When science meets the senses: Gattefossé celebrates 30 years of sensory expertise excellence
Gattefossé marks 30 years of sensory expertise. Since 1996, we have developed a structured approach to understand and measure sensory perceptions, supporting the creation of high-performance formulations from the very design of its ingredients.
A pioneer in scientific sensory evaluation
From the creation of our internal sensory panel, we implemented rigorous methodologies to measure, analyze, and interpret the sensory properties of our formulations. Over time, this work has led to a unique database linking hundreds of formulas with detailed sensory profiles, now used both for internal product development and market benchmarking.
“Our expertise in lipid chemistry allows us to closely connect ingredient properties with the sensations they deliver. The challenge is to transform perception into objective, measurable data, guiding our developments and providing concrete insights for our clients.”
Vincent Hubiche, Global Applications Manager Personal Care
A panel of trained experts
Today, this work relies on an internal panel of 17 trained judges in France, compared to 9 at its inception. Drawn from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, these judges take part in two sensory evaluation sessions per week. Conducted in short time slots, each session allows multiple formulas to be assessed, including products developments, customers projects, comparative tests, and market products.
The panel is renewed in waves, roughly every five years, with new members trained as needed to maintain enough skilled judges and ensure statistically reliable results. Continuity is also supported by experienced members, including one person who has been with the panel since the beginning.
From physico-chemistry to consumer experience
Sensory analysis is closely linked to physico-chemical properties of formulations. Texture on application, spreadability, absorption, and residual film are all measured to better understand the relationship between a formula’s structure and how it is perceived.
This approach enables precise system adjustments and the design of differentiated textures that meet consumer expectations. Sensory performance plays a key role in first impressions, product usage, and long-term loyalty.
Expertise driving innovation globally
Sensory analysis supports Gattefossé's innovation strategy, fostering collaboration between R&D chemists and formulators to create distinctive textures with proven effectiveness. It also supports the group's international expansion, including the recent opening of a dedicated space in our Technical Center of Excellence in China.
“China is composed of highly knowledgeable consumers with very high expectations regarding texture and skin feel. With our new sensory analysis facility in Shanghai, our French and Chinese experts will collaborate to design innovative ingredients tailored to this market,”
Paula Lennon, Group Director Personal Care
More than a milestone, this 30-year anniversary reaffirms Gattefossé’s vision: combining chemistry, formulation expertise and advanced characterization to create high-value ingredients with a distinctive and measurable sensory signature.
Related content
Sensory analysis
As a leader in the field, we have established a panel of experts specialized in the characterization of textures - cosmetic products and topical pharmaceutical formulations. They can accurately assess the physical and sensorial properties of any product and translate these impressions into objective data, regardless of whether they are evaluating our own formulas or any other product on the market.
Skin biology
Gattefossé opened a cell biology laboratory, including clean rooms, at its headquarters in 2013. The laboratory technicians and scientists work on skin cells and tissues and carry out research in skin biology aimed at developing cosmetic substantiation tests and innovative investigative models.
Application laboratories
Gattefossé application laboratories are responsible for demonstrating the benefits our ingredients can offer to prototype formulations. They provide advanced technical support needed to develop a cosmetics and drug formulas.
