Founded in 1954 by Jacques Courtin-Clarins, the Clarins cosmetics brand emerged from his desire to address the skin problems faced by many of his female patients while he was still pursuing his medical studies. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Courtin-Clarins established his own cosmetics business. Interestingly, the brand name “Clarins” was not derived from his surname, but rather from a character he had portrayed in a school play several years earlier. He eventually changed his surname to Courtin-Clarins.

Clarins initially made a name for itself through the sale of perfumed body oils formulated with botanical ingredients, with the added advice of massaging these oils into the skin to address various skin conditions. This range quickly expanded as the business gained traction. Since the 1950s, Clarins has remained true to its distinctive appeal by being the first cosmetics brand to exclusively manufacture products, from oils to creams, using natural ingredients.

By 1970, Clarins had already solidified its reputation as a prominent brand in the French cosmetics market and began making strides to establish its presence in international markets. The company’s commitment to using only natural raw materials, a novelty within the beauty sector’s corporate landscape at the time, resonated with customers worldwide, leading to its immediate success.

In 1981, Clarins successfully ventured into the American market and, fueled by remarkable sales growth, established its first subsidiary in the USA. By the end of 2011, the company boasted a network of 19 subsidiaries operating in various countries across the globe.

By 1990, Clarins had become a leading luxury cosmetics and beauty brand, with a significantly expanded product portfolio that encompassed moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care items, sunscreens, self-tanning products, makeup, nail care products, fragrances, and even offerings catered specifically to men.

Among the fragrances offered by Clarins are those that serve as effective treatment fragrances. Eau des Jardins, for instance, provides a refreshing scent infused with moisturizing agents. Meanwhile, Eau Dynamisante simultaneously firms and tones the skin, imparting a dynamic, fresh, and invigorating aroma. Additionally, Clarins’ Sunshine Fragrance captures the essence of “radiance, refreshment, and fun.”

In the 1990s, the establishment of the Clarins Fragrance Group further solidified the brand’s foothold in the perfume industry. Clarins collaborates with renowned fashion and lifestyle brands such as Porsche Design, Azzaro, Thierry Mugler, Swarovski, Zadig & Voltaire, and David Yurman to create captivating fragrances. The Clarins line of designer perfumes consists of 11 distinct scents, with the earliest edition dating back to 1987 and the newest released in 2022. Perfumers Jacques Courtin-Clarins, Nathalie Feisthauer, and Raphael Haury have all played essential roles in the creation of Clarins fragrances.