What is Clinical Skincare?

Skincare has to do with much more than just appearance. Long before there were modern delivery systems, serums, and peptides people used more traditional methods. These included using plants, oils, mineral and natural remedies in the pursuit of keeping their skin healthy. The major changes have happened in our ability to understand why certain ingredients work, how they can interact with the skin and how they can be formulated and manufactured more effectively.

This evolution is essentially at the heart of what we refer to today as clinical skincare. At CHOLLEY for us clinical skincare is not a trend but a part of a much longer journey. It is the gradual meeting of traditional botanical knowledge with dermatology, chemistry, biology and modern cosmetic science. Our own history in Switzerland reflects this progression. This progression began from phyto cosmetics and plant research to contemporary phyto-dermocosmetics technologies.

Clinical skincare are skincare products which have been developed with a stronger emphasis on scientific research, active ingredients, formulation expertise and testing than traditional cosmetic products.

The terms “clinical skincare “does not represent one universal category of products. It is generally used to describe skincare products that take a more evidence-led approach to addressing specific skin concerns. Depending on the products and market, this may include ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, botanical extracts or other active compounds.

For us at CHOLLEY however clinical skincare is not just about making a formula stronger. It is about understanding the skin first. A well-designed formulation must consider the skin barrier, its natural processes, environmental stressors, and these specific concerns all must be addressed. The goal is to create a product that can work in harmony with the skin rather than just providing temporary cosmetic effect.

Dermo-cosmetics and clinical skincare are closely related. It is a field positioned between traditional cosmetics and dermatological science. Dermo-cosmetics places strong emphasis on the skin health, formulation science and functional results. This approach has become more popular as customers have moved away from skincare use purely based on appearance. Today customers are also concerned with premature aging, photoaging,  dehydration, uneven pigmentation and compromised skin.

At CHOLLEY our philosophy has always been based in the intersection of cosmetics, biology and plants.

The story of modern clinical skincare began with something simple: nature. Long before advanced laboratories and sophisticated formulas, people looked to plants for their skincare needs. Herbs, flowers and botanical extracts were valued for their unique properties. This knowledge was passed down through generations.

Over time, traditional plant knowledge began to meet modern science. Researchers started studying the properties of botanical ingredients more closely. This marked the beginning of a new approach to skincare.

Phytocosmetics grew from this connection between nature and science. It combines carefully selected plant-based ingredients with modern cosmetic research.

At CHOLLEY, this philosophy has been at the heart of our work from the beginning. We believe nature provides exceptional ingredients. Science allows us to understand them, refine them and use them with greater precision.This balance between Swiss scientific expertise and the power of plants continues to shape the way we develop our Swiss skincare products  today.

Our story begins with Dr. Jules Louis Masset de Vallefort. Born in Switzerland in 1915, Dr. Masset studied pharmacology at the University of Geneva. His career was shaped by a deep interest in plants, vitamins and their potential for skincare.

He explored the properties of medicinal plants and developed extraction methods designed to preserve their active components. His work brought together botanical knowledge and scientific research.

In 1972, Dr. Masset established his own laboratory in Locarno, Switzerland. His research focused on phyto-biocosmetics and the potential of plant-based ingredients in modern skincare.

At the time, this approach was still relatively new. The idea of combining botanical ingredients with advanced scientific research was only beginning to emerge. For CHOLLEY, his work became an important foundation. We continue to believe that nature offers exceptional ingredients. Science allows us to understand them, refine them and bring their potential to the skin with precision.

Dr. Masset’s laboratory became an important part of our heritage. In 1975, it introduced professional phytocosmetic products. Its approach combined plant-based ingredients with scientific research.

In 1989, CHOLLEY SA was founded in Switzerland. One year later, we acquired Dr. Masset’s laboratory. His knowledge and research became part of our future.

Switzerland has always been central to our identity. Our headquarters are in Lugano, while our research and manufacturing laboratory is based in Locarno. This Swiss foundation reflects our focus on precision, quality and scientific research.

In 1994, we introduced METHODE CHOLLEY. It marked a new approach to professional skincare. Rather than focusing on individual products, we developed a complete skincare method.

By 2007, our research moved further towards medical cosmetics. This reflected a growing interest in skin biology and the science behind visible skin health.

Skincare was becoming more scientific. The focus shifted beyond appearance. Researchers began exploring the skin barrier, cellular processes, oxidative stress and collagen. The question was no longer simply how to make skin look better. It was how to care for the skin at a deeper level.

As science progressed, so did our approach. Between 2011 and 2013, we introduced PHYTOCELL® products with IC-RAMP® technology. We later developed the PHYTOBIOTECH® Skin Repair Program. These developments brought together plant science and modern biotechnology.

For us, biotechnology does not replace nature. It helps us understand it better. Plant-derived ingredients can be studied and refined using modern scientific methods. This allows us to develop increasingly sophisticated skincare formulations. Our approach has always been about finding the right balance between nature, science and innovation.

Clinical skincare begins with a purpose. It focuses on specific skin needs and carefully selected active ingredients. Research, formulation and testing all play an important role.

At CHOLLEY, we believe that effective skincare should be supported by science. Our formulations are developed through research and testing, with a focus on both efficacy and skin compatibility.

Clinical skincare does not have to be harsh. We believe that stronger is not always better. The skin is a delicate biological system. Effective formulas should respect its natural balance. For us, sophistication means achieving results while caring for the skin.

The future of skincare is becoming more personalised. As our understanding of skin biology grows, formulations can become more targeted and precise. We believe the future lies in bringing nature and science closer together.

This has been part of our journey from the beginning. From Dr. Masset’s research in Locarno to our work in phyto-biotechnology today, the philosophy remains the same.

For us, clinical skincare begins with respect for the skin. It means choosing ingredients with purpose. It means combining botanical knowledge with scientific precision. And it means continually searching for better ways to care for the skin.

This is the philosophy behind Swiss phyto-dermocosmetics at CHOLLEY. Our journey began with plants. Science gave us new ways to understand them. Today, biotechnology is helping us take that knowledge further.

Our Most Popular Skincare Products