We have seen Bulgari grind up jewels into their Gem Essence skin care products and Origin BioMed use green tea. In a time when cosmetics companies are cooking up all sorts of gimmicks, this one takes the cake. Or rather, the Cotes du Rhone.
Caudalie has launched Premier Cru, a moisturizing potion made from grape seeds and the sap of grapevines. (It goes without saying this is a French brand.) Though the cream, meant for use day and night, doesn't have any actual booze in it, the concept for it is "inspired by Bordeaux's finest wine," according to the company.
To its credit, Caudalie has been experimenting with the idea for more than 15 years. In 1994, it patented an anti-oxidant made from grape seeds. For Premier Cru, it added Viniferine, an essence derived from the sap of grapevines that is said to prevent age spots.
But interestingly, the most effective ingredient in Premier Cru is from a lab, not a vineyard: Resveratrol, a stimulator of collagen production, got Harvard Medical School's approval as the best anti-aging molecule on the market.
The cream is medium-thick and lightly scented. But don't worry you'll smell like a bar after using it. The fragrance is delicate, one of "vineyard roses and oak barrels." I'll drink to that.