Clarins, the reputable French luxury skincare and cosmetics brand, was founded in 1954 by a medical student, Jacques Courtin-Clarins, in Paris. Over its seven-decade history, the family-owned Clarins has evolved in its product offerings. However, when it came to its visual identity, the logo reflecting the brand’s philosophy of authenticity, innovation, and elegance has remained the same. The article describes the Clarins logo, among other details, since the inception of the company.
The Genesis of the Clarins Logo (1954 – Present)
The Clarins logotype depicts the brand name “Claris Paris” in two levels in a red serif typeface in uppercase. The brand name is covered by two red strokes forming arches, both above and below. The first word, “Clarins”, is bigger in size, while “Paris” appears in a small size. The minimalist style of the logo enables it to be easily placed on caps, labels, or any other advertising platforms.
The Elements of the Clarins Logo
Font
The wordmarks in the logo “Clarins” and “Paris” are written using a classic serif typeface. The letters in the upper inscription are close to each other, while the ones at the bottom are little spaced apart.
Colour
The colour palette employed in the Clarins logo comprises red and white.
The History of Clarins
Clarins was founded in Paris in 1954 by Jacques Courtin, who was a former medical student passionate about connecting science and beauty. He opened his first beauty institute at 35 Rue Tronchet to offer treatments and products that were designed to make beauty more genuine and natural. The name “Clarins” was inspired by a character he played in a school play, which he later adopted as his own surname. Thus, he became Jacques Courtin-Clarins in 1978.
From the outset, Clarins distinguished itself by using plant-based ingredients. It launched products such as the now-iconic Tonic Body Treatment Oil made with 100% pure plant extracts in the 1960s. The brand also brought the concept of customer engagement to the fore by introducing customer cards in its packaging, which was an early form of CRM. By the mid-1960s, Clarins began exporting its products to neighbouring countries. This laid the groundwork for its future as an international brand.
In the 1980s, Clarins was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, which fuelled its global expansion. The company entered markets in Asia and the United States, with Christian Courtin-Clarins, Jacques’ son, playing a key role in international growth. Clarins became a European leader in prestige skincare and expanded into makeup and fragrances. It acquired brands such as Thierry Mugler and Azzaro.
Clarins has remained a family-run business, with successive generations of the Courtin-Clarins family taking on leadership roles. The company continued to innovate by launching new product lines like My Clarins for younger consumers and investing in sustainable sourcing. These include Domaine Clarins’ open-air laboratory in the Alps.
In recent years, Clarins has focused on sustainability and digital innovation. It launched a blockchain-based traceability platform (Clarins T.R.U.S.T.) and acquired the clean beauty brand ILIA. The company has also entered into partnerships to promote environmental responsibility and social inclusion. These include collaborations with Neoline for sustainable shipping and the International Labour Organisation for disability inclusion.
Today, Clarins operates in over 150 countries and is recognised as a major luxury skincare brand. The products brought out by the company are formulated and designed in France and have a strong presence in high-end department stores worldwide. The company remains committed to its founding values of authenticity, innovation, and respect for women’s beauty and well-being.
Interesting Facts About Clarins
- The Clarins journey began when Jacques Courtin opened his first beauty institute at 35 Rue Tronchet in Paris. He was driven by a vision to make beauty more genuine and natural.
- The name “Clarins” was inspired by a character Jacques played in a school play. He liked it so much that he formally changed his surname to Courtin-Clarins in 1978.
- Clarins develops all its skincare products in its laboratories, and owns several patents.
- Clarins was the first brand to sell 100% pure plant extract oils, such as the iconic Tonic Body Treatment Oil, in perfume stores. These oils were initially exclusive to spa clients before becoming widely available.
- In 1968, Clarins created one of the earliest examples of customer relationship management (CRM) by including a “customer card” in product packaging to better listen to and understand their customers’ needs.
- Clarins has remained a family-owned company since its inception. Jacques’ sons, Christian and Olivier Courtin-Clarins, joined the company in the 1970s and 1990s, respectively, to continue the family legacy.
- In 1985, Clarins launched Double Serum, a revolutionary anti-ageing product featuring two separate formulas. One was water-based and the other was oil-based. The customers were required to mix themselves to maximise efficacy. This concept was ahead of its time and remains iconic.
- In 1987, Clarins launched its first fragrance, Eau Dynamisante. The same year, it became the first premium French skincare brand to stop animal testing. This highlighted its commitment to ethical beauty.
- By the early 1980s, Clarins had become the leading luxury skincare brand in France and opened its first U.S. subsidiary in 1981. Today, Clarins products are sold in over 150 countries worldwide.
- Clarins has invested heavily in sustainable ingredient sourcing, such as acquiring Domaine Clarins in the French Alps. It also launched a blockchain-based traceability platform (Clarins T.R.U.S.T.) to ensure transparency and environmental responsibility.
- From the outset, Clarins emphasised a holistic approach to beauty by linking well-being and happiness with skincare. This philosophy continues to shape its product development and brand messaging.
- The Clarins Foundation is actively involved in projects that support kids, health, and education.
Finally
The Clarins logo is anchored in the brand’s core values of authenticity, natural beauty, and French elegance. The logo hasn’t changed since it appeared at the inception of the company. It continues to preserve the heritage of the company and ensure Clarins remains instantly recognisable in the global beauty market.