Scientists at French skincare company Phytomer have detected and harvested a marine microorganism that produces lipid-rich molecules that enrich its new skincare product, Perles des Mers.

The new balm-like cream features the biofermented marine micro-pearls that are said to stimulate cells in the skin called sirtuins, which naturally diminish as we get older. The levels of these proteins, which control gene expression and metabolic processes, were increased by between 59 and 196 per cent in clinical trials.

The quantity of collagen cells was also boosted by 72 per cent in thirty-six volunteers after 2,000 applications of the florally fragranced formula for 28 days.

Mathilde Gédouin Lagarde, GM, Phytomer, said: “A perfect harmony of performance and refinement, this unique product embodies our vision of luxury: a rare alchemy of scientific innovation, natural elegance and environmental respect.”