La Roche-Posay × HELNIUM
Vienna, Austria · 2026
01 — THE COLLABORATION
SCIENTIFIC IMAGING FOR SKINCARE
Helnium collaborated with La Roche-Posay for EADV 2026 in Vienna to develop a series of microscopic images from selected skincare ingredients. The project combined sample preparation, crystallisation and polarised light microscopy to create high-resolution imagery from the ingredients themselves. The final work was presented as part of the La Roche-Posay activation at the congress, alongside a live microscopy experience.
02 — THE INGREDIENTS
PURE SKINCARE COMPOUNDS
The project started with a selection of compounds used in skincare:
Niacinamide · Vitamin B3
Salicylic Acid
Ascorbic Acid · Vitamin C
Pantothenic Acid · Vitamin B5
Urea
Caffeine
Each compound was prepared separately and tested under different crystallisation conditions to obtain samples suitable for microscopy. For the final EADV visual presentation, the collection focused specifically on niacinamide, in connection with La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 range.
03 — THE EXPERIMENT
CRYSTALLISATION
Each sample was prepared on a microscope slide and allowed to crystallise under controlled experimental conditions. Parameters such as solvent, concentration, sample thickness and evaporation conditions influence nucleation and crystal growth. Multiple samples were therefore prepared to explore different morphologies and select the strongest structures for imaging. The resulting slides were then examined individually under the microscope.
04 — THE IMAGING
POLARISED LIGHT MICROSCOPY
The crystallised samples were observed and photographed using polarised light microscopy. Crystalline materials can interact with polarised light according to their optical properties, orientation and thickness. Under crossed polarisers, this produces variations in intensity and interference colours that reveal structures that are difficult or impossible to observe with the naked eye. The colours shown in the final micrographs result from the interaction between the crystalline material and polarised light. Ici tu mets tes images les plus fortes en très grand, avec nom de la molécule en petite légende.
04 — NIACINAMIDE AT EADV
FROM MICROSCOPY TO THE FINAL INSTALLATION
For the final presentation, the project focused on niacinamide (Vitamin B3). A selection of high-resolution micrographs was developed from the crystallised samples. The images were presented as a continuous visual video loop on the La Roche-Posay stand at EADV 2026 in Vienna, alongside the live polarising microscope. The installation connected the complete process, from the original ingredient and crystallisation experiments to the final scientific imagery.
