SAN FRANCISCO— Solazyme Inc., an industrial biotechnology company producing renewable oil and bioproducts from microalgae, signed agreements with beauty retailer Sephora® and QVC® to launch Algenist™, Solazyme's microalgae-based prestige anti-aging skincare line, in the United States and internationally. Starting in March 2011, Algenist will be available on QVC in the United States and in more than 800 Sephora stores in seven countries throughout Europe and the United States before expanding to Asia and the Middle East. Sephora and QVC will align their promotional efforts behind Algenist.
Algenist is a line of advanced anti-aging skincare products formulated with Solazyme's ingredient, alguronic acid, discovered after studying thousands of microalgae strains for renewable energy solutions. When researched for potential anti-aging benefits, alguronic acid demonstrated significant rejuvenating properties.
"Sephora and QVC both have reputations for providing some of the most advanced skin care products in the world to consumers," said Frederic Stoeckel, general manager of Solazyme Health Sciences. "Since we share their commitment to delivering high-value innovations, it was a natural step for us to team up."
Rachel Marouani, SVP marketing and e-commerce general manager of Sephora Europe, Middle East, and Asia, added:"Solazyme's pioneering work in producing unique microalgae ingredients from its biotechnology platform is extremely promising. Algenist is an innovative addition to our skincare assortment and one that we are confident will be very well received by the discerning customers that visit Sephora stores in Europe,"
QVC is also thrilled about teaming up with Sephora and Solazyme. "QVC is thrilled to join forces with Sephora to launch such an innovative skincare line," said Allen Burke, QVC's senior advisor of beauty strategy and development. "We are constantly looking for the latest groundbreaking products to debut to our beauty customer who is both an early adopter and a beauty enthusiast. Algenist is the perfect addition to our growing assortment of premium beauty products."
The line will launch with four initial product offerings: The Algenist Concentrated Serum minimizes the look of wrinkles and boosts skin radiance. The Algenist Anti-Aging Moisturizer and Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF 20 nourish and moisturize skin, improve firmness and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, the Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm firms skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines around the eye area.