Kenya’s skincare market has ushered in a new era following the official launch of global Dermo-cosmetic brands Eau Thermale Avène and Ducray, owned by Pierre Fabre Laboratories, in the country, bringing dermatology-led solutions tailored for all skin types.
The launch comes amid increased skin health awareness across East Africa, driving rapid growth in the dermo-cosmetics category and outpacing the wider beauty market. Consumers are increasingly prioritising clinically tested, fragrance-safe products, with pharmacy-led and dermatologist-endorsed skincare emerging as the region’s fastest-growing segments.
“Kenya is the anchor market for dermo-cosmetics in East Africa. Its strong dermatology community, established pharmacy network, and informed consumers make it an ideal gateway for scaling responsibly across the region,” said Pierre Behnam, the Director of International Strategic Partnerships at Pierre Fabre Laboratories.
“Our expansion into Kenya reflects the growing demand across Africa for dermatologist-endorsed, medical-grade skincare. We look forward to working closely with Kenya’s healthcare community to deliver solutions designed for high-sun, high-humidity environments.” added Fernando JUNOY, International Head at Pierre Fabre Laboratories.
Reiterating the significance of the partnership, Rosemary Ayieko, Head of East Africa at Groupe Ethica, lauded the collaboration, highlighting its potential to deliver tangible benefits to consumers and a value-added impact on the region’s rapidly growing dermo-cosmetics market. She added, “Partnering with Pierre Fabre allows us to bring advanced, dermatologist-backed skincare to East African consumers at a time when demand for clinically tested pharmacy-led solutions is rapidly growing. This collaboration is set to strengthen the region’s dermo-cosmetic landscape and deliver products tailored for sensitive, and melanin-rich skin.”
According to the Kenya Association of Dermatologists (KAD), acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) affect up to 46% of young adults in urban East Africa, with environmental factors such as heat, humidity, pollution and high UV exposure contributing to flare-ups. Eczema, dryness, and atopic dermatitis account for nearly one-quarter of dermatology visits in the region, often aggravated by climate shifts and the widespread use of harsh or unsuitable skincare products.
KAD reports that up to 60% of pigmentation cases are sun-triggered, increasing the risk of uneven tone and premature skin aging. The entry of Pierre Fabre, one of the world’s leading dermo-cosmetic and pharmaceutical groups, marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s skin-health ecosystem.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Roop Saini, a committee member of the Kenya Association of Dermatologists, highlighted the significance of the market entry, particularly in a region where environmental factors heighten dermatological risks.
“Across Kenya, we are seeing high rates of acne, eczema, pigmentation disorders, and hair loss, many of which require long-term management. At the same time, cumulative sun exposure is driving a rise in UV-related skin conditions, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and effective photo-protection. The arrival of Avène and Ducray is therefore timely, providing dermatology-backed solutions that address these challenges and support healthier skin outcomes for Kenyans,” noted Dr. Saini.
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Avène, expert in sensitive-skin care, introduces solutions such as its iconic Thermal Spring Water, Cleanance for acne-prone skin, Cicalfate+ for skin repair and Ulta Fluid SPF 50+ Sunscreen designed for equatorial UV exposure.
Ducray brings nearly a century of dermatological innovation, offering targeted treatments for acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, hair loss, and chronic scalp disorders, including Keracnyl, Dexyane, Melascreen, and Neoptide for hair loss.
With Avène and Ducray, Kenyan consumers can expect clinically validated skincare tailored for melanin-rich and sensitive skin, effective acne and pigmentation protocols, and sunscreens engineered for hot, humid climates. The products are now available across leading pharmacies and approved medical retail partners nationwide.
About Pierre Fabre Laboratories
Pierre Fabre Laboratories is the world’s second-largest dermo-cosmetics company and one of Europe’s leading pharmaceutical laboratories. Its Dermo-cosmetics & Personal Care portfolio includes international brands such as Eau Thermale Avène, Dexeryl, Ducray, Klorane, A-Derma, René Furterer, Même Cosmetics, Darrow, and Elgydium. Its Medical Care activity covers 5 main therapeutic fields: oncology, dermatology, rare diseases, primary care and family health care.
In 2024, Pierre Fabre Laboratories posted 3.1 billion euros in revenues, 70% of which came from international sales in 120 countries. Based in southwest France since its creation and manufacturing nearly 90% of its products in France, Pierre Fabre Laboratories employs 10,200 people worldwide. Its R&D budget amounted to 219 million euros in 2024, of which 60% was allocated to targeted therapies in oncology and 35% to skin health and care solutions.
Pierre Fabre Laboratories’ majority shareholder (86%) is an eponymous humanitarian Foundation. Employees constitute the company’s other shareholder. This capital structure guarantees the company’s independence, long-term vision and contribution to the common good. The dividends paid to the Pierre Fabre Foundation contribute to 35 healthcare-access programs deployed in 22 of the least developed countries in the world.
Pierre Fabre Laboratories’ CSR policy has been assessed by AFNOR Certification and has been awarded the “Exemplary” level of its CSR label (ISO 26 000 standard for sustainable development).
