Meaningful Beauty: What You Need to Know

The Meaningful Beauty line of skin-care products was founded in 2004 by Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh, a French cosmetics doctor, and supermodel Cindy Crawford. Featuring hydrating, moisturizing, and firming products, the line primarily aims to rejuvenate skin and fight signs of aging (such as fine lines and sun damage). The brand promises results in the form of plumper, brighter, and more even-toned skin. 

Its key ingredient is superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant extracted from Charentais melons grown in the south of France. According to a 2018 study, SOD does have therapeutic benefits when it’s ingested, though studies on its topical effects are hard to come by. 

In 2017, Meaningful Beauty revamped its product formulas. Changes included adding an ingredient to its daytime moisturizer that the company claims protects against the damage caused by infrared and blue light (the kind emitted by smartphones, computer monitors, and televisions). Additionally, the line’s hero product, Youth Activating Melon Serum, now features melon leaf stem cells. Other products in the line highlight ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

Currently, there are about a dozen products offered, which can be bought individually or in a 5-piece or 7-piece system as a complete skin-care routine. Popular Meaningful Beauty products include:

• Skin Softening Cleanser
• Deep Cleansing Masque
• Youth Activating Melon Serum
• Crème de Sérum
• Glowing Serum
• Ultra Lifting and Filling Treatment
• Anti-Aging Day Crème with Environmental Protection SPF 30 
• Lifting Eye Crème Advanced Formula
• Age Recovery Night Crème with Melon Extract & Retinol

Most online reviews of Meaningful Beauty are mixed. Some reviewers criticize the brand for not containing “cleaner” ingredients, noting that the formulas contain parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances—ingredients that have been approved for cosmetic use in the United States but deemed potentially harmful or irritating by the Environmental Working Group. 

When asked about some of Meaningful Beauty’s product claims, Dr. Stephen Mandy, a dermatologic surgeon in Miami Beach, Florida, said that “the truth is, the FDA does not investigate cosmetics claims, only those that make ‘drug’ claims—which means that the product alters the normal structure and function of living tissue. Most commercials skirt these claims with carefully worded promises. I cannot directly answer your question about [the Meaningful Beauty] melon’s effectiveness, but I have seen the commercials, which are very carefully worded. Caveat emptor—buyer beware.”