This year marks 25 incredible years since Jess Vivier founded Vivier Pharma Inc., now recognized as a leading pharmaceutical-grade skincare brand. From the very beginning, our mission has been to create the world’s best skincare products, through ingenious science, innovation and technology to deliver “The Beauty of Results”. Vivier’s products are available in over 1,500 medical clinics across Canada and the USA as well as direct through our website.
“When we started, our goal was to create the best Vitamin C serum in the world,” Jess Vivier shared. “Today, we offer an extensive portfolio of products addressing a wide range of skin concerns. This milestone is a testament to the loyalty of our customers, the dedication of our employees, and the trust of our physician partners. It warms my heart to see how many lives our products have touched.”
A Brief History
Motivated by his wife Cindy’s quest for quality skincare—and frustrated by products not meeting their claims, Jess and Cindy were determined to create something better. “We tried so many products that made big promises but simply didn’t deliver,” he shared. “Some even caused redness, breakouts, or dryness. We were tired of it.”
With over 30 years of experience in pharmaceuticals and clinical research at the time, Jess and Cindy took it upon themselves to create skincare that actually works. By combining cutting-edge science, innovation, and technology, Vivier was born—a brand committed to delivering visible results.
They turned their home into their first office, complete with two small desks and their first employee on board. “Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to start” Jess recalls. It wasn’t long after that the company grew quickly and acquired their first office space and warehouse in Vaudreuil, Quebec in 2005. Ever since, they grew their square footage and to accommodate the growing company and employees. Vivier also expanded into the USA in Champlain, New York in a state-of-the-art facility to offer the same service to the American market.
Jess remembers one of his favorite achievements for the brand in 2017, the launch of Vivier’s GrenzCine® product line with polyamines. “This was a revolutionary discovery of a new molecule that plays an important part in reversing visible signs of aging.” This was a groundbreaking moment for the company and reinforced the brand’s mission to push the boundaries of science innovation and technology.
FOUNDER'S PICKS
Vitamin C Innovation
In 2000, Vivier sold their first Vitamin C serum—a groundbreaking, highly stable formula designed for deep dermal penetration. Powered by the patented IntraDermal System, it delivered active ingredients 4 times more effectively than leading serums, setting a new standard for results. This innovation unlocked the potential for transformative skin benefits by delivering potent actives precisely where they’re needed most, delivering visible, lasting changes.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Guided by their father’s founding vision and values for Vivier Pharma, sons Mike and Steve are now at the forefront of the company. “Stepping into a president’s role was nothing like we imagined”, said Mike Vivier, President of Sales and Marketing. “Transitioning the company wasn’t easy, and Steve and I feel an immense responsibility in continuing our commitments to quality products, service, and people. It was a great feeling knowing that our father trusted us with the company.” Leading a large pharmaceutical business also comes with significant responsibilities, including ensuring strict compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
The brothers have embraced innovation and expansion, introducing new products, modernizing operations, and strengthening relationships with clinics and customers. Under their leadership, Vivier remains committed to the science-backed formulations and the people-first approach that have defined the brand.
Mike and Steve also credit Vivier’s success to the talented employees and loyal customers, who have played pivotal roles in the company’s journey. “I am so proud and honored to work with such a talented team”, said Mike. “They lead with so much heart and passion. Over the years we’ve had many talented individuals that have worked hard to get to where we are.”
It's inspiring to be part of a team that values giving back to the community. Also, the emphasis on putting family first really stands out.
Everyone is always willing to help and collaborate, and there's a real focus on personal and professional growth. I also appreciate how much the company values innovation and encourages new ideas.
Working at Vivier is like working with family. The support we share with each other is really a breath of fresh air.
Reflecting on the company’s evolution, Mike and Steve acknowledge the technological advancements that have transformed the business. “In the early days, everything was manual and labor-intensive,” Mike explained. “Now, we’ve embraced advanced technology and automation, allowing us to operate more efficiently while maintaining exceptional service levels.” This drive for efficiency extends to Vivier’s commitment to sustainability, including initiatives like going paperless and optimizing processes to reduce waste.
Their relationship with customers remains a foundation of the business. “We’ve always believed in continuously listening to feedback,” said Mike. “Whether it’s through face-to-face meetings with physicians and estheticians or engaging with users through social media, their feedback shapes our new product initiatives.”
Mike and Steve also reflect on the industry’s rapid evolution, from the early focus on antioxidants to groundbreaking advancements like ceramides, peptides, growth factors, polyamines, and now exosomes. “So much has changed in the technology and our ability to deliver key ingredients into the skin for maximum effectiveness,” he explained. These innovations have allowed Vivier to remain at the forefront of skincare, offering products that deliver transformative results.
I love the products and how they are improving the lives of the people around me.
I deeply appreciate our emphasis on quality and excellence at Vivier. Quality is a cornerstone of our company. We are committed to providing products and services that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.
I feel so lucky to work with products I truly believe in – it makes all the difference when you stand behind what you're offering!
What’s Next for Vivier
Vivier’s mission continues to be about empowering you to look and feel your best. “For us, feeling our best means giving back to the community and helping the world be a more beautiful place”, said Mike. The company has grown and evolved into the sophisticated entity that it is today.
”What began as a mission to create the world’s best Vitamin c serum has grown into a legacy of delivering transformative results and earning the trust of customers. “We feel that we are only just getting started,” said Jess Vivier. “We have incredible plans for new products and innovations in the future. We can only hope to continue our journey in creating world class products for the next 25 years.”
