100 Years of Orange Gelée®

Celebrating 100 Years Of One of The World’s Oldest and Most Iconic Sunscreens

Orange Gelée® traces its origins to 1926, when hairstylist to the stars Monsieur Antoine first trademarked his orange-tinted sun gel as a way to achieve the bronzed, holiday-maker look fashionable at the time. For generations, it captivated sun seekers worldwide with its iconic look, feel, and transportive fragrance — embodying the allure and glamour of the French Riviera.

Discontinued in 2019 to the dismay of devotees, Orange Gelée® was meticulously reimagined by Vacation® in 2024 as part of the Orange Gelée® Revival Project. Today, Vacation® honors a century of this icon with “100 Years of Gelée.”

A Month of Anniversary Celebrations

April 16 — May 16

Celebrating 100 years of Orange Gelée® with a series of product launches, parties and promotions

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

100th Anniversary Fragrance Collection on Sale
Month-long 20% Off Gelée Anniversary Sale Commences on Vacation.inc

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 - MAY 2

“Gelée Week” at Target (Details to be announced soon!)

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Gelée By Vacation® 30ml Eau de Toilette on Sale

THURSDAY, MAY 07

100th Birthday Party at The Hollywood Roosevelt

The History of Gelée

1926

Inspired by the popular sun-bronzed look of his famous clientele, French hairdresser Monsieur Antoine trademarks his orange-tinted tanning gel — “Antoine de Paris”.

1930s – 1950s

As leisure culture continued to flourish, the popular tanning gel arrived stateside under the name "Antoine's Bain de Soleil" (meaning "Antoine's Sunbath").

1960s – 1980s

Movie stars, musicians and jet-setters alike made French Riviera elegance a defining look of the era. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the name "Orange Gelée" was formally introduced — along with an SPF 4 rating.

1990s – 2000s

Orange Gelée® grows a global following, reaching peak frenzy with its iconic "For the St. Tropez Tan" tagline as higher SPF levels are introduced and its popularity continues to soar.

2019

Orange Gelée® was discontinued much to the dismay of devotees worldwide.

2023

Vacation® launched the Orange Gelée® Revival Project. Alongside original Gelée fans, the beloved formula was meticulously revisited and updated to meet modern skincare standards — culminating in the award-winning Vacation® Orange Gelée® Sunscreen Gel and Spray Oil.

2024

Vacation® successfully revisits Orange Gelée® Gel — winner of the prestigious Allure ”Best of Beauty” Award.

2025

Vacation® launches Orange Gelée® Spray to widespread acclaim.