Hermes Launches Its First Skincare Range... For Men
The Hermes H24 universe is expanding, with a new Eau de Parfum and an accompanying skincare range.
When Hermes launched its H24 Eau de Toilette last year, it made quite the splash as it was the maison's first men's fragrance in 15 years. Now, the H24 scent (famed for its distinctively green, metallic notes) has been expanded into a family, with an Eau de Parfum counterpart (created by Christine Nagel, director of creation and olfactory heritage for Hermes Parfums), as well as an accompanying skincare range.
The H24 parfum (available at $138 for 50ml, and $196 for 100ml) retains all the signature notes (sage, rosewood, narcissus and sclarene) of the original, with a new addition in the form of moss – the latter is an ingredient long considered to be a cornerstone of perfumery (it has been described as earthy and woody, like a "primeval forest").
The new Hermes H24 Eau de Parfum retains much of the original design and intention behind the original Eau de Toilette, such as the idiosyncratic green, metallic notes and the sharp, geometric flacon designed by Philippe Mouquet. Just like the original, the EDP is also refillable ($196 for a 125ml refill).
Similar to H24's Eau de Toilette mythology of being inspired by the scent of irons on wool fabrics in Hermes' ateliers, the new Eau de Parfum also seeks to evoke the scent of cloth – specifically raw linen, a fabric favoured by Veronique Nichanian, artistic director of Hermes' men’s universe.
Alongside the Eau de Parfum, the H24 universe (the name is a reference to the maison's Paris flagship at 24, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore) now includes a five-piece skincare range (a lightweight moisturiser, a face mist, a bar soap, a deodorant spray and stick).
According to the maison, this is the house's first full-fledged skincare collection for men. The H24 skincare range reportedly suits all skin types in need of "calming and reconnection with the natural world" (more on that below), with an emphasis on using natural ingredients.
Below, a look at the key products of the skincare range.
Said to be a light and refreshing emulsion, this moisturiser focuses on using anti-oxidants such as extracts of aloe vera, green moss and Indian ginseng to protect the skin against external aggressors. 97 per cent of the ingredients in this formula are of natural origin.
The key ingredients in this face mist mirror that of the the moisturiser (extracts of aloe vera, green moss and Indian ginseng) to help the skin "adapt to environmental changes" and fortify it against external factors; an option to consider when traveling, perhaps?
Traditionally, bar soaps have had a reputation of drying out the skin, due to their high alkalinity (pH level) – high pH levels can disrupt the skin's natural barrier. To combat that, this Hermes bar soap has been enriched with sweet almond oil to ensure that it cleanses without drying out the skin – and you can even use it to shampoo your hair too.