There’s a current shift against ‘anti-ageing’ – how is fresh’s Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream different to a regular anti-ageing product?

Dr. Anne-Laure Bulteau: The difference lies in our approach to formulation. This cream works to both strengthen and support the skin structure. That does translate into anti-ageing support – smoothing the look of fine lines, wrinkles, & texture, improving the look of firmness – but also promotes a radiant, more even tone.

This product is powered by our exclusive BT Matrix™, which gives a retinol-like performance to correct signs of ageing, Ceramide NP that helps to strengthen the skin barrier, Squalane to help prevent moisture loss and Pink Porcelain Lily to improve radiance. It’s the combination of all these ingredients that give this moisturiser a unique gentle yet powerful approach to anti-ageing.

What’s the significance of incorporating Black Tea into the formulation, and what can it do for our skin?

Dr.A: As a brand, we have a rich history of researching and exploring the skincare benefits of tea and more specifically, Black Tea has a high-level of antioxidants and is proven to deliver firmer, smoother, and softer skin while also improving radiance. For our new Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream, we took it one step further by introducing the new BT Matrix™, a synergistic blend of Black Tea Leaf and Rambutan Leaf Extracts. This exclusive ingredient works to support and boost collagens and elastic fibers production – scientifically proven to reinforce skin’s structure.

How long has the product been in development and testing for?

Dr.A: As mentioned, fresh has a long history with tea – it’s been a 15-year history in our research and testing of the Black Tea ingredient. This moisturiser is the newest result of our research and continues our leadership in product innovation, especially around anti-ageing support.

When it comes to clean vs. chemical ingredients, what edge do naturally-derived ingredients have over those created in the lab?

Dr.A: Everything we do starts with nature and every product we create starts with a natural ingredient. We then look to dive deeper into the most potent elements and push forward the discovery of new, natural ingredients. There is so much untapped power in nature that can be harnessed in ways that chemical ingredients could never mimic.

How would one mimic the results of using retinol, without using such a high-strength active ingredient?

Dr.A: It’s all in the science. The development of the BT Matrix™ with its retinol-like performance is scientifically proven to be as or more effective than retinol/retinoic acid⁵ – while remaining gentle on the skin, without the known discomfort that comes from many retinol products. This cream is gentle enough for 2x a day use (both morning & night) and can be used by all skin types, including sensitive skin.

⁵ Retinoic acid is the active and more stable form of retinol. When retinol is applied to the skin, it is converted within skin cellsnto retinoic acid