From Paris with Plants: The New Skincare Standard at Opal Spas
French-born and family-run, Yon-Ka Paris delivers plant-powered skincare with a legacy of proven results that dates back to the 1950s – and, now, it’s the new signature line at all Opal Spas.
“Skincare you can’t live without,” “like Botox in a bottle,” “my secret weapon.”
This high praise has echoed from the likes of Vogue, Glamour, InStyle, Women’s Health, Harper’s Bazaar. Basically, you name a leading luxury lifestyle media outlet, and a Yon-Ka Paris product has been hailed as a must-have in the routines of its discerning beauty editors.
Still, it wasn’t solely the buzz or the big-name endorsements that led Opal Collection to recently choose the Parisian skincare brand as the signature line for its 12 resort spas. “It was much more thoughtful than that,” said Christelle Fourcade, director of global business development for Yon-Ka’s hospitality division. “Prestige is important, but Opal was after something deeper.”
Here’s precisely what makes the line so special, plus five must-have Yon-Ka products you can experience in a treatment (and purchase after!) at any Opal Spa.
IT’S A THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY COMPANY, JUST LIKE OPAL
Who Owns Yon-Ka Paris?
Yon-Ka may be the luxury skincare line of celebs now, but it began with humble beginnings on the Mühlethaler family farm on the outskirts of Paris in 1954. Founded by brothers Ernest and Charles Mühlethaler, along with Ernest’s wife, Cécile, Laboratories Multaler – as it was then known – harnessed the therapeutic power of plants by crafting healing essential oil blends.
“These blends were originally used to treat burn victims,” explained Fourcade, who has been with Yon-Ka since 2021. “These potent, plant-based blends proved remarkably effective – not just for healing damaged tissue, but also for restoring skin health more broadly.” In 1968, the formulations came under the direction of sisters Catherine (an esthetician) and Francoise (a biochemist) Mühlethaler, who branded Yon-Ka and adapted it into an international luxury skincare line. Today, the company is still run by Catherine (now in her early 80s) and her son, Alexis Wolkowinski.
“That means the family business is now in its third-generation,” said Fourcade. “That really resonated with the Opal team since it, too, is a family-run company now being overseen by the third-generation.”
THE PROPRIETY BLEND UNDERPINNING EVERY PRODUCT
What is the Yon-Ka Quintessence?
From the very beginning, the Mühlethalers’ work was rooted in aromatherapy and phytotherapy – two fields barely on the radar of mainstream medicine in the 1950s. Through this research, they developed a proprietary blend of five essential oils that, when used together, delivered a far more powerful and balanced therapeutic effect than when used separately. Like a multi-action medicine cabinet in a bottle, this active-beauty concentrate became known as “The Quintessence,” and it is still the foundation of each and every Yon-Ka product to this day. Chosen based on clinical observation and biochemical properties, the five oils consist of:
- Lavender for soothing and regeneration
- Rosemary for detoxifying and firming
- Geranium for anti-aging and skin balancing
- Thyme for purifying and invigorating
- Cypress for refining
“It’s not just an important ingredient in the formulations, but all Yon-Ka facials start with it as a ritual element,” said Fourcade. “The technician will use a concentrated emulsion of the Yon-Ka Quintessence on the face. It helps give them a good picture of the skin’s needs – is it dry, sensitive, oily, dull? – so that they can tailor the treatment accordingly.”
CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTS THAT EVOLVE WITH YOU
What is a Yon-Ka Facial?
At the heart of every Yon-Ka facial is a tailored approach. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all protocols, after the esthetician evaluates your skin’s current condition, the treatment is going to then be curated using Yon-Ka’s extensive range of botanical-based concentrates, emulsions, masks, and serums. Each facial is adapted in real time – for example, if your skin is suddenly reacting to weather changes, stress, or hormonal shifts, your treatment will shift too. A technician may include or omit steps like double exfoliation, oxygenating masks, or lymphatic drainage massage or use certain boosters or serums if you’re dehydrated, acne prone, sensitive, dealing with fine lines, etc.
“Adjustments will always be made,” said Fourcade. “The same facial may be performed very differently on someone in their 20s versus someone in the 40s.” Which is why Yon-ka-based treatments are touted as multigenerational. “We meet the needs of a wide range of spa-goers this way. And they continue to get the same facial as they age because it evolves with them.”
Perhaps that why Yon-Ka now has 6,000 worldwide partners across five continents – 1,600 of those partners are in the U.S. and consist of everything from day spas and medi spas to resort spas, like Opal.
MORE THAN A RED-CARPET FACIAL
All-Around Body Skincare
Yon-Ka is widely known for its facial skincare, but its philosophy and expertise extend well beyond the face – offering a line of body care products and treatments designed to deliver results from head to toe. Rooted in the same botanical and aromatherapeutic principles that define their facial line, Yon-Ka body care blends plant-based actives, essential oils, and targeted techniques to treat the skin and the senses. Key products include Gommage Doux, a gentle exfoliating body scrub; Lait Hydratant, a lightweight hydrating body milk; and Huile Délicieuse, a nourishing dry oil that leaves skin silky and radiant. For targeted concerns, Huile Silhouette helps firm and smooth, while Crème 55 promotes drainage and toning for the legs.
“It’s a little bit smaller than our facial line,” says Fourcade. “But it’s lean and mean.” The brand also offers a tailored men’s line with straightforward, effective routines men can actually stick to. The textures are light, the scents are clean and invigorating, and the results speak for themselves – whether it’s calming post-shave irritation, hydrating dry skin, or defending against early signs of aging.
“It goes back to Yon-Ka’s balanced approach to skincare,” says Fourcade, “providing personalized, results-driven care for everybody, at every stage of life.”
Lotion Yon-Ka
One of Yon-Ka’s most beloved products, a bottle of this multi-action facial toner is sold every three minutes worldwide. It purifies, tones, and soothes while prepping skin for serums and creams, and comes in two formulas: PS for dry/sensitive skin (pictured left) and PNG for normal/oily skin (pictured right).
Elixir Vital
Fourcade’s own personal must-have product for giving that glassy-skin glow, this age-defying serum has been a staple in the Yon-Ka skincare line since the 1960s with new-and-improved formulas only making it better generation after generation.
Phyto-Contour Eye Cream
This eye cream is a cult favorite for its ability to instantly decongest, brighten, and refresh the eye area. “It’s like a shot of espresso for the eyes, draining puffiness and brightening tired skin. You instantly look more awake with use,” adds Fourcade.
Glyconight 10% Masque
Fourcade refers to this creamy sleep mask as a “mini-bootcamp for your skin” for the way it blends professional-grade exfoliation with the soothing, restorative power Yon-Ka is known for.
Time Resist Duo
Consisting of a night cream (“crème nuit”) and day cream (“crème jour”), this powerful set works around the clock to combat fine lines, loss of firmness, and dullness. The day cream focuses on protection and hydration, while the night cream works to boost cell renewal and repair.
