Every time I need a break from staring at my laptop, I simply turn around. And no, I don’t see a blank office wall, I’m lucky enough to face Mumbai’s legendary skyline, some lush green cover, and that beautiful stretch of the sea link. It used to feel like a midday postcard, until recently. Lately, what used to be a dose of visual therapy has turned into a hazy, grey blur. The smog hangs heavy, the skyline barely visible. It’s no longer just a scenic shift but a wake-up call. It made me wonder: if my view is this visibly affected by pollution, what about my skin?
Like most of us living in fast-paced, tech-immersed environments, my skin is constantly battling invisible stressors like pollution, UV exposure, and even blue light from endless screen time. Would my everyday sunscreen really be enough to tackle all this?
Just as I was about to give up my will to find a solution, I was introduced to an iconic beauty product, updated: Lancôme’s new Génifique Ultimate Serum. While the serum has already earned its place on vanities across the globe, the brand takes it further in 2025, fusing cutting-edge science, sustainability, and the promise of true skin longevity.
A Reinvention After 17 Glorious Years
As I sat down with Dr. Annie Black, Global Scientific Director at Lancôme, amidst the immersive lab experience unveiling the product, one thing was clear- this was a power-packed reinvention. ‘It was quite difficult to improve something that was already loved,’ Dr. Black admits. In its makeover in the 17th year, the Génifique Ultimate pushes boundaries of skincare innovation by introducing Beta-Glucans to the formula. Thanks to their biomimetic structure, Beta-Glucans are not only easily absorbed but also powerfully effective. They help speed up skin recovery, calm irritation, strengthen the moisture barrier, defend against UV-related collagen loss, and visibly reduce wrinkle depth.
Repairing Pollution and Blue Light Damage
The focus on repair in the formula immediately stands out. ‘Repair is important because every day, especially in cities like Mumbai, we have a lot of pollution, heat and UV, your skin is aggressed constantly,’ points out Dr. Black. While our skin can repair everyday micro-damages, over time, this capacity of repair declines. That’s where Beta-Glucans add immense value. Captured in this formula as Beta-Glucan-CM, they activate a master molecule in our skin cells called NRF2 (what scientists call the ‘master regulator of repair’). Through this cascade, the serum helps reduce irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and reverse signs of ageing caused by environmental exposure.
While Beta-Glucans take centre stage in the new Advanced Génifique Ultimate Serum, they are supported by a potent cast of skin-loving ingredients that work in tandem to visibly renew, hydrate, and fortify the skin barrier.
At the heart of the formula is Lancôme’s iconic complex of seven pre- and probiotic fractions that work by feeding the skin’s natural flora (thanks to the prebiotics) and enhancing its resilience (through the probiotic fractions). The result is an exceptionally strengthened barrier function, better defence mechanisms, and skin that feels hydrated, firmer, and more resilient.
Complementing this microbiome technology is 900 kDa Hyaluronic Acid. It’s a powerhouse that mirrors what’s found naturally in the skin and is celebrated for its unmatched ability to lock in moisture and smooth fine lines even in the driest conditions, from air-conditioned offices to outdoor city life. The final hero ingredient in this upgraded trifecta is pure licorice extract, which not only soothes irritated skin and calms inflammation, so it’s great for any harsh reactions from pollution. Its added antioxidant benefits also help fade dark spots, making it particularly effective for Indian skin tones that are more prone to hyperpigmentation. '‘It's a very new, comprehensive formula perfectly adapted to Indian skin,’ adds Dr. Black.
Together, these ingredients make Génifique Ultimate a deeply restorative formula, one that doesn’t just defend your skin against today’s environmental stressors, but actively works to repair and prepare it for tomorrow.
Skincare That’s Smart And Sustainable
With today’s ingredient-savvy consumers demanding both transparency and eco-consciousness, Lancôme isn’t just talking the talk- it’s innovating through ‘green sciences.’
‘Biotechnology is a big part of how we make ingredients now,’ says Dr. Black. ‘We use plant cells, mushroom cells, yeast cells- like little factories- to produce active ingredients with less waste and more sustainability.’
Sustainability at Lancôme isn’t just lip service. Génifique Ultimate is now available in a refillable bottle with a dropper, a first-of-its-kind innovation. ‘Génifique (Ultimate) is the first refillable serum with a pipette,’ adds Dr. Black. And it's practical too- you get a new pipette every time you get a refill to keep the product fresh. ‘Because of this, we are able to save 177 tons of glass each year,’ she says.
The Power of Women in Science
As a scientist, educator, and vocal advocate for women in STEM, Dr. Black believes the beauty industry must lead by example. ‘Science is for women. Science is for girls, and we need more women in science,’ Dr. Black says. She believes science needs different voices and perspectives, especially when it comes to addressing the needs of women’s skin.
‘If a woman wants to be a civil engineer, work in computer science, in areas where you see a lot more men, go for it! And I really want to encourage young women and young girls to reach out for their dreams and not be afraid. They can do it,’ says Dr. Black.