CHINA. High-performance French skincare brand Galénic has partnered with China Duty Free Group for an immersive seasonal campaign at cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Haitang Bay.
Opened in April and running through August, the Summer Brightening pop-up highlights the brand’s skincare science through an engaging retail environment created for international visitors during the peak travel season at China’s key travel retail destination.
Located in Block A of the shopping emporium, the activation leverages Sanya’s position as a key hub for premium global brands within the Hainan Free Trade Port, aligned with strong demand for advanced skincare in travel retail.
The initiative aims to support the brand’s growth in China’s travel retail while showcasing its skincare expertise to a global audience.
The pop-up blends the brand’s scientific heritage with French salon-inspired design, allowing guests a firsthand experience of the effects of its advanced skincare technology.
Galénic Europe General Manager Sarah Michel-Stevens said, “The opening of the Sanya pop-up store is a significant milestone in Galénic’s journey.
“As a high-performance skincare authority rooted in pharmaceutical science for over 45 years, we always adhere to efficient, scientific cell-level skincare solutions, dedicated to bringing refined and elegant skincare experiences to global consumers.
“This launch at cdf Sanya Haitang Bay International Duty-Free City marks the deepening of Galenic’s strategic deployment in China’s travel retail market.
“Inspired by French elegance and scientific rigour, we have created an immersive tech-skincare experience that resonates emotionally with travellers seeking high-quality skincare. Sanya’s vibrant travel culture is the ideal place to bring this vision to life.”
China Tourism Group Duty-Free Corporation Deputy General Manager of Merchandise Department Liu Xu added, “CDFG is delighted to further deepen our partnership with Galénic, a premium tech-skincare brand, by introducing this Sanya pop-up store.
“Galénic’s pharmaceutical heritage, cell-level anchor penetration technology, and precision high-performance skincare philosophy align perfectly with CDFG’s strategy of pursuing high-quality, differentiated experiences. We are actively building a premier destination for ‘first stores, first launches, and first shows’.
“The Galénic pop-up store integrates retail innovation, tech-skincare and French aesthetics, driving Hainan’s transformation from ‘commodity sales’ to ‘experience economy’, and together reshaping how travellers interact with premium tech-skincare brands.”
The ‘Cell-level skincare lab’ experience
Reimagined as an immersive ‘cell-level skincare lab’, the pop-up reflects the brand’s approach to skincare development, rooted in pharmaceutical precision and French salon aesthetics.
It includes a professional skin diagnostic zone with analysers that evaluate skin across eight dimensions to deliver tailored one-to-one skincare solutions, alongside guided consultations across the brand’s product range.
Science-led performance
Galénic’s Summer Brightening offer is led by a power duo of Galéniceutiques [N°1] VC Brightening Serum and Couture Secret d’Excellence The UV Multiprotection, bringing together the brand’s cell-level skincare science in a system that spans protection to radiance boosting.
The serum is recognised as a leading premium L-ascorbic acid product in global retail sales, using a powder-liquid separation single-dose system within a light-proof, anhydrous chamber to maintain a 20% high-concentration pure vitamin C formula.
Clinical data confirms results after just one use, with skin brightness improving by 31.58% and skin fineness by 36%, while also showing visible reductions in dullness and sallowness. After 28 days, overall facial brightness increases by one full shade.
Couture Secret d’Excellence The UV Multiprotection is a high-performance, skincare-grade sunscreen that targets spot correction and photoaging, with dual certifications for sun protection and whitening benefits.
With SPF50+ PA++++, the product delivers up to 14 hours of protection while supporting whitening effects during sun exposure.
A polar bio-protection system incorporates the patented Acti-Klotho ingredient with a six-layer UV filter matrix, blocking up to 98% of UV rays and providing six-dimensional protection against tanning, redness and ageing.
The formula’s spot-correction benefits are enabled by ActiveAnchor Cell-Level Anchor Penetration Technology, together with bisabolol and Brightenyl, a recognised bio-brightening agent.
After 28 days of use, clinical data shows a +20.63% increase in skin brightness, a -5.01% reduction in spots, and a +5.88% improvement in skin elasticity.
The formula’s lightweight, rich texture melts seamlessly into the skin, enriched with nourishing ingredients that support the skin barrier and provide a silky, premium hydration experience.
Galénic will also partner with the Exclusive Beauty Center at cdf Sanya Block C on the third floor for the launch of its first duty-free firming beauty capsule tech spa, alongside plans to work with high-end hotels in Sanya to reach high-net-worth consumers.
Established in 1978 in Paris by Dr Pierre Fabre, Galénic belongs to the Pierre Fabre Group, a global leader in dermo-cosmetics with operations in over 130 countries. Since its 2020 entry into China, the brand has grown rapidly in the premium skincare segment.
Looking ahead, Galénic noted its plans to build on its ‘Excellence Powered by Science’ philosophy, combining pharmaceutical heritage with French identity to advance science-led skincare. 🏝️
