"Sensoriality is a story of sensations that arouse emotions," explains Maÿlis Louvet, Sensorial Evaluation Manager at CHANEL Research. "The sensory identity of a skincare formula is expressed through its texture and scent," Maÿlis Louvet continues, emphasizing the importance of creating products with a unique sensory profile. "When a product provides an instant feeling of pleasure, when it has a nice texture, we apply it more regularly. This is the key to its effectiveness over time."


It takes years to develop each product, because CHANEL Research gives each formula a unique sensory profile. These profiles are designed to offer various women a pleasant physical and emotional experience by accompanying the visible benefits experienced during application with a specific texture, appearance and scent. As Maÿlis Louvet explains, "We know that we have created the perfect formula when it provides not only optimal results but also the ultimate sensory experience."

"Our task is difficult, but we make no compromises; we combine effective ingredients with sensoriality in order to create formulas that are perfect for various needs and skin types."

Véronique Kowandy, Project Manager on Formula Development at CHANEL

For several decades, CHANEL Research has been working to find a delicate balance in its formulas by putting scientific and sensory innovation at the heart of their development. "We meticulously choose our ingredients based on their composition, purity and quality," Véronique Kowandy declares. "We conduct 30 product tests, sometimes even more; we performed twice that amount for SUBLIMAGE L'Essence Fondamentale in order to obtain the perfect texture."



Gabrielle Chanel launched her first skincare line in the 1920s, establishing herself as a pioneer in the fashion and beauty sector. She believed that feeling comfortable in one's own skin is essential to a woman's confidence. Today, CHANEL continues to be a leader in skincare research and development.

What defines a pleasurable experience changes from one person to the next, and these variations are at the center of CHANEL research. While discussing skincare rituals and application techniques, Ji Lee, former Prospective Intelligence Professional in Korea, observes: "When we are developing products, we consider the importance of the application rituals." Local knowledge is in fact essential to developing a product line that addresses various needs as well as environmental and social rituals. "For example, an American might simply apply a skincare product as directed, whereas in Asia, women are more likely to apply it in seven successive layers."


CHANEL Research set the goal of understanding the various effects that products can have on women. Thanks to their research centers around the world, as well as to their own unique methodology and knowledge of neuroscience, they are able to understand how products provide different sensations for women.

"Sensoriality is a matter of pleasure and well-being," explains Marie-Héloïse Bardel, who is the Head of the Neurosciences Department at CHANEL. "Each CHANEL skincare line occupies its own emotional territory." For example, Hydra Beauty was designed to create joy and provide an energizing effect. On the other hand, for Sublimage, it is more a question of self-confidence, fulfillment and empowerment."

"Every woman is different; therefore, our formulas must be made to adapt to every need."

Véronique Kowandy, Project Manager on Formula Development at CHANEL

Each step is taken into account: from the creation of a beautiful perfume bottle to the various techniques performed during application. For SUBLIMAGE L'Extrait de Crème, the key to feeling radiant is in the double emulsion. The cream melts onto the skin and spreads easily on contact, transforming to become even richer and more enveloping as you apply it.