par Thierry Piolatto
Morges (Switzerland). Sophie Van Guillon, CEO of Valmont, welcomes us in to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the emblematic Swiss cosmetics brand on the banks of Lake Geneva. This anniversary celebrates the brand’s strong roots in the Vaud canton, having been established in 1905. Its story began in the Clinique Valmont, just outside Montreux, which was founded by Dr Henri-Auguste Widmer and is today a private clinic for orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation (Coco Chanel and Charlie Chaplin were both patients). In the early 1980s, the centre was the first Swiss clinic to specialise in aesthetic surgery and is recognised worldwide for its expertise in genetic and cellular cosmetics thanks to the research of cosmetologist Nadja Avalle, which gave rise to a range of products that combine native collagen with HP-DNA, all luxuriously packaged in small opaline pots with green accents (a tribute to surgeons’ green scrubs). This Swiss expertise includes an eagerness to offer proven results to demanding clients.
In 2025, the eleven original products have now become around a hundred products distributed in 50 countries and 1,800 carefully-selected sales points. The foundations of this incredible success led to four decades of exceptional expertise based around four strong identities: Valmont, Magicien du Temps – Elixir des Glaciers, Because beauty deserves a masterpiece – Storie Veneziane by Valmont, The Art of Perfume – Fondation Valmont, When art meets beauty.
Sophie Van Guillon explains, “As skincare experts, we’ve always had a very close relationship with doctors. I believe that combining aesthetic medicine with Swiss cellular cosmetics is a logical move. To achieve results in aesthetic medicine, you have to attack the skin in one way or another, either with energy-based machines (radiofrequency, ultrasounds, etc.) or with injections, microneedling, etc. Valmont takes care of post-procedure treatments: our vocation has always been to reset and regenerate the skin’s homeostasis and allow it to achieve its best possible state of health. In our ranges, we have a collagen mask – the Regenerating Mask Treatment – which not only rapidly rebuilds the skin’s collagen but also reduces any pain, swelling and redness that might appear after aesthetic procedures. We also have the Prime Regenera II, which repairs the tissues by restoring the skin’s lipid barrier, and the Restoring Perfection SPF 50 PA, a UV sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun and rebuild it from the inside.
Finally, this year we were lucky enough to present two scientific publications to the IFSCC (International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists), a consistent approach by our brand in this constantly-evolving industry. The first publication talks about an innovative creation by Valmont’s Research & Development department – Silanol DNA – which contains salmon DNA (the brand’s signature ingredient) and Silanol, a new and exclusive ingredient that has extraordinary potential in a brand-new catalytic formula. The second publication highlights the clinical efficiency of the Vitality collection, our latest global innovation. This collection of universal products was specifically designed to correct the signs of aging caused by fatigue and pollution, regardless of age, gender and skin type. It contains the brand’s new active, Silanol DNA. Advanced research takes into account skin with new properties and new reactions. It is always a pleasure for our company to pave the way for the future of science and apply these innovations in an approach that showcases Swiss excellence.”
Valmont chose to develop its creams near Montreux, in a high tech laboratory at the cutting edge of international regulations, which enables the brand to be present worldwide with a “Made in Switzerland” tagline that guarantees the quality of Valmont’s products.
The Flore-Alpe botanical garden, a source of rarity
The brand has built its renown by using rare plant extracts. At an altitude of over 1,500 metres, in Champex-Lac, the Flore-Alpe botanical gardens offer Valmont an unparalleled variety of plants well known for their cosmetic benefits. These plants are preserved, displayed and celebrated along an artistic and educational pathway. Grown in the Valais on a variety of high-altitude sites, the plants offer up powerful extracts from the rich Swiss soil: a veritable open-air laboratory from which Sophie Vann Guillon selects ingredients with exceptional properties, such as musk rose, seaberry, echinacea and even pure water from the Arolla glacier, whose wealth of minerals give it revitalising properties. These natural treasures are potentiated in exceptional anti-aging products, offering visible and long-lasting results. This 6,000m2 botanical garden, which was created in 1927 by Vaud-based manufacturer Jean-Marcel Aubert, contains more than 4,000 plant species that are native to the local area, neighbouring regions and Europe’s mountain ranges. It is open to everyone and we highly recommend taking a walk around the gardens then stopping off near Champex lake.
Verbier: a quintessentially Swiss art of living
We stop off in Verbier, an Alpine village in the Valais, famous for being a gateway to the 4 Valleys ski area. This sublime spot is where the brand created two experiential sites: La Maison Valmont and La Résidence Valmont. These two establishments enable the brand to play host to its clients and introduce them to the holistic cellular cosmetics in their institute and the temporary art exhibitions that go hand in hand with the brand and its Swiss expertise. These timeless places, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, bring together advice, rituals and tailored products. They reflect the symbiosis illustrated by the slogan, “Valmont: When Art meets Beauty”.
2016 was the year that Valmont really earned its stripes, opening its first “La Maison Valmont” store, a temple dedicated to beauty in all its forms: the high performance of Valmont cosmetics, the excellence of their Elixir des Glaciers products, and the opulence of the “Storie Veneziane by Valmont” perfumery. A sensory tour is accompanied by a collection of exclusive artwork selected by Sophie Vann Guillon and Didier Guillon during their travels and brought together under the tagline, “La Maison Valmont Emotions”. A palette of talents and ancestral savoir-faire, marrying jewellery with the art of writing or decorative glasswork blown on Murano island to represent a lifestyle that matches the very soul of La Maison Valmont. Didier Guillon peppers the shopping experience with his own aesthetic touch, displaying artwork selected from his own collection or dedicated to each Maison, to elevate the experience of every La Maison Valmont guest. This authentically French art of hosting has been exported to all four corners of the globe: starting in Berlin, La Maison Valmont now has stores in Hong Kong, Macao, Tokyo, Lausanne, Munich, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, New York, Madrid, Paris, Nanjing, Beverly Hills and Verbier!
VITALITÉ DES GLACIERS signature treatment
In La Maison Valmont Verbier, we took the opportunity to try out the VITALITÉ DES GLACIERS treatment, which revitalises the skin by stimulating cellular oxygenation and erasing signs of fatigue. The skin is left energised and revitalised, and the complexion is fresh and bright. This holistic ritual uses energising and relaxing massage techniques to stimulate the vascular system, boost the circulation of oxygen-rich blood and revitalise the skin in depth. For 60 minutes, you can enjoy an exceptional spa experience with innovative professional treatments that include Valmont’s iconic Regenerating Mask Treatment collagen mask for a guaranteed “wow” effect and its Vital Boost serum, all while listening to a playlist inspired by the beauty of the Swiss landscapes. Vital Boost is an exclusive massage serum reserved for professional use. This revitalising booster contains nasturtium extract, apple stem cells, liposomal RNA and Silanol DNA.
Les Résidences Valmont, for the love of art
In Chalet Capucine in Verbier, the brand invites hospitality into the heart of its philosophy with Les Résidences Valmont. These havens of tranquillity, where art and wellness come together as one, include Villa Valentine in Hydra, Casa Maxence in Barcelona and La Résidence Bonvicini in Venice (each residence is named after one of Sophie Vann Guillon and Didier Guillon’s children): an alchemy of authenticity, modern art, timeless elegance, local expertise and sustainability. The destinations were selected for their traditional character, wealth of culture and inspiring atmosphere. These sanctuaries encourage guests to really let go, with modern art pieces echoing the natural beauty all around. Each residence offers an exclusive range of activities, including cultural tours and signature treatments, allowing guests to connect with the true essence of the destination. In Verbier, keen skiers can take advantage of the beautiful mountain setting to explore the 4 Valleys ski area. Four destinations, four residences, four different places where you can experience art and wellness in all its forms.
The desire to take action is present in every aspect of Valmont. From responsible supply chains to transparent formulations, eco-designed packaging to bee protection, Valmont has made concrete and long-term commitments. Following on from this, the Valmont Foundation in the Palazzo Bonvicini in Venice perpetuates this mission by hosting modern art exhibitions, making art accessible through various artistic forms.
At the crossroads between medical aesthetics, cosmetology, spa and art, La Maison Valmont has not finished writing its story. Efficient beauty and supremely Swiss DNA! l
