Courting the Camellia

The journey of CHANEL’s HYDRA BEAUTY Micro Sérum begins in the heart of the camellia fields of Gaujacq, France, where the flower beloved by Gabrielle Chanel holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Years of research in CHANEL’s skincare laboratories led to a breakthrough that made the white camellia—renowned for its resilience and hydrating properties—the cornerstone of a new beauty and scientific innovation. The flower’s active fractions were carefully extracted and infused into the serum, using three distinct extracts to deeply hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier, and soothe the skin. Paired with hyaluronic acid, these components work together to deliver an unparalleled hydrating experience, blending the power of nature with the precision of science.

“The white camellia flower embodies the power of hydration for CHANEL,” explains Nicola Fuzzati, CHANEL’s Director of Ingredients Innovation and Development. “The presence of the phyto-analysis laboratory at the heart of the camellia fields allows us to study and analyze the camellia closely, to discover new molecules of interest and craft new active ingredients.”
The innovation extended beyond just the ingredients. The HYDRA BEAUTY Micro Sérum marked a turning point in technical advancement, utilizing groundbreaking microfluidic technology to create its unique formulation.

“Microfluidics is the science of manipulating fluids on a micrometric scale,” explains Armelle Souraud, CHANEL’s International Scientific Communications Director. “Nature itself provides inspiration—consider the tree, which transports sap homogeneously to thousands of leaves through a network of microscopic capillaries.”

Recognizing the potential of this technology, CHANEL pioneered its use in skincare, first introducing microbubbles in the original HYDRA BEAUTY Micro Sérum in 2015 to preserve the purity of ingredients until application. In its latest evolution, this method is taken a step further with the introduction of the first duo-bubbles serum. Enriched with white camellia extract and hyaluronic acid, the two interlocking microbubbles—blue and clear—resemble CHANEL’s iconic double C logo. Upon application, the bubbles burst, releasing their potent activities in a burst of plumping hydration.

“We want to elevate ‘ordinary’ hydration to ‘extraordinary’ hydration,” says Souraud. But the true test of time, she says, is as much in creating a self-care ritual as in scientific results. “A real sensorial experience that awakens the senses, generating emotions and pleasure that encourage regular use, is essential to ensure long-term effectiveness.”