Thalgo

Thalgo is a French company whose products are themed on, or derived from, the sea. Thalgo (say "Talgo") began in 1978 when they produced and patented their "micro-exploded algae". The Micronised Marine Algae powder contains seawater and algae-based ingredients.

They harvest the algae off the coast of Brittany (where they also have a spa). They do this at the time of the equinoxes, as this is when the nutrients are apparently at their maximum.

Thalgo's range of beauty products extends to nutrition. They offer a whole range of plant-based supplements to combat everything from the effects of the menopause, to tiredness, to excess weight, and anxiety.

What's Thalgo's "thing"? (USP)

Their micro-exploded algae, of course!

Thalgo's strapline is "Beaute marine" or "Marine Beauty/Beauty of the sea". Thalgo's approach is based on the idea, "from which all life arose". As we all originally lived in the sea, they say, we have a natural affinity with it. Therefore the sea's nutrients and minerals are particularly good for us.

Thalgo have a number of thalassotherapy centres in France where you can immerse yourself in the total Thalgo experience, with seawater- and algae-based spa treatments, teas, potions, lotions and capsules.

They say:

"Experts in Marine Spa Therapies, Thalgo has drawn on the riches of the ocean to find the essential elements for authentic and effective cosmetology... Research scientists have developed a unique 'know-how' in harnessing the powerful riches of the sea."

We say:

"We're fans of Thalgo, but love their true marine-based products best."

 

Good Spa Guide bubbles

 

 

Thalgo products - what have we tried?

Thalgo Deep Sea Scrub

Sedate Spy:

Thalgo is one of those brands who can do virtually no wrong in my eyes. All of their products consistently work for me and this scrub is no different. The packaging promises "memories of the ocean, volcanic sand and algae ... your skin is as if reborn, and glowing with life". For once, you can believe the hype.

It is easy to use. You apply to dry or damp skin in small circular movements all over the body, then shower off. I used the scrub more intensively in areas of particular dryness and found that it really did work harder. I loved the velvety texture of this scrub and the smell was fresh and full of citrus fruits. Would I continue to use this product? Definitely.

RRP £36, 200ml

Verdict: A luxurious body scrub that shines high above many others.

 

Cocooning cleansing milk for dry or sensitive skin

Salubrious Spy:

My first response on being handed a dusky-pink frosted-plastic bottle was surprise at its colour. I'd expected a marine-oriented brand to be more, well, marine-coloured. In fact, the only marine element I could see listed on the bottle was red algae extract "to revitalise", and, apparently, date extract to soften.

The white lotion was cool and smooth, and smelled like a cross between talc and joss sticks. Not unpleasant , but not particularly marine. The milk did the job of removing my make-up admirably, but left a slight tingly feeling afterwards, so I wasn't convinced that it was ideal for sensitive skin. On the plus side, the cleansing milk is paraben free.

RRP £19, 250ml

Verdict: Removes make-up well, but the tingles may lead you to steer clear if you actually have sensitive skin.


ThalgoSculpt Expert Cream

Sassy Spy:

The eye-catching packaging was an instant hit with me: a cerise pink sheath housing a bondi blue box. It exuded a cheerful, young and trendy appeal.

Professing to be an "expert cream", the box has a lot of information all over it, in a variety of languages. The lack of "bad" ingredients was very appealing. There are no parabens, no GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and no animal-derived ingredients. It's mineral-oil-free, and propylene-glycol-free, too.

The box promised "astonishing tightening properties" and "cellular contraction" which sounded appealing. I wondered, though, the claims of lifting and sculpting capabilities.

Intrigued, I delved inwards and found a transparent frosted tub with a white inner, and a metallic blue lid. The product had a light, fruity waft, and was a thick, dense cream: cold to touch and to apply. The cream took a bit of time to absorb, so isn't so good if you are in a hurry.

Containing shea butter and beeswax, the cream left my skin feeling as if it had a light coating. After prolonged use, my skin felt lovely and soft but I was not really "astonished", recognisably slimmer, or sculpted. To be fair, the product did appear to even out my skin tone nicely.

RRP £50.60, 200ml

Verdict: A thick body butter that leaves a "protective" feeling..


First wrinkles collagen cream

Single Spy:

Sometimes, as you get older, you need to put something serious on your skin. The Thalgo blue-and-silver pot contains a thick pink cream. The cream promises hydration and to fight first wrinkles with the power of marine collagen. "Fine lines seem to fade away..." whispers the box, soothingly. Well, we all know that nothing short of Botox can actually remove lines, but making them "seem to" fade would be good enough for me.

The velvety-soft rich cream smelt pleasant but felt wonderful. It took a little while to absorb (I think I used too much) but instantly made my face feel supple and moisturised. The lines didn't "seem to" fade much, on close examination, but I liked the softness this cream bestowed.

RRP £47, 50ml

Verdict: A rich hydrating cream for skin that needs all the help it can get!

 

Where can I find Thalgo products?

At these spas:

 

...and at many other UK spas.

 

Where can I buy Thalgo products?:

 

See also:

 

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