Laboratoires Expanscience
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Pharmaceutical, Dermocosmetics |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Founder | Paul Berthomé and a pharmacist |
| Headquarters | Épernon , France |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Jean-Paul Berthomé (CEO) |
| Products | Dermocosmetics, Rheumatology, Dermatology, Active cosmetic ingredients, Mustela brand products |
| Website | www |
Laboratoires Expanscience was established in 1950 by Paul Berthomé alongside a pharmacist. This pharmaceutical company specializes in dermocosmetics, rheumatology, dermatology, and active cosmetic ingredients, and is notably the proprietor of the renowned Mustela brand.
History
Founded in 1950, Laboratoires Expanscience originally concentrated on dermocosmetics. By 1957, the company expanded its activities to include rheumatology. Its international presence began in 1963 with the creation of a subsidiary in Belgium.
From 1963 through 1996, Expanscience grew its international network by launching subsidiaries in Italy (1965), Spain (1971), Portugal (1979), and the United States (1989).
In 1996, the firm diversified its offerings by incorporating dermatological pharmaceuticals and introduced a dental care product line in 2001.
The company's global expansion persisted with new subsidiaries established in Mexico (2002), Poland (2009), Brazil and Turkey (2013), followed by entries into Australia (2014), Russia and Canada (2015), and later into China and Hong-Kong (2017).
In April 2018, Laboratoires Expanscience earned distinction as the first French pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic laboratory to receive B Corp certification, highlighting its dedication to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Mustela
Mustela is a baby care brand offering product lines tailored to Normal Skin, Dry Skin, Very Sensitive Skin, Atopic-Prone Skin, Specific Care needs, Sun Protection, and Maternity. The name "Mustela" originates from the Latin term for weasel.
Additional products and brands
Laboratoires Expanscience also provides various products within rheumatology and dermatology sectors:
| Rheumatology | Dermatology |
|---|---|
| Fixical | Doxylis Gé |
| Flexea | Effizinc |
| Hyalexo | Procuta |
| Nabucox | |
| Piasclédine 300 | |
| Takadol |
Research and development
In 2024, Laboratoires Expanscience allocated 2.16% of its revenue towards research and development. Since 1997, it has secured 101 patents within France and an additional 1,101 patents internationally, alongside authoring 66 scientific articles.
Its R&D activities take place across three facilities located at the Épernon site:
- An innovation center dedicated to discovering new active ingredients derived from botanical sources and green chemistry methods
- A product development unit focused on formulating novel cosmetic products
- A center responsible for ensuring product safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance
Sustainable development
Since becoming a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact in 2004, Laboratoires Expanscience has embedded sustainable development principles into its corporate strategy through a structured Corporate Social Responsibility program.
The company's sustainability initiatives concentrate on four key domains:
- Product development – creating safe products that minimize environmental impact
- Procurement – applying sustainability standards that protect biodiversity, honor local communities, and prevent biopiracy
- Environmental management – reducing consumption of water and energy to lessen ecological footprint
- Social commitment – improving employee well-being and promoting engagement with stakeholders
In 2011, the organization joined the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), pledging to uphold biodiversity protection, respect traditional knowledge systems, and ensure fair benefit sharing throughout its supply chains.
Laboratoires Expanscience also implemented an environmental management system with the objective of achieving ISO 14001 certification by 2012 at its manufacturing facility.
In April 2018, it became the first French pharmaceutical and dermocosmetics laboratory to obtain "B Corp" certification, acknowledging its leadership in social and environmental responsibility.
The Mustela Foundation
Established in 1982 by the father of the current President of Laboratoires Expanscience, under the aegis of the Fondation de France, the Mustela Foundation is dedicated to supporting child health professionals and advancing research and initiatives related to child development and parenting on a global scale.
The organization promotes scientific inquiry by awarding research grants and, since 2007, has recognized practitioner- or researcher-driven projects through its Research-Action prize, which aligns with the priorities set by its scientific committee.
In collaboration with the Société Française de Pédiatrie in 2006, the Foundation introduced a social pediatrics award aimed at encouraging programs that foster positive care for children and their families. Additionally, it provides complimentary educational materials focused on health protection.
Expanding its reach, the Mustela Foundation launched maieutic awards in several countries: France (2012), Belgium (2014), Spain (2017), and Turkey (2019). In 2022, it also established the Vulnerabilities Research Grant in France to further support relevant studies.
Company's management
Jean-Paul Berthomé serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Laboratoires Expanscience.
Financial Data
For the year 2024, Laboratoires Expanscience announced revenues totaling €364.3 million, with 22% originating from domestic sales in France and 78% generated through international operations.