Since the introduction of its proprietary Miracle Broth, a bio-fermented active of Macrocystis pyrifera (giant sea kelp), in 1965, La Mer has long been exploring cellular energy that powers skin renewal.
The brand is now doubling down on its investment in advancing bioenergetic science, and studying the full spectrum bioenergetic ecosystem, their interactions and the mechanisms directly contributing to Miracle Broth’s efficacy in strengthening the skin’s cellular network.
Alongside its new Bioenergetics Research Platform — an expansive scientific initiative that comprises research across every phase in the development of Miracle Broth — La Mer recently announced a three-year Healthy Aging Fellowship with Salk Institute.
Salk Institute is a renowned authority in biological studies that is home to six Nobel Laureates and has specific expertise in the science of ageing on a cellular level.
“La Mer has always believed in the power of bioenergetics to enhance skin’s natural renewal. Our partnership with Salk Institute reflects our deep commitment to advancing the science of cellular energy, ensuring that our innovations continue to push the boundaries of ageing science,” said Sandra Main, Global Brand President at La Mer.
As the first-ever collaboration between Salk Institute and a beauty brand, it seeks to uncover new insights into areas such as cellular regeneration and other ageing interventions.
As part of this initiative, the brand announced the launch of the La Mer Healthy Aging Fellowship, a three-year postdoctoral research fellowship dedicated to investigating the roles of mitochondria and cellular metabolism in the ageing process.
The fellowship has been awarded to Ankita Chadda, a postdoctoral researcher in Salk Professor Agnieszka Kendrick’s lab that studies cellular transport — a system of microscopic highways and specialised protein vehicles, which is critical for cellular function and survival.
With La Mer’s support, Chadda will employ “cutting-edge technologies” to explore how ageing disrupts cellular transport in neurons.
According to La Mer, this work may reveal new strategies to prevent or reverse transport-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, as well as help inform future product innovations for the brand.
“With the partnership having just launched, we’re still in the early stages of research. While there are no discoveries to share yet, this collaboration is exciting due to its potential to deepen our understanding of how cellular energy influences the ageing process.
“For La Mer, the Fellowship aligns with our commitment to skin care innovation, investing in research that holds the potential to benefit science and society alike. The insights may fuel breakthroughs that refine our formulations and transform not just how we age, but how we define healthy ageing as a whole,” Dr Jaime Emmetsberger, lead scientist at The Max Huber Research Labs, told CosmeticsDesign-Asia.
Ongoing research
Starting from 2023, La Mer scientists are conducting a multi-year study on the regenerative power of giant sea kelp, which is exclusively harvested in the waters off Vancouver Island.
In the first phase of the research, the brand has unlocked new insights into the unique characteristics of the kelp’s microbiome and its impact on Miracle Broth.
Based on the peer-reviewed paper published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, significant findings include how the plant’s distinct microbial network and structure in this location is a key to generating skin-supportive nutrients.
“This thriving network fosters a symbiotic organic system in which the kelp and its microbiome actively self-generate nutrients and bioactives like Vitamins C, E, A, and K. As a result, the kelp that goes into Miracle Broth is supercharged with skin-renewing properties well before the fermentation process begins.”
In addition, giant sea kelp ferment was shown to help reduce visible signs of inflammation and ageing while promoting healing by enhancing barrier resilience and recovery.
Formulations containing the ferment also demonstrated effects including boosting collagen production and supporting skin cell renewal.
Building on this research, La Mer initiated in vitro studies to measure the bioenergetic activity of Miracle Broth at the cellular level.
It was found that Miracle Broth not only helps prevent damage and ageing of skin cells’ natural power source, but also amplifies skin’s natural energy to reverse visible ageing.
Additional data from this research also indicated that Miracle Broth is able to promote energy flow through the day and night.