brand as a global presence with “a cultish following, like Kate Spade or Rock & Republic jeans.”

In addition to housing the company’s North American corporate offices, the new Georgetown space will serve as a visual representation of the brand. A grand opening is scheduled for Fall 2009. There will be a retail area for product display and sales, as well as a space for training, and an esthetician’s room where Alchimie Forever signature facials will be demonstrated. The space is both conceptual and sensual, designed by master architect Andreas Angelidakis of Greece as an ephemeral scientific white box colored by reflections and refractions of light and shiny surfaces and colored furnishings. The treatment room will be used for two main purposes: to assist spa and boutique clients in better understanding the Alchimie Forever brand, and to demonstrate products for consumers.

All Alchimie Forever products are dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, clinically-proven, cruelty-free, dye- and chemical-free, and 99 percent preservative-free. While premium, the line is reasonably priced, with offerings ranging from $39 to $95. At present, spa services are available only as complimentary experiences with product purchase and include:

• Alchimie Forever Le Secret, 90 minutes, minimum $165 product purchase ~ A calming, soothing, nourishing, and rejuvenating, antioxidant facial aimed at brightening the skin while correcting free radical damage. Emphasizes relaxation, hydration, massage, and elimination of toxins. Does not include extractions.

• Alchimie Forever Le Classique, 60 minutes, minimum $115 product purchase ~ A deep cleansing facial that leaves skin clearer, healthier, more balanced. Congestion and imperfections are reduced. Includes deep cleansing, extractions, and an anti-inflammatory tightening finish.

• Alchimie Forever Le Classique For Men, 60 minutes, minimum $115 product purchase ~ This facial treatment, created to address the needs of male skin, emphasizes clearing the skin of impurities and congestion, soothing post-shaving irritation, and preventing ingrown hairs.

• Alchimie Forever Blueberry Bliss Facial, 30 minutes, minimum $55 product purchase ~ This express blueberry facial is designed to rejuvenate the skin by removing impurities and excess oils.

• Alchimie Forever Eye Love You, 30 minutes, minimum $55 product purchase ~ This anti-fatigue and relaxing treatment will illuminate the eyes and reduce dark circles.

The Alchimie Forever headquarters and show room are located at 1010 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 201, Washington, DC. Fans of Alchimie Forever can follow the brand on Twitter and Facebook, and contact Ada directly with comments and questions.