Elemis announces the death of its founding formulator, Jan Kusmirek

Product house Elemis has announced the death of Jan Kuśmirek. He was 76.

Working alongside investor, Linda Steiner, Kuśmirek was the founding formulator and creative mind behind the inception of the Steiner Group's Elemis brand in 1990. He continued to work alongside co-founders Sean Harrington, Noella Gabriel and Oriele Frank for over 30 years as a new product development consultant, while also founding his own business – Fragrant Earth – working as an aromacosmetologist and authoring fiction, as well as books on aromatherapy.

Early in his career, as marketing manager at the Soil Association, he created the Symbol Scheme for Organic Skincare.

"Jan was a thoughtful advisor, a brilliant, inquisitive creative thinker, a visionary, always helping to push the boundaries of his passion – plant actives, aromatics, regenerative farming and scientific cosmetology," said Elemis. "He was actively working on some exciting ‘blue sky’ Elemis projects, and the company will continue to deliver these as part of his legacy."

“Jan was with us throughout our entire journey and brought the magic and X-Factor to every one of our products through his aromatics, actives, textures and sensory feelings," said Sean Harrington, co-founder and CEO. "He will live on through Elemis and was a big brother to all of us. We loved him dearly and shall miss him too much for words. Thank you, Jan, for being you and all you gave us.”

Noella Gabriel, co-founder and global president said: “I met Jan 35 years ago, he introduced me to the world of nature and aromatics of which he knew so well. I've lost a colleague, beloved friend and confident and will be forever thankful to have learnt from his knowledge and wisdom.”

Oriele Frank, co-founder and chief product and sustainability officer said: “Jan inspired me with every conversation we had. He had a multitude of varied interests that always fascinated me. More recently we were exploring local regenerative farming for the future of our sustainable natural ingredients. He was excited and inspired even in the last weeks of his life.

"We shared many wonderful times, visiting fields of Echium, Starflower, Organic Roses and the Peatlands of Somerset, which were his ‘special place’. Thank you Jan for being with us for over 30 years, we will continue to champion your legacy.”

Elemis plans to launch The Jan Kuśmirek Elemis Cosmetic Scientist Award in Kuśmirek's memory.