Since time immemorial, ladies have found in nature a true ally when it comes to enhancing their own beauty. Whether it was Cleopatra, the timeless Queen of the Nile, bathing daily in asses’ milk or the princesses of India turning to sesame oil to enhance their complexion, our foremothers knew a thing or two many cosmetic brands have yet to pick up on. That, though, may be changing.

La Mer, the internationally renowned skincare specialist, for instance, has just launched Crème de la Mer, a treatment said to contain a Miracle Broth, an ingredient wholly sourced from the ocean. Harnessing the goodness that is sea kelp, it is fermented to create a cream with unique skin-soothing properties.

Also looking seawards, Switzerland’s La Prairie recently unveiled its Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. With a reputation for maximising the benefits of maritime-sourced treatments that dates back to its early days in the late ’90s, this is the most recently launched of its caviar-extract collection.

Clearly not one to be left behind, Paris-based Guerlain has on offer New Orchidée Impériale Black The Cream, a preserving balm made from rare black Andean orchids that deliver protection from excessive sunlight while also compensating for the damage caused by too little exposure to natural light.

Another brand relying on nature to bolster sales is Chanel, which has just released its Le Lift Cream. Getting back in touch with its Gallic inheritance, alfalfa is said to be the treatment’s key ingredient.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay