Introducing ARgENTUM, our latest Walpole member

Forged in the supernovae of stars, silver has an illuminating, other-worldly quality that sits comfortably with its scientifically-backed benefits for skin health. Founder Joy Isaacs was inspired to start the ARgENTUM brand in 2012 after awakening one morning from a dream about the healing power of silver – and a serendipitous conversation brought an introduction to dermo cosmetic scientist, Dr Gilbert Mouzin. Intrigued, Dr Mouzin researched and formulated what is now the brand’s patented fusion of Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP. 

Learn a little more about ARgENTUM, our latest Walpole member, in our interview with its Founder and CEO Joy Isaacs below...

Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…

Joy Isaacs: The story of the brand begins with a dream I had back in 2010 – by which I mean a literal dream that I woke from one morning. Silver had been in my life since I was a child as my mum would use colloidal silver on cuts and grazes. Later, my sister used it for a breakout of acne and the results were incredible. I found later in life that silver-mesh dressings helped me recover from surgery in a way that must have reignited my sub-concious. The antimicrobial power of silver has been known for centuries, even before the science around it emerged, and I felt inspired to share the extraordinary benefits for skin health with a wider audience. ARgENTUM is a dream made real and celebrates the natural intelligence that is available to us. Nature is always looking to maintain harmony and balance, and the ingredients we use in our products support this.

What is your brand best known for?

Our iconic face cream, La Potion Infinie, was the first product we ever created using our patented formula of Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP. This is still our number one hero product and it set the tone for the curated collection of skincare products. The fact that it has this symbiotic relationship at its heart of Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP – that is pure science but it is 99.2% from natural origins – feels like a contradiction, but that’s natural intelligence in action. It’s so poetic because it’s deceptively simple and yet complex at the same time.

What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?

There have been quite a few, but the fact that our brand’s primary skincare formula of Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP is patented in nine countries continues to feel like a wonderful achievement. Our restorative day and night cream, La Potion Infinie, has been microbiome assessed, which shows how the cream eliminates bad bacteria without disturbing the balance of the microbiome. People are more aware of how products can actually disrupt the function of the skin barrier and cause damage, so we’re really proud that our formulations actively support the skin’s microbiome. Opening our flagship store in Notting Hill last year was such a highlight as we now have a space in which people can totally immerse themselves in the world of ARgENTUM.

Why do you love the brand?

ARgENTUM is a whole experience. It has depth and meaning that allows an exploration of beauty in a more profound way, because ultimately it’s about the connection to self. I have always been interested in symbology because it is symbolism that speaks to us on a subconscious level, which then reaches the heart, mind and soul. It’s different to understand something intellectually than to understand it in the very fibres of your body. We use the symbols of the sun and moon a lot at ARgENTUM and our whole philosophy is based on integrating and balancing the feminine and masculine in all of us.

There are also the twelve archetype energies which have been instrumental to the brand’s journey. This is where the inspiration for our collection of alcohol-free eaux de parfums came from – twelve unique scents that embody archetypes such as the Sage or the Rebel, the Lover or the Magician.

Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?

Modern luxury infuses deep connective story-telling and purpose, from the conception of an idea right the way through to the finished product. Every detail has reasoning behind it and is incredibly well thought through. Luxury is also about time; the time it takes to source the finest ingredients or materials for whatever you’re creating and then the time that the finished item allows the customer to indulge their senses, to take a moment from the demands of everyday life. That moment at the start or the end of the day is literally a reflective space as we’re often standing in front of a mirror.

Britain has a long tradition of craftsmanship and luxury so the supply partners we work with are all part of continuing that tradition in a modern way. We aim to source and produce as much as we can within the UK, and we often involve artisans in our work, for example, the silver leaf sign-painting on the windows of our Notting Hill store.  

What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?

Walpole and its members set the standard for British luxury, so we’re delighted to be amongst such a distinguished group. It’s also important in this age of fast-fashion and mass-produced products to help the discerning customer understand what makes a luxury item. The story behind it, the provenance, the craftsmanship, these are all important to keep alive. It’s the balance between modernity and tradition.

If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?

We’re talking to G.F Smith about a very exciting project for 2024. Watch this space.

Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?

We have plans to expand our lifestyle offering, which feels like a natural progression, and will include both beauty and wellness treatments at our flagship store in Notting Hill. You’ll have to wait and see what’s to come, but we’re very excited about it – there’s lots in the pipeline!