FACC Member Mustela / Laboratoires Expanscience Acquires U.S. Beauty Brand Babo Botanicals

Laboratoires Expanscience, a family-owned French pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetics company specialized in skin health, announced today the acquisition of

Babo Botanicals, LLC, the well-known U.S. based, botanically-infused mineral skin care brand for babies and adults. Established in the U.S. since 1989 with

Mustela, the well-known French dermo-cosmetic and natural skin care brand for babies and new and expecting mothers, Expanscience reinforces its presence in this high growth market with this acquisition.

Mustela prides itself on its 60 years of dermatological expertise, decades of research and knowledge about the physiology of the skin to create innovative, natural skin care products for babies, children and new and expecting mothers. Babo Botanicals was founded in 2010 by Kate Solomon, a young mother searching for safe, efficacious, and natural products for her children. The company develops and markets a full range of mineral and plant-based premium skin care, sun care and hair care solutions for babies, children and adults with sensitive skin. Babo Botanicals’ formulations, which incorporate botanical ingredients, are certified by the Environmental Working Group and are ideal for families looking to protect and safely nurture their babies’ skin with reliable and authentic products.

The strategic acquisition of Babo Botanicals will allow Expanscience to strengthen its presence in the baby and family category, with the addition of a business and brand that are complementary to its own Mustela brand, in terms of product lines, customers and expertise, particularly in the natural skin care and mineral-based sun care categories. Mustela will also gain access to important U.S. distributors, specialized in premium natural and safe products, as well as to key retailers including Whole Foods where Babo Botanicals is launching nationwide. Furthermore, Babo Botanicals’ growth will be accelerated both in the U.S. and international markets. Babo Botanicals, Expanscience and its brand Mustela, are all B-Corp certified, the international label for companies who are socially responsible, illustrating their will to continue developing products with a positive economic, social and environmental impact, while being particularly mindful of their product formulations.

Jean-Paul Berthomé, President of Laboratoires Expanscience, said: “This acquisition marks an important milestone in Expanscience’s development in the U.S. market. Babo Botanicals will accelerate Mustela’s growth in the U.S. and is fully aligned with our commitment to the well-being of consumers. We share the same values and ambitions. We look forward to working with Kate Solomon and to providing Babo Botanicals with our expertise and resources to grow the brand both in the U.S. and abroad”.

According to Kate Solomon, Founder and President of Babo Botanicals: “Being part of a company such as Expanscience, known for its expertise in safe product formulations, development of natural active ingredients, and its dedicated R&D and production center in France, is a tremendous opportunity for Babo Botanicals to further grow the brand and its visibility and presence globally.”

Stanislas Baudry, General Manager of Laboratoires Expanscience North America, noted: “We are thrilled to welcome Kate Solomon and her team to join our U.S. subsidiary. This will be a great opportunity for both our brands, Mustela and Babo Botanicals, to develop operational synergies and to share our complementary expertise in the U.S. market. Kate Solomon will retain her position as President of Babo Botanicals and will continue to operate with her team out of their Scarsdale, NY offices.”

Vendôme Global Partners, a New York based Mergers and Acquisitions advisory firm, specialized in the global Luxury and Beauty sectors, originated the opportunity after an indepth U.S. market review, and acted as exclusive financial advisor to Expanscience |Mustela.

About Babo Botanicals: Babo Botanicals specializes in developing and marketing botanical and mineral-based skin and sun care solutions for babies, children and adults with sensitive skin. Formulas use ingredients which are safe and organic, which appeal to young millennial mothers looking for clean, pure and natural products. Babo Botanicals is a leader in the sun and hair care categories for babies in the U.S., known for its efficacious, safe and natural formulations. Products are available in premium and natural specialty stores, national chains, supermarkets and online. 

About Mustela: Mustela draws upon its 60 years of dermatological expertise, decades of research and knowledge about the physiology of the skin to create innovative skin care products for babies, children and new and expecting mothers. Mustela is committed to skin health and uses safe, effective, and natural elements in its products, sourcing 95% of ingredients from their natural origins. All products are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and will never include any questionable ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, or phenoxyethanol. Mustela is also committed to a policy of Corporate Social Responsibility. In 2018, Mustela became

B-Corp Certified, thereby confirming its continued path towards a positive and committed CSR, fueled by a strong social mission. 

About Laboratoires Expanscience: Laboratoires Expanscience, founded in 1950, is a French family-owned pharmaceutical and dermocosmetics laboratory, with a turnover of c. €270 million, 62% of which is international. Expanscience’s products are available in more than 100 countries. The Company has built a solid international reputation as an important innovator, and as a specialist in the treatment of arthritis and skin health, with two leading brands – Piasclédine 300 and Mustela. Expanscience’s positive environmental and social impact is certified with the Company’s B Corp label, and supported by c. 1,100 employees globally.