What is the essence of ARgENTUM?
At its essence, ARgENTUM (which means ‘silver’ in Latin) emits the timeless strength of silver, breaking gender and age boundaries to deliver a 360 degree physical and spiritual experience. Our unique & powerful skincare features a patented formula of Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP, a combination of powerful actives from natural origins. We believe that at the very core of beauty is balance, and it’s only once we have achieved this within ourselves that beauty can truly radiate, and so with every jar of ARgENTUM you will receive one of twelve archetype cards, delivered by chance but always with love. That is the imagery and symbolic energy drawn to you ~ the archetype within you that needs balancing or focus.
How did the use of silver become such a pivotal part of your daily life?
Growing up in South Africa, my mother always used colloidal silver for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and my sister had used it to great effect through a bout of acne. Although, the pivotal moment came from my experience of having an infection after surgery that only healed when my doctor used silver-impregnated wound dressings. I guess this must have stayed at the back of my mind, but the idea to start my own beauty brand came soon after that experience, in the form of a night-time dream.
Can you tell us a bit more about the dream that led to your vision of ARgENTUM?
This dream carried immense energy and a clear vision to create ARgENTUM unfolded. I felt inspired to create something unique, something that fulfilled my idea of what the ultimate collection of boutique skincare products should represent. The concept didn’t focus on a target audience, it focused on creating something all-encompassing, that mixed science with nature ~ masculine, with feminine intuition, delivering a unisex range for all skin types.
With help and a vital introduction to a leader in the field of dermo-cosmetic science, I went on to establish a luxury range of products with a unique formula from natural origins, utilising Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP to deliver ground-breaking science that combines an uplifting spiritual ethos of finding beauty through balance.
Which people have had the greatest influence throughout the brand’s development?
There was more than one but for me the archetypes are such an important part of ARgENTUM and although I was using them to collectively tell the story of the brand, it was Sam Gray, now ARgENTUM’s Creative Director and my fiance that came up with the ingenious idea to put one of twelve archetype cards at random with every jar. It was from there that our exploration of 12 become 1 and the pursuit of beauty through balance was born. As our journey unfolds it is this magic that continues to influence and inspire us day to day.
What is your personal favorite ARgENTUM product?
It is genuinely hard to single out one product as our small range is so purposeful and I wouldn’t launch a product if I didn’t love it. If I could only take away just one it would be our hero cream, la potion infinie, a hydrating and restorative day & night cream. It’s multi-purpose (face, neck and eyes), and covers a multitude of bases such as toner, serum, moisturiser and makeup base. I even use it to wipe any fallen mascara from under my eyes over the course of the day! Now that we’ve launched our travel-sized jar of la potion infinie (14 ml), it fits easily into my handbag which means I can apply on-the-go.
You only need to use a limited amount as the formula has such potent actives, a 70ml jar lasts a good few months. Delivering hydration by penetrating the intercellular space of the skin, it absorbs instantly, tightens pores and doesn’t leave an oily film on the surface of your skin. I immediately notice a difference in my skin after using la potion infinie. There really is nothing quite like it, and with its signature scent mimicking the active ingredients by capturing the elements of fire, air, earth and water, it delivers a unique sensory experience.
What are some of the most beneficial aspects of colloidal silver (Silver Hydrosol)?
Colloidal silver is the generic term for substances with silver particles in suspension, which falls into four main types varying in particle size, charge, and purity. Silver Hydrosol (the one used in our formulas), is the ultimate refinement and purity of the colloidal silver category.
Silver Hydrosol regulates skin flora with its powerful, soothing and purifying properties that provide exquisite protection for your skin. Silver hydrosol decreases the irritant effects caused by free radicals, which in turn assists in the process of tissue protection.
Who would you say can benefit the most from using your products?
ARgENTUM was created with all skin types and ages in mind, which is what makes it so versatile. Silver itself is completely natural, so much so that it be found in mammalian milk, indicating a functional role, as well as other foods such as whole grains, and edible and medicinal mushrooms.
I have a sense of pride that our patented formulas are free from alcohol, SLS, PEGs, parabens, petroleum, silicones and the general toxic soup of ingredients found in many high-end luxury skincare brands. We have received so many beautiful love letters from customers who feel ARgENTUM has changed the appearance of their skin and helped with conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. It’s real stories like these that touch my heart and drive me to continue delivering skincare with integrity and love.
In what ways does sustainability play a role in your overall process?
We hold sustainability very close to the heart of ARgENTUM. Across all areas of the business, we opt for the most ethical, responsible and clean results.
From the very start of our journey, we chose to be ethically transparent and focused on sourcing natural ingredients from sustainable sources. We never compromise on quality, and focus on our mantra Unique & Powerful Skincare, but not at the expense of people, animals or the environment. Being responsible doesn’t stop with our formulas, it extends to our packaging. From our uncoated paper, handmade in the UK, to our glass jars and PET recyclable lids. We ensure it is all fully recyclable. Naturally, we were delighted to be presented with the Butterfly Mark Award from Positive Luxury, and wholeheartedly believe that organisations like this help to keep us focused on what’s right.
Our patented formula contains Silver Hydrosol & DNA HP. Silver Hydrosol is naturally derived without interference or impact to this natural resource. The DNA HP is extracted from salmon milt as a by-product from sustainably managed ecosystems. This raw material is sourced from the Alaskan Sea where the wild salmon are caught in accordance with council regulations. The little palm oil we use comes from a sustainable source that is certified by the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) ~ which means it is not from the endangered rain forest, with its beautiful wildlife.
What lies in ARgENTUM’s near future?
We have some wonderful new products in development that we’ve been working on for a long time to ensure the quality and innovation matches the rest of the luxury range. Our latest product launch, la lune de velours, an oil milk cleanser, was three years in the making. We seek only the finest ingredients for everything that we produce, and we are committed to sourcing all our ingredients by selecting producers who share ethics close to our heart. We are fully committed to sourcing the best formula, texture and quality that provides luxurious skincare treatments, which can be very time-consuming ~ but I wouldn’t have it any other way. For now, all I can say is watch this space…
Any final words you’d like to share with our readers?
Beautiful skin begins with cleansing and hydration in combination with sleep and a healthy diet. Genetics also play a huge role, so we work with the tools we have. I also think it is important to focus on inner beauty as that type of magnificence only ever radiates outwards. At ARgENTUM we believe in using one’s own intuition, especially with regards to your skin and what it needs. Less is more ~ I don’t believe in layering when using skincare, and instead, focus on using products that have powerful active ingredients with a natural composition. Look in the mirror and see what you really need.
Tags: Skin Care
J. R. Thesis Smith is a mixed-race millenial in the dawn of their 30s & a wordsmith of sorts. They've spent most of their waking life in the U.S. – in the urban sprawl of NYC that is New Jersey, in the depths of its suburban echoes – but always dreamed of making their way across a bigger pond, to a place where opportunity would knock a little more often. After completing their training at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts (effectively spending three poor years in NYC) as a dance major, they gifted themselves a semester of studying abroad in Berlin, and in doing so kept a vow made in early adolescence – thereby inciting a metamorphosis of promise into full-bodied intention: to eventually fully emigrate to Berlin, the first space that had ever allowed them the freedom to find their own breath, their pace of existence. Now that they finally live there, they're learning how to breathe again – striving to become a more active member of the Undercommons as they continue on the odyssey that is their self-realization as an artistic being. Their most resonant hope is that they will be able to say what is true & necessary & kind; that people will find the time to listen, to themselves and each other; and that their voice will inspire other voices to speak out in turn.
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