Our History
COTTAN first emerged at the intersection of formulatory art and Art Nouveau, two disciplines that celebrate nature in the service of beauty. Today, the brand is reborn with the firm belief that the inspiration and expertise of that golden age, combined with modern science, can illuminate the future of beauty.
Paris, 1840.
The metric system is adopted, Balzac introduces Vautrin, Zola and Monet are born, and Jean-François Arsène founds the Dr. COTTAN's Hygiene Society.
In the mid-19th century, this pioneer became aware of a troubling fact: the vast majority of cosmetic products intended for skin care were, in reality, all too often made from harmful ingredients that were more likely to roughen and dry out the skin than to preserve its beauty.
Driven by the health movement of his time, he drew on medical and pharmaceutical knowledge to develop the very first collection of healthy and natural products, free of animal-derived ingredients, which truly ensure the skin’s radiance, softness, and health.
Success was not long in coming, and on May 10, 1842, with two patents in hand, J-F.A. COTTAN set up shop at 5 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. From the heart of Paris, he wins the hearts of the ladies of France, then Europe, and even America. A second iconic perfume shop opened on Rue de Châteaudun, and the product line expanded through the years successive collections to cover every aspect of personal care, from skincare and makeup to exceptional fragrances that remain highly sought after by collectors today.
After his death in 1869, his estate passed into the hands of his partners, who were quick to expand the company's prestige and reputation.
"Dr. COTTAN's successors, while keeping pace with scientific advances, have always carefully observed the the founder's principles"This is why, in our more recent product lines—such as violet milk cream, Kalodermal lotion, eye shadows, and so on—we use only ingredients with the most effective hygienic properties."
Excerpt from: French Perfumery and the Art of Presentation, 1925.
In the early 20th century, the company established itself on Rue de Rivoli and became a a must-visit spot for stylish Parisian women, alongside big names such as Coty, Molinard, and Guerlain. Unfortunately, the factory and workshops in Courbevoie burned down during World War I, and despite the release of a few luxury perfumes before the 1929 crisis, these difficult historical circumstances ultimately dashed the last hopes of the COTTAN house.
His memory will fade over the years, despite Scientific heritage and sensory imagination which is still remembered today. Yet this original expertise, which forms the foundation of modern cosmetics, offers so many advantages when it comes to today's challenges :
"Without going too far back in time or delving into so-called miracle cures, one particular period stands out: the second half of the 19th century. It was during this time that the cosmetics industry emerged, replacing the artisanal and traditional methods of the preceding era. This period saw the rise of brands that offered many products whose modernity is still surprising."
Excerpt from: Jean-Claude Le Joliff in Legato No. 1, 2021.
As Clean Beauty and veganism challenge the very foundations of the cosmetics industry, it seems obvious to us that Dr. Cottan's innovative spirit is more relevant than ever.
In an effort to celebrate his legacy, we explore his most wonderful creations, and, with the invaluable help of our master formulators, we are breathing new life into Jean-François Arsène’s vision, in light of the latest advances in French dermocosmetic expertise, to reveal just how modern they are.
Our first collection, Arsène, draws inspiration from the company’s greatest hits: beauty vinegar, the authentic evanescent cream, and the softened soap. A bold reimagining of the original formulas, driven by the definition of codes of a new style of writing.
The new art of formulation, for the future.
This philosophy, rooted in the original expertise of 19th-century master formulators, guides every step taken by Cottan to offer, both today and tomorrow, a different approach in the design of cosmetic products.
In fact, a master formulator has no need for miracle ingredients or a multi-page INCI list. These are two extremes between which marketing pressures cause the good balance beauty products
The relevance of a formula is measured by accuracy its proportions, and to ingenuity designed to deliver the best performance through the purest, most balanced formulations.
A living art form that is mastered through practice and defines the elegance of your cosmetics.