Our History
COTTAN first blossomed at the confluence of formal art and art nouveau, two disciplines that magnify nature in the service of beauty. Today, it is reborn with the deep conviction that the inspiration and expertise of this golden age, combined with contemporary 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 Hygiene Company.
In the mid-19th century, this pioneer became aware of a disturbing fact: the vast majority of cosmetic products intended for skin care were, in reality, too often composed of harmful ingredients that were more likely to harden and dry out the skin than to preserve its beauty.
Influenced by the hygienist movement of his time, he drew on medical and pharmaceutical knowledge to shape the very first collection of healthy and natural products, free from animal-derived compounds, truly guaranteeing the radiance, softness, and health of the skin.
Success was not long in coming, and on May 10, 1842, with two patents in hand, J-F.A. COTTAN moved into 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 range expanded. through innovations successive collections covering all aspects of personal care, from facial care and makeup to exceptional fragrances that are still highly prized by collectors today.
After his death in 1869, his work passed into the hands of his associates, who did not fail to increase the prestige and reputation of the company.
"Dr. COTTAN's successors, while keeping up with scientific advances, have always carefully observed the principles of the company's founderThus, in more recent creations, such as violet milk cream, Kalodermal fluid, cosmetics, etc., only products with the most effective hygienic qualities are used.
Excerpt from: French Perfumery and the Art of Presentation, 1925.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the company moved to Rue de Rivoli and became a the go-to address for elegant Parisian women, alongside big names such as Coty, Molinard, and Guerlain. Unfortunately, the factory and workshops located in Courbevoie burned down during World War I, and despite the release of a few luxury perfumes before the crisis of 1929, this difficult historical context would ultimately dash the last hopes of the COTTAN company.
His memory will fade over the years, despite scientific heritage and sensory imagination that still bears his name in people's memories. Yet this original expertise, which forms the basis of contemporary cosmetics, offers so many advantages over today's challenges :
Without going too far back in time and to miraculous recipes, one particular period stands out: the second half of the 19th century. It was during this period that cosmetics became an industry, replacing the artisanal and traditional approach of the previous period. This period saw the emergence of brands offering many products whose modernity is still astonishing."
Excerpt from: Jean-Claude Le Joliff in Legato No. 1, 2021.
While Clean Beauty and veganism are challenging the foundations of cosmetics, it seems obvious to us that Dr. Cottan's innovative spirit is more relevant than ever.
In an effort to celebrate his legacy, we decipher his most wonderful preparations, and, with the invaluable assistance of our master formulators, we are breathing new life into Jean-François Arsène's aspirations, in light of the latest advances in French dermocosmetic genius, to reveal their full modernity.
Our first collection, Arsène, is inspired by the greatest successes of the hygiene company: beauty vinegar, authentic evanescent cream, and sweetened soap. A bold rewriting of the original recipes, motivated by the definition of codes of a new formulaic art.
The new art of formulation, for the future.
This philosophy, inherited from the original expertise of the master formulators of the 19th century, guides every step taken by Cottan in order to offer, both today and tomorrow, another approach the design of cosmetic products.
In fact, master formulators have no need for miracle ingredients or INCI lists several pages long. Two extremes between which marketing issues cause the good balance products offered in the beauty sector.
The relevance of a formula is measured by accuracy of its proportions, and to ingenuity implemented to deliver the best performance using the most refined, balanced compositions.
A living art that is learned through practice and defines the elegance of your cosmetics.
Each of our products is developed according to these principles, to fully deliver on its promise of efficiency and sensory pleasure. Welcome to COTTAN.
The world's first brand certified 100% CLEAN BEAUTY by the independent international laboratory Biorus. Link to the audit method.
Over 200 reviews with an average rating of 5 stars and the "Diamond Transparency" label verified by the independent website Judge.me