In the 1970s, Jean Gédouin started to gather seaweed from along the Brittany coast and to freeze-dry seawater into a powerful mineral concentrate. This process led to the development of his first product – Oligomer® – and the birth of his skincare company Phytomer.

His granddaughter, and Phytomer’s marketing director Mathilde Gédouin-Lagarde explains: “Growing up in St Malo, a picturesque French seaside town, my grandfather was always passionate about the sea. "He was also a visionary, and set his sights on capturing the remarkable properties of the sea and applying it to skincare – at a time when no-one had begun to do this.”

In the 80s, with the prospect of global expansion, it was time for Mathilde’s father, Antoine Gedouin, to enter the business.

“He could see the future for marine cosmetics, and wanted Phytomer to be able to create its own active ingredients, in a sustainable way.”

Phytomer became a pioneer in marine biotechnologies as the family invested heavily in research and the development of its own dedicated laboratories.

Representing the third generation, Mathilde says: “We’ve grown Phytomer into one of the most advanced skincare brands in the world, but our family never lost sight of my grandfather’s vision. “Quite simply, he wanted the application of Phytomer products and treatments to feel as healing as a swim in the ocean, and as invigorating as a fresh sea breeze, producing the same lively glow on your skin.”

To discover the Phytomer history, you can watch the video here.

For more information about Phytomer, visit our website here.