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Established in 1928, the skincare company La Roche-Posay began as a project by Dr. René Levayer, a French physician who used selenium-rich spring water from the village of La Roche-Posay to treat his patients’ skin conditions.

In 1975, Jean-Noël Thorel acquired the natural spring, known for its healing and soothing properties, particularly beneficial for sensitive skin. Thorel established the first dermatological laboratory to research and develop skincare products using the spring water, laying the foundation for the company as we know it today.

La Roche-Posay’s products quickly earned recognition in the dermatology sector for their efficacy on sensitive and allergy-prone skin. In the 1990s, the brand expanded outside France, establishing European subsidiaries and reaching global markets. Its products entered the U.S. market in 2004.

Despite L’Oréal’s 1989 acquisition, La Roche-Posay remained committed to its original mission: creating skincare products tailored for sensitive skin. Since then, the company has launched renowned product lines, including Effaclar, which targets acne-prone skin, and Anthelios, which focuses on sun protection.

Today, La Roche-Posay products grace shelves in over 60 countries and are endorsed by more than 90,000 dermatologists. The brand remains dedicated to producing dermatologist-tested skincare products, using La Roche-Posay’s antioxidant-rich thermal spring water alongside state-of-the-art skincare technology.