Earlier this year, Lancôme unveiled the newest addition to its signature Absolue collection with the launch of the Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream. The innovation that sets this launch apart for Lancôme comes in the form of Absolue PDRN, which also makes its brand-wide debut in this launch.
In case you’re one of the few people who have yet to hear of the beauty industry’s latest darling, PDRN (or polydeoxyribonucleotide if you’re feeling freaky) is a DNA-based compound known and loved for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.
In its initial iterations, PDRN was derived from salmon sperm and used primarily in clinical aesthetic treatments. The ingredient rose in popularity where many skincare innovations are born, South Korea, and quickly found its way into topical formulations within the country. This introduction from Lancôme marks one of the first proprietary formulation of PDRN from a brand outside of South Korea.
With the launch of Lancôme’s Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream and the debut of the rose-derived Absolue PDRN, this is not only the start of a new era but also marks a clear shift in the brand’s approach from “anti-aging” to “longevity” – with the aim not to stop aging but rather to age well and in defiance of the number that makes up your age.
In line with this, we were able to speak to Dr. Annie Black, the International Scientific Director at Lancôme, to share some insights into what makes this innovation a landmark one for the storied beauty brand, and what the quest for longevity means. Read on to find out.
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Tell us briefly about the new Lancôme Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream.
Our new Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream marks a revolutionary chapter in skincare, powered by 15 years of advanced research into longevity science. At the heart of this innovation lies Absolue PDRN, an exclusive and patented Longevity ingredient inspired by regenerative aesthetic procedures. This breakthrough ingredient, derived from trillions of rose DNA fragments, helps boost cellular metabolism, extend skin’s vitality, and reverse 5 years of aging in just one month.
More than a cream, it’s a transformative experience rooted in Longevity Integrative Science, targeting the biological hallmarks of aging to maintain skin health over time. With Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream, we want to embody a new vision of beauty where age is no longer a number.
Can you explain a little more about PDRN as a skincare ingredient, and why Lancôme’s Absolue PDRN is special from the versions we’ve seen in the K-beauty market and aesthetic industry?
A lot of the most well-known cosmetic ingredients we have today come from aesthetic procedures like hyaluronic acid and peptides. The cosmetic industry democratises the use of these ingredients. We believe that PDRN is the next big “derm-active”. PDRN has been widely used in dermatological and aesthetic procedures in Asia – particularly in Korea – for its skin-regenerating properties.
To benchmark our innovation, we compared our exclusive Rose PDRN to salmon PDRN and saw superior results. In vitro testing demonstrated an increase of filaggrin production by 152%, collagen 1 by 166%, collagen 3 by 124% and a reduction of anti-oxidation by 19% compared to salmon PDRN.
Furthermore, Absolue PDRN is a longevity ingredient because it acts on mitochondrial functions, a major hallmark of skin aging. In in vitro testing, our Absolue PDRN showed an 80% increase in cell energy metabolism, a core marker of cellular longevity by boosting, protecting and multiplying mitochondria.
How did the idea to extract PDRN from roses come about? Was it always something you were planning to try based on Lancôme’s history with the flower?
Rather than following the conventional path of using salmon-derived PDRN, we chose to innovate with a plant-derived PDRN. This decision was both scientific and ethical, Absolue PDRN made from roses offered an effective solution.
Beyond our deep, symbolic connection to the rose, which has long been the emblem of the Lancôme brand, we also have extensive scientific expertise in rose genetics and phytochemistry. We already identified the rose as a powerful source of longevity actives in previous Absolue innovations. So when it came to developing a new generation of PDRN, leveraging our extensive knowledge of this iconic plant made perfect sense, both from a heritage and innovation standpoint.
Since the Absolue range launched in 1965, it has always represented the forefront of innovation for Lancôme. With the introduction of Absolue PDRN this year, it marks a big leap in the pursuit of longevity as well as Lancôme’s first ever topical PDRN product. What do these milestones mean for you and for Lancôme?
For over 60 years now, Absolue has always been a symbol of cutting-edge innovation at Lancôme, and that legacy brings with it both pride and responsibility. We’re incredibly proud of the rich heritage behind Absolue, but we’re also aware that it sets a very high standard, one that challenges us constantly to push the boundaries of performance and innovation.
Introducing our first-ever topical Absolue PDRN, inspired by aesthetic medicine, is a perfect example of how we honour that legacy while reinventing the future of skincare. It’s more than a product launch, it’s a commitment to staying at the forefront of scientific progress.
Who is Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream for?
Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream speaks to every generation, adapting to the evolving needs of the skin over time. For younger users, it’s an advanced proactive solution that supports the skin before visible signs of aging appear. For those in their 30s and 40s, it offers a powerful balance of proactiveness and correction, targeting early signs of aging while maintaining optimal skin function. And for more mature skin, it acts as a corrective and revitalising treatment, helping to restore density, firmness, and radiance while continuing to defend against future damage. Powered by longevity science and a luxurious sensorial experience, it’s for anyone who wants their skin to feel energised, resilient, and radiant at every age.
What are you most excited for fans of the Absolue range, and new users, to experience with Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream?
To embrace this new approach of best aging, where age is no longer a number. With Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream, we’re introducing a transformative approach to beauty, powered by cutting-edge longevity science. Lancôme’s commitment to pioneering this field marks a fundamental shift, from simply targeting visible signs of aging to addressing the root causes of skin aging. This is the beginning of a new era where beauty and longevity go hand in hand.
Where else will we see Absolue PDRN make an appearance within Lancôme’s product offerings in the near future?
There will be more to come next year!
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