At Phoenix Yacht Management, we are committed to offering only the finest for our clientele, which is why we are proud to collaborate with Bellefontaine Switzerland—one of the top choices in luxury skincare for the yacht owner’s all over the world. Renowned for its scientific innovation, Swiss precision, and high-performance formulas, Bellefontaine is the go-to brand for those who demand excellence, even at sea. With its focus on anti-aging, skin longevity, and environmental protection, Bellefontaine delivers tailor-made solutions that meet the unique challenges of life on board — from sun and wind exposure to the drying effects of saltwater. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Peter Yip, CEO & Founder, Dr. David Faivre, R&D Director and their International Training Manager share the brand’s core philosophy, its breakthrough innovations, and expert advice on building a results-driven skincare ritual at sea.
Bellefontaine Switzerland has built a strong reputation in luxury skincare. What do you believe truly sets your brand apart from other luxury skincare brands in the market?
What truly sets Bellefontaine apart is the innovative and scientific approach we have adopted. Switzerland is globally recognized for its leadership in pharmaceuticals, high quality, and cutting-edge technology. As a Swiss brand, we uphold this reputation for excellence and precision.
After years of dedicated research, Bellefontaine has created a groundbreaking active ingredient complex, EDELGEN®. This unique blend of seven synergistic ingredients, including plant extracts and biotechnology-driven actives, delivers a comprehensive anti-aging solution. It embodies our commitment to advanced research and proven efficacy.
The star ingredient in EDELGEN® is Edelweiss, a rare Alpine flower renowned for its exceptional antioxidant and protective properties. Thriving in high-altitude conditions, Edelweiss naturally develops powerful adaptive defenses against intense UV exposure and environmental stressors, such as extreme temperatures and low atmospheric pressure. These unique self-protective mechanisms translate into remarkable skincare benefits, including potent free radical neutralization, enhanced skin resilience, and natural collagen preservation, perfectly aligning with Bellefontaine’s approach to target soft inflammation. Recognizing its extraordinary properties and scientifically proven efficacy, Edelweiss became the foundation of EDELGEN®, reinforcing our commitment to skin longevity and protection.
Furthermore, our biomimetic textures are a key advantage, as they not only protect active ingredients but also enhance skin penetration, significantly boosting the effectiveness of our products.
By addressing soft inflammation and providing a comprehensive 360-degree anti-aging solution, we combat free radicals and other non-genetic causes of aging—demonstrating our deep expertise in modern skincare.
Overall, our brand stands out for its innovation, proven effectiveness, and commitment to skin longevity, making it the top choice for a highly selective clientele seeking exclusivity and optimal results.
Clients often seek tailored solutions for their skincare needs. Which products or procedures have become the favorites among your clients, and what specific results are they looking for in their routines?
Our Cellstemine products and facial treatments have undoubtedly become a standout choice among our clients. These treatments harness the potent stem cells from Edelweiss, Argan, and Alpine Rose, renowned for their rejuvenating and regenerative qualities. Stem cells stimulate the skin’s natural renewal processes, encouraging cell regeneration and enhancing overall vitality. In today’s fast-paced world, stress and lifestyle factors can hinder the skin’s ability to repair itself. The Cellstemine line offers the ideal solution to combat aging, stress, and environmental damage, promoting healthy, youthful skin and making it a favorite for all skin types.
Luxury travel and lifestyle are integral to your target audience. What skincare essentials would you recommend for clients spending time aboard a yacht, and how can they best protect their skin from elements like wind, sun, and saltwater?
At Bellefontaine, every product is crafted to strengthen and fortify the skin, enhancing its resilience against free radicals and environmental stressors. For clients spending time aboard a yacht, we highly recommend the 24H Repairing Perfect Serum, which is specifically formulated to soothe and protect the skin against harsh climatic conditions such as wind, sun, and saltwater. This ultra-soothing serum features bisabolol extract, renowned for its calming properties, and allantoin, known for its ability to soothe the skin and reduce irritation and redness.
Additionally, high-quality sun care is essential for optimal protection, especially when on a yacht. The water’s reflection can intensify the sun’s rays, while the wind may make you feel cooler, masking the true heat. Together, these factors can increase your exposure to harmful UV rays, making proper sun protection even more crucial.
Our Bellefontaine Ultra Suncare Protection SPF50 PA+++ provides lightweight, long-lasting protection. It is very appreciated by our clientele as it absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave a white residue, and gives a smooth, primed finish to the skin. This product also contains cutting-edge marine botanical ingredients providing complete anti-aging protection and supporting skin cell renewal.
Since saltwater can be drying, it’s crucial to replenish and nourish the skin overnight with a rich night cream. Our Night Nutri-Plus is ideal for this, restoring the skin’s moisture balance while you sleep, ensuring it wakes up hydrated and ready to face another day.
How do you collaborate with yachts? Do you create specific protocols and routines tailored to the skin needs during the yacht voyage?
While all our treatments are universally suited for yachts, we tailor our approach to meet each client’s unique needs. We collaborate closely with yacht teams to design a bespoke spa experience, customizing treatments to address specific needs, such as sun recovery after a day on the water. In addition, our specialists create personalized routines that cater to each client’s unique skincare requirements, ensuring they receive the most effective and luxurious treatments throughout their voyage.
How do you ensure that the crew is well-educated and provides treatments in accordance with the established protocols of Bellefontaine?
Training and education are key with all our partners! Bellefontaine provides on-site training sessions, conducted by our specialists, to ensure the yacht crew has an in-depth understanding of our products, ingredients, and luxurious protocols. This training provides them with the expertise and skills needed to deliver consistent, top-quality treatments that align with our high standards.
Bellefontaine is synonymous with anti-aging and rejuvenation. What exciting innovations in skincare technology are you particularly passionate about right now?
After developing the Cellstemine line based on plant stem cells, Bellefontaine’s research is now exploring a new frontier in anti-aging: glycobiology.
Glycobiology is the scientific study of carbohydrates and their essential role in biological processes. In cosmetic skincare, it has emerged as a promising field, particularly in anti-aging. Carbohydrates, or glycans, are vital for cell communication, immune regulation, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
One of the key benefits of glycobiology in anti-aging skincare is its ability to boost skin hydration and elasticity. Glycans, found in the skin’s supporting structure, help maintain the structure and cohesion of skin cells. By promoting the production of collagen and elastin, they contribute to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin firmness.
Additionally, glycobiology targets the underlying causes of aging at the cellular level. Glycans help regulate inflammatory responses and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, major contributors to skin aging. By strengthening the skin barrier and reducing inflammation, glycobiology-based products effectively prevent visible signs of aging.
Finally, integrating glycobiology into skincare formulations improves the absorption and targeted delivery of active ingredients. By leveraging specific interactions between glycans and cellular receptors, these ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing their overall effectiveness.
With sustainability becoming a priority for luxury consumers, how does Bellefontaine Switzerland incorporate eco-friendly practices into your product development and packaging?
At Bellefontaine, we are deeply committed to environmental protection and sustainability, believing that beauty and wellness should never come at the expense of our planet. That’s why we integrate responsible practices into both our formulations and packaging.
Our formulas are meticulously crafted, prioritizing naturally derived ingredients and sustainably sourced plant extracts. We avoid harmful substances and harsh chemicals, ensuring our skincare is not only highly effective but also safe for both the environment and our customers’ health. Every active ingredient is carefully selected for its skin benefits while minimizing our ecological footprint.
When it comes to packaging, we take an eco-conscious approach by using recyclable materials and opting for glass or recycled plastic whenever possible. We are continuously working to reduce plastic usage, embracing innovative and sustainable alternatives to minimize waste and promote a more environmentally responsible lifecycle.
In our Bellefontaine spas, we extend our commitment to sustainability by partnering with RKF, a renowned French luxury linen brand, to provide premium, eco-friendly linens embroidered with the Bellefontaine logo. RKF linens are crafted from high-quality flax fibers, a naturally sustainable material requiring minimal water and no pesticides for cultivation. The durability of RKF linens ensures long-lasting use, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing textile waste.
Transparency is at the core of our values, and we are dedicated to educating our customers on the importance of choosing skincare that respects the planet. By choosing Bellefontaine, you embrace a conscious approach to beauty—one that seamlessly blends luxury, effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.
With such a diverse range of offerings, what advice would you give to someone looking to build a high-end, personalized skincare regimen using Bellefontaine products during a yacht trip?
The foundation of our skincare routine begins with a thorough cleansing ritual. Start with our Soothing Milk Cleanser to remove makeup and impurities. Next, use our Fresh Clarifying Foaming Gel to deeply cleanse and brighten the skin, leaving it refreshed and soothed. Follow with our Revitalizing Tonic Lotion containing Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) extract to balance the skin’s pH and reduce inflammation.
Then, it’s important to choose daily essential products (eye cream, serum, and day/night creams) that are suited to your skin type and will address any specific concerns you may have. In addition to those, and especially during a yacht trip, we recommend incorporating a face mask 3 times a week. Our Moisture Renewing Mask is ideal for hydration and regeneration. This mask hydrates and replenishes the skin, restoring comfort and softness. With high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for immediate moisture and a formula that helps reduce redness, it’s perfect for soothing skin damaged by sun exposure and saltwater.
As the luxury skincare industry continues to evolve, what trends do you see shaping its future, and how is Bellefontaine preparing to stay ahead of the curve?
The luxury cosmetics industry is being shaped by several key trends, including the growing demand for natural active ingredients, groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology, and the need to adapt to environmental changes, as well as changing consumer lifestyles. At Bellefontaine, we are dedicated to staying ahead of these changes, continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of our clientele.
We have partnered with leading Swiss biotechnology laboratories and renowned universities to explore the latest advancements in aging research. These collaborations enable us to develop cutting-edge formulations that merge natural active ingredients with advanced technology, delivering highly effective, targeted anti-aging solutions.
By staying attuned to our customers’ needs and addressing modern skincare challenges, Bellefontaine continues to lead as an innovator in luxury skincare, shaping the future of beauty with science and excellence.
