I had heard about Alice through the beauty grapevine—colleagues who had visited her clinic or used her skincare couldn’t stop praising her, and her social media presence was equally captivating. Meeting her in person exceeded all expectations. She was as glamorous as I imagined, but what stood out most was her approachability, a combination that immediately puts you at ease, making her someone you’d trust with your most precious asset: your skin.
L'Officiel: Alice, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Could you tell us a bit about your background and how you found your way into the industry?
Alice Henshaw: Thank you, that’s so kind! My journey began in New Zealand, where I grew u. I initially pursued a career in nursing, which gave me a solid understanding of the body and skin from a scientific perspective. After moving to the UK and completing further studies, I opened my clinic on Harley Street. That’s when I recognised a gap in the market for skincare that was both scientifically advanced and luxurious—and that's how Skincycles was born.
L'Officiel: You’re known for being one of London’s leading aesthetic practitioners, with a reputation for achieving natural and subtle results. What’s your philosophy when it comes to enhancing your clients’ appearance?
Alice Henshaw: My philosophy has always been about enhancing what’s already there, rather than trying to change someone’s appearance entirely. It’s about amplifying a person’s natural beauty and helping them feel more confident in their own skin. I believe in working with the individual’s natural proportions and facial structure to create results that are balanced, fresh, and timeless. The goal is to make subtle enhancements that complement the client’s features while ensuring they still look like themselves—just the best version of themselves.
L'Officiel: How do Skincycles products complement the treatments offered there?
Alice Henshaw: Skincycles products are designed to enhance the results of the treatments our clients receive at the clinic. We offer a range of advanced services, including injectables and laser treatments, that work synergistically with our products. The idea is to create a comprehensive skincare regimen that addresses your skin’s needs from multiple angles, helping our clients achieve healthy, radiant skin that lasts.
L'Officiel: You’ve achieved so much since launching Skincycles. What has been the most rewarding moment for you?
Alice Henshaw: The most rewarding moments are always the feedback from clients. When someone tells me that their skin has transformed because of Skincycles or that they finally feel confident going makeup-free, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Of course, winning awards and achieving milestones like the Butterfly Mark certification are wonderful, but knowing we’ve made a genuine difference in someone’s life is what drives me.
L'Officiel: What has been your biggest challenge in growing Skincycles and your clinic, and how did you overcome it?
Alice Henshaw: The biggest challenge has been scaling without losing the personal touch. As Skincycles grew, I didn’t want to compromise on the quality or the hands-on approach we’re known for at the clinic. Managing both the clinic and the skincare line meant I had to build a strong team around me—people who share my vision and commitment to excellence. Trusting others to uphold that vision while I focus on expansion has been key. It wasn’t easy at first, but I’ve learned that delegation is crucial for growth.
L'Officiel: What sets Skincycles apart?
Alice Henshaw: I felt that many clinically tested skincare products, while effective, lacked the element of luxury. I wanted to create something that not only delivered visible results but also elevated the experience, making skincare beautiful and enjoyable to use. I love beautiful things—the feel, the touch, the scent. I wanted to create an experience for anyone using our products, something that engages all the senses. But never at the expense of efficacy. For example, our sunscreens don’t just offer exceptional SPF protection—they’re designed to be a pleasure to wear, non-comedogenic, flawless under makeup, and suitable for sensitive skin. I personally wear the DNA Defence sunscreen instead of foundation during the day, as it gives the skin a natural, filtered finish. Everything we do is backed by science. We don’t believe in quick fixes or fads—our formulations are rigorously researched to deliver long-lasting, visible results.
L'Officiel: Why did you name your skincare range Skincycles?
Alice Henshaw: The name Skincycles was inspired by the natural process of skin renewal, which typically occurs over a period of about four to six weeks. I noticed that many people would abandon a skincare product too soon, simply because they didn’t see immediate results. Before launching Skincycles, I focused on educating clients about the importance of consistency in their skincare routines. To truly see results—especially for concerns like anti-aging, pigmentation, and acne—it’s essential to use a product for at least three to four full skin cycles. This understanding is at the core of Skincycles, as we aim to support the skin’s natural processes and help individuals achieve lasting, visible improvements over time.
L'Officiel: Science and beauty—it’s the perfect match. Can you explain more about its benefits?
Alice Henshaw: Absolutely. We have a patented technology called TGHA4, an incredible ingredient with regenerative properties. It’s a combination of four powerful amino acids that stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. It’s fantastic for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and enhancing overall skin texture. What makes it truly special is its ability to counteract glycation, which occurs when sugar molecules bind to proteins like collagen, leading to stiffness and loss of elasticity. TGHA4 helps keep the skin firm and smooth, making it an essential part of our formulations.
L'Officiel: Many people see skincare as a form of self-care. How do you incorporate that philosophy into the Skincycles brand?
Alice Henshaw: Skincare is one of the most intimate forms of self-care, and I wanted that to be reflected in every aspect of Skincycles. Taking care of your skin should feel indulgent, like a moment to pause and focus on yourself. That’s why we’ve designed our products to be a sensory experience as much as they are results-driven. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good and taking a little time each day to nurture your skin and yourself.
L'Officiel: What are the core values of Skincycles?
Alice Henshaw: Sustainability has always been a core value for Skincycles, and it's something I’m personally passionate about. Growing up in New Zealand, I developed a deep respect for nature, and I wanted to carry that forward into the brand. Achieving the Butterfly Mark certification was a huge milestone for us because it highlights our commitment to positive luxury. We've worked hard to ensure that everything—from our ingredients to our packaging—is environmentally responsible. Our packaging is fully recyclable, and we’ve eliminated single-use plastics wherever possible. We also support environmental causes like donating to coralreef.org. For me, it’s about creating products that not only deliver results but also align with the values that matter to our customers.
L'Officiel: What role does education play in your brand? How important is it for your customers to understand the science behind their skincare?
Alice Henshaw: Education is everything. I always say that an informed customer is an empowered customer. Skincare can be so confusing, with all the trends and buzzwords flying around, so it’s crucial for people to understand what they’re putting on their skin and why it works. That’s why I emphasize science-backed formulations with clear instructions. I want our clients to feel confident knowing that Skincycles isn’t just another quick fix but a long-term investment in their skin’s health.
L'Officiel: The beauty industry is constantly evolving, with trends emerging all the time. How do you stay ahead of trends without compromising on Skincycles' core values?
Alice Henshaw: I don’t chase trends for the sake of it. Instead, I focus on what truly works and lasts. We’re always researching new ingredients and technologies, but our core values—luxury, efficacy, and sustainability—guide every decision. If a trend aligns with those values and brings something genuinely beneficial to the table, we’ll explore it. But we won’t compromise just to keep up with the latest craze.
L'Officiel: Can you walk us through a typical day for you? How do you balance running a clinic, developing products, and your personal life?
Alice Henshaw: Balance is definitely a challenge! I usually start my day early with a cup of coffee, followed by a morning tennis session—exercise is my way of clearing my head before the day begins. After that, I’m either in my Harley Street clinic consulting with clients or working with my team on new product development. I also carve out time each week to visit our suppliers and ensure our sustainability practices are on track. Evenings are for unwinding with my dog and catching up with friends and family. While I am a bit of a workaholic, I’ve learned that staying grounded is essential for long-term success.
L'Officiel: What’s your top skincare tip for our readers?
Alice Henshaw: Less is more. It’s better to use a few high-quality products tailored to your skin’s needs than to overload your skin with too many different ingredients. Consistency is crucial—stick with a routine and be patient. Great skin doesn’t happen overnight. And always, always wear sunscreen! It’s something that was second nature growing up in New Zealand, but I’m always surprised when people tell me they don’t wear it.
L'Officiel: What’s the one skincare myth you’d like to debunk?
Alice Henshaw: The idea that “more is better” when it comes to skincare. People often layer too many products, thinking it’ll speed up results, but in reality, it can overwhelm the skin. Less really is more. It’s better to use a few high-quality, targeted products consistently than to overload your skin with too many different ingredients. Skincare is about patience and routine.
L'Officiel: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to break into the beauty industry?
Alice Henshaw: My advice would be to stay true to your vision and focus on quality. The beauty industry is saturated, and it’s easy to get lost in trends or feel the pressure to follow what others are doing. But if you’re passionate and believe in your product, that authenticity will shine through. Also, never compromise on quality. Customers know when something is made with care and intention. Finally, patience—success doesn’t happen overnight, but consistency and dedication always pay off.
Team credits:
Model: Alice Henshaw @alice_henshaw_
Photographer: Saidis Orda @saidisorda
Stylist: Saidis Orda @saidisorda
Makeup: Mara Cojocaru @maracojocarumakeup
Hair: Sophie Chevalier , Michael John @michaeljohnguzzon