Something in the water for La Roche-Posay

With its roots in the thermal spring water hidden away in a commune in western France and its founder a dermatologist concerned with helping patients manage their pathological skin conditions, La Roche-Posay is the archetype European pharmacy brand that has quickly risen from French secret to big business.

The thermal spring water of La Roche-Posay has been used to treat skin conditions since the days of Napoleon, being rich in the antioxidant mineral selenium and offering healing and protective benefits. As a brand, La Roche-Posay dates back to 1928 when it started producing dermal products formulated with the thermal spring water, but it was in 1975 that La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Pharmaceutique was created by René Levayer. It was there the first range of La Roche-Posay skin care was created.

The brand was bought by the L’Oréal Group in 1989, not long after the La Roche-Posay Foundation was created to encourage research in dermatology, particularly in areas such as atopy and skin intolerance. The brand’s focus today remains true to its original mission. Yannick Raynaud, Managing Director of L’Oréals Active Cosmetics Division, UK and Ireland, describes it as: “supporting dermatologists and health professionals in taking care of their patients for any skin concerns.” She adds: “Our specialist subject is creating a better life for sensitive skin.”