La Roche-Posay: tradition and innovation for sensitive skin - L'Oréal Finance: Annual Report 2018
2018 Annual Report

La Roche-Posay: tradition and innovation for sensitive skin

As the growth leader in the Active Cosmetics Division, La Roche-Posay is not afraid to stake its claim as a sensitive skin specialist whose expertise is acclaimed by professionals and consumer communities alike.

La Roche-Posay is an incredible success story fuelled by several major assets.
The first is, of course, La Roche-Posay thermal water, whose recognised properties lend themselves to formulas based on raw ingredients naturally rich in minerals. Thermal waters have therapeutic anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing properties. These benefits help manage a number of skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, burn scars and the dermatological side effects of cancer treatments.

The brand’s legitimacy is also rooted in its in-depth knowledge of sensitive skin, which is underpinned by advanced dermatological research. A prime example of this is its interest in the microbiome, which has led to several studies and publications, and could lead to new treatments for skin diseases such as acne.

 

Innovative and effective products

The brand’s products – recognised to be effective and innovative – are another mainstay for La Roche-Posay. For example, Hyalu B5 has given a new impetus to the anti-ageing skincare segment. The range owes its success to its innovative formula featuring hyaluronic acid combined with vitamin B5, a key component in skin repair. With its clinically proven and visible effectiveness, the product has been acclaimed on social networks. And its instantly recognisable, “Instagrammable” blue packaging is also a hit with influencers.

With a view to continuous innovation, the brand has also invested in Beauty Tech , by launching UV detector patches followed by the first connected, wearable battery-free micro UV sensor – My Skin Track UV – in the United States.

Last but not least, La Roche-Posay also counts on a powerful network of prescribers. First, dermatologists and healthcare professionals who are valuable allies in recommending the brand. Next, patient and consumer communities with sensitive skin, who are active and vocal on social networks. One of La Roche-Posay’s greatest strengths is the communities it has created and maintains, particularly through its DermClasses, which International General Manager Laetitia Toupet explains here.

Laetitia Toupet

La Roche-Posay International General Manager

The thermal spa: the brand’s crown jewel

While the brand works tirelessly to innovate and build ties with its communities, it also strives to maintain its authenticity. To this end, L’Oréal decided to purchase La Société des Thermes de La Roche-Posay, the thermal spa from which the brand came. This acquisition highlights the local roots of a brand that has become international. The Group’s goal is to make this legendary spa a crown jewel of the brand, providing a complete well-being experience. In 2018, the water from the source was declared to be of public interest. This legal standing should make it possible to strengthen the ground and underground levels around the springs to preserve the quality of the water. Moreover, the brand’s production plant has been reorganised to achieve carbon neutrality. Today, with its 8,000 visitors per year, La Roche-Posay is the number one dermatological thermal spa in Europe.