Laboratoires Expanscience, a French pharmaceutical company, was established in 1950 by Paul Berthomé and a pharmacist. From its inception, the company carved out a niche in dermocosmetics, a field that
combines cosmetic and medical benefits for skin care. Over the decades, Expanscience has strategically diversified its expertise into rheumatology, dermatology, and the marketing of active cosmetic ingredients, while steadily expanding its international footprint. This journey highlights a commitment to specialized product development and global market penetration.
Founding and Early Specialization
In 1950, Laboratoires Expanscience began its operations with a clear focus on dermocosmetics. This specialization allowed the company to concentrate its research and development efforts on products designed to address both cosmetic concerns and underlying skin conditions. The initial partnership between Paul Berthomé and a pharmacist provided a strong foundation, blending pharmaceutical knowledge with an understanding of skin care needs.
Just seven years after its founding, in 1957, Expanscience made a strategic decision to diversify its business into rheumatology. This expansion demonstrated an early ambition to apply its scientific and pharmaceutical expertise to a broader range of health issues, moving beyond solely skin-related products. This diversification laid the groundwork for the company's future growth into other medical and health-related fields.
International Expansion and Further Diversification
The 1960s marked the beginning of Laboratoires Expanscience's international growth. In 1963, the company opened its first international subsidiary in Belgium, signaling a clear intent to reach markets beyond France. This initial step was followed by a sustained period of global expansion, with subsidiaries established in Italy (1965), Spain (1971), Portugal (1979), and the United States (1989) by the mid-1990s. This steady increase in international presence was crucial for the company's overall growth and market reach.
Further diversification of its business occurred in 1996 with the introduction of a range of dermatological medicines, reinforcing its commitment to skin health from a medical perspective. This was followed in 2001 by the launch of its dental health business, showcasing the company's ability to adapt and apply its scientific capabilities to new areas. The international expansion continued into the 21st century, with new subsidiaries opening in Mexico (2002), Poland (2009), Brazil and Turkey (2013), Australia (2014), Russia and Canada (2015), and China and Hong Kong (2017). This aggressive global strategy underscores Laboratoires Expanscience's ambition to be a worldwide leader in its specialized fields. In April 2018, the company achieved B Corp certification, an international recognition for corporations committed to the common good, reflecting its broader corporate values.
