By Serena Allegrini
Regenerative cosmetic excellence in an outstanding setting.
A brand born in the heart of the Domaine de Baulieu, an estate with unique botanical heritage, where the brand’s scientific research labs have been set up.
An exceptional site that is steeped in history
The Domaine de Baulieu is a fascinating 300-hectare estate. It was shaped out of basaltic rock irrigated by two sources which are rich in magnesium, calcium and silica. The Villa Baulieu, a private stately home, stands proudly in the centre of the estate. The exceptional biodiversity in the Domaine de Baulieu has fascinated botanists for centuries, including Provence native Joseph Pitton de Tournefort, the botanist of Louis XIV, who lived in the villa for a time and who created not only a herbarium housing more than 9,000 species but also the world’s very first botanical classification. Today, four centuries later, the Laboratoires Botanique Avancée has taken the reins by becoming a benefactor of the French Natural History Museum, where the precious herbarium is kept. The aim is to restore and digitise the historic plants, to make them accessible to a new generation of researchers. The Domaine de Baulieu has become a hotspot for scientific research by housing the brand’s centre for research and innovation. It includes two research gardens: the Jardin des Simples, a tribute to medicinal gardens, and the Jardin du Laboratoire, a true field of experimentation, where endogenous and exotic species grow alongside one another. This on-site research nurtures a unique approach: observe, select, cultivate, then transpose the regenerative properties of plants to benefit the skin.
Using regenerative cosmetic as a scientific compass
Laboratoires Botanique Avancée first built its biotheca by selecting specific plant species, drawing on the study of Joseph Pitton de Tournefort’s herbarium, regional ethnobotanical research, and the emblematic species found within the Domaine de Baulieu. Plants are capable of restoring themselves fully after being damaged. Plant stem cells have a fundamental ability to trigger fascinating regenerative processes as a response to external aggressions, such as cuts, stress or extreme weather conditions. The laboratory chose to cultivate several stem cells, including those from lilies, peonies, irises and tuberoses. Certain species, which have been scientifically enhanced, have a great affinity with the skin and hold all of the plant’s natural mechanisms of regeneration, protection and defence. When extracted, isolated and cultivated in the brand’s R&I centre, they hold the key to the power of these highly regenerative cosmetic products. A combination of biological expertise, technological advances and botany, where the extraordinary regenerative ability of plant stem cells is harnessed and used in favour of skin beauty and longevity.
“I am convinced that innovation and technology come into their own when they know how to hold a dialogue with living things. In the heart of nature, biotechnology takes on an even more fitting, more conscious dimension, guided by the balance and responsibility involved in any creative process. This is the philosophy that drives Laboratoires Botanique Avancée forward: regenerative science carried by botanical intelligence, where innovation is synonymous with careful, mindful and stringent creation.” Nathalie Cantagrel
“The intelligence of living things is limitless, and we can only marvel at it and respect it. When science comes within the scope of this vision and is inspired by the harmony of living things, it becomes truly creative and capable of revealing beauty.” Dr Jean-Jacques Lemaître
Exclusive regenerative technology
The team, led by Dr Jean-Marc Lemaître, developed the exclusive NEO-REGEN technology, an innovation that combines Baulieu mineral water with plant stem cells. This technology acts simultaneously on three levels of skin regeneration: molecular, cellular and tissular. It is tested on 3D organoids of human skin, a process that is a world first for a cosmetics brand, as NEO-REGEN regulates the 136 genes involved in aging (the hallmarks of aging). For anyone who does not know, a skin organoid is a three-dimensional structure, cultivated in a laboratory from human stem cells. Over the course of its development, it becomes a kind of miniature organ, both in terms of the way it functions and its appearance.
All of the products produced by the brand contain NEO-REGEN and the brand’s key actives, such as ectoine, in emulsions with ~30% of actives. The formulas have a remarkable texture and are highly concentrated, biomimetic, “clean”, and can imitate the skin’s architecture, which optimises their penetration and barrier function. What is more, they are 95% minimal natural origin, vegan, silicone-free, PEG-free, microplastic-free (blacklist drawn up), with an instrumental requirement of proof (LC-OCT, cutometer, corneometer).
Three levels of regenerative efficacy
1.Tissue regeneration, with white lily stem cells
Lily cells stimulate keratinocyte renewal. They are responsible for maintaining an optimal skin barrier. They improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity. The dermis is strengthened thanks to the stimulation of the extracellular matrix, leading to a significant increase in collagen, elastin, GAGs and proteoglycans.
2. Cell regeneration, with peony stem cells
Peony cells support the skin’s cellular respiration. This mechanism stimulates the energetic metabolism and reboots the activity of the skin cells, the epidermal keratinocytes and the dermal fibroblasts. They also inhibit certain inflammatory factors, thus protecting the skin cells.
3. Molecular regeneration, with Baulieu mineral water
This mineral water has antioxidant and hydrating properties, encapsulated in lipidic liposomes which optimises its penetration. These micro-blisters – made up of phospholipids that are identical to those in the skin’s cellular membrane – promote deeper, longer-lasting hydration which strengthens cellular cohesion.
The four founding products
Discover the four products that gave rise to four fundamental skincare steps:
1.Hydrating Infusion Lotion — Step 1
It reboots, smooths and awakens the complexion with its oily micro-droplets, which are activated when shaken. The formula includes the NEO-REGEN technology, glycolic acid, moss cells and ectoine.
2. Regenerative Serum in Cream — Step 2
This hybrid serum in cream contains 30% active ingredients in a lamellar formula, including the following: NEO-REGEN, iris cells, adenosine, post-biotic ferment, centella, vitamin E, ectoine. Results after 3 months: 53% firmer, 21% less wrinkles, 49% more radiant.
3. Regenerative Silky Eye Cream— Step 3
This cream gives a smooth contour and reduces under-eye shadows and bags. It contains 5M plant stem cells: tuberose, tetrapeptide, caffeine, D-panthenol, ectoine. Results after 1 month: 95% firmer eyelids, 93% more rested expression.
4. Regenerative Melt-in Cream — Step 4
With more than 20M plant stem cells, this formula includes a double concentration of the NEO-REGEN technology, as well as: niacinamide, pro-NAD+, peptides, 7 ceramides, ectoine. Results after 3 months: 53% firmer, 20% fewer wrinkles, 24% improved barrier function, 34% more hydration, 41% more radiance, 92% more comfort.
ANTI-AGE Magazine particularly enjoyed the “La Sève” signature treatment in the Domaine de Baulieu’s spa. The brand’s regenerative signature treatment is a truly emotional, sensory experience. For ninety minutes, the movements are played out like a choreography: silk cocoon, anti-stick massage, fascia therapy. All tensions melt away, the circulation is soothed, energy starts to circulate again. You can feel your skin wake up, your face is redefined, your radiance is restored. This treatment embodies LBA’s philosophy: reactivating beauty through movement, restoring the skin in the same way as we would revive a memory. L
Adress:
This new vision of beauty has been available since December 2025 at the Airelles Courchevel Spa, and will be introduced at the Airelles Le Grand Contrôle Spa in Versailles from February 2026.
- Villa Baulieu, Domaine de Baulieu, Route de Baulieu, 13840 Rognes, France
- Spa Airelles Courchevel, Rue du Jardin Alpin, 73120 Courchevel
- Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, 12 rue de l’Indépendance Américaine, 78000 Versailles
More: laboratoires-botanique-avancee.com
