Laboratoires Expanscience buys skincare brand Babo Botanicals

French pharmaceutical and cosmetics firm Laboratoires Expanscience has acquired Babo Botanicals, a botanically-infused mineral skincare brand.

The transaction is set to support Laboratoires Expanscience’s presence in the baby and family, natural skincare and mineral-based suncare categories in the US market.

The acquired brand is expected to complement Laboratoires Expanscience’s baby care brand Mustela.

Laboratoires Expanscience’s president Jean-Paul Berthomé said: “This acquisition marks an important milestone in Expanscience’s development in the US market.

“Babo Botanicals will accelerate Mustela’s growth in the US 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 US and abroad.”

Following the transaction, Laboratoires Expanscience will gain access to key distributors and retailers in the US such as Whole Foods. It will also support the acquired brand’s growth in the US and overseas markets.

Babo Botanicals’ founder and president Kate Solomon said: “Being part of a company such as Expanscience, known for its expertise in safe product formulations, development of natural active ingredients, and its dedicated research and development (R&D) and production centre in France, is a tremendous opportunity for Babo Botanicals to further grow the brand and its visibility and presence globally.”

Established in 2010, Babo Botanicals produces and markets a complete assortment of mineral and plant-based skincare, suncare and haircare products for people with sensitive skin. It uses ingredients certified by the Environmental Working Group.