La Roche-Posay is not only a favorite among dermatologists, but a favorite of ours here at DermStore as well. Effective and suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, the brand offers innovative products that are affordably priced. We sat down with the brand to discuss their roots, what sets them apart from their competitors, and their all-star products. Here's what they had to say.

Tell us about La Roche-Posay’s origins.

LA ROCHE-POSAY LABORATOIRE PHARMACEUTIQUE was created in 1975 by Mr. Levayer, a pharmacist. His vision was to create dermatological solutions that were simple, safe and efficacious.

La Roche-Posay is a town located in the centre of France in the “Vienne” region. It’s a calm and ancient historic quarter known for its spring water, which is rich in selenium and particularly beneficial to the skin. This very pure water has an almost neutral pH and its unique composition endows it with the following exceptional properties, proven by a series of clinical studies:

• anti-free radical
• anti-inflammatory
• healing
• anti-irritant
• soothing and decongesting

La Roche-Posay thermal resort receives almost 7,500 visitors every year for curative therapies. Many inflammatory skin pathologies are treated:

• 50% eczema and/or atopic dermatitis
• 35% psoriasis
• 10% burns and scars
• 5% severe acne and rosacea

A permanent team of 11 independent dermatologists are on hand to welcome the patients on two sites. The curative therapy lasts 21 days. The treatments take place every morning. Patients are monitored by the dermatologists on a daily basis.

Children represent 1/3 of all patients in La Roche Posay Hospital! Each establishment has a large area designed expressly for children.

What sets La Roche Posay apart from other brands in the skin care market?

La Roche-Posay is the dermatologists’ brand of choice for your skin, recommended by over 25,000 dermatologists worldwide.

What makes our products unique is a rigorous formulation charter. Every formula we develop must follows these 4 principles:

1. Stringent raw ingredient screening

• Highest quality raw ingredient
• Sourced from best supplier

2. Optimal concentration of active ingredients

• High performance and proven activity in the skin
• Strict innocuousness criteria

3. Minimalist formulas: less is more

• Contains a minimum number of components
• Avoid complex mixtures of ingredients
• Hypo-allergenic fragrance
• A packaging which preserves the formulas and insures their cleanliness

4. With La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring

• Rich in Selenium
• Exceptional anti-oxidant and healing proprieties

What is the brands signature product, and what makes it special?

Anthelios range: It’s unique for its innovation and efficacy (featuring Mexoryl SX - the 1st new sunscreen approved by the FDA in 18 years and CellOx Shield – breakthrough protection down to the cellular level). These highly efficacious formulas also provide extremely pleasant textures. In fact, Anthelios 60 Ultra Fluid Sunscreen won the Allure Best of Beauty Award.

Toleriane range: These products are great for intolerant, reactive skin types. Unique formulations feature the minimum amount of ingredients – no superfluous ingredients are added so the formulas are suitable for any skin type, even the most sensitive.

Who is your target customer?

Everyone, but particularly those interested in products that are highly efficacious yet gentle enough for their sensitive skin. Our customers usually appreciate that the products deliver their promises and are endorsed and recommended by many dermatologists.