• Brand: Mustela
• Founded: 1950
• Headquarters: France
• Parent Company: Laboratoires Expanscience
• Industry: Baby and family skincare
• Products: Baby skincare, children’s skincare, maternity skincare, sun care, cleansing products, moisturisers, nappy creams, eczema care
• Markets: Available in more than 100 countries worldwide
• Certification: B Corp Certified (via Laboratoires Expanscience since 2018)2

Mustela was founded in 1950 when entrepreneur Paul Berthomé partnered with pharmacist Claude Guillon to develop one of the world’s first cleansing milks specifically formulated for the delicate skin of babies. At that time, skincare products designed exclusively for infants were uncommon, rendering this innovation a significant milestone in paediatric dermatology.

Over subsequent decades, Mustela broadened its product range whilst maintaining a focus on scientific research and skin safety. Notable milestones include:

• 1950: Launch of the first cleansing milk for babies.
• 1960: Introduction of one of the first sunscreen ranges designed for infants.
• 1979: Expansion into skincare for women.
• 1982: Establishment of the Mustela Foundation to support research in child development and parenting.
• 1994: Launch of the pregnancy skincare line.
• 1999: Introduction of the Stelatopia range for eczema-prone skin.
• 2018: Laboratoires Expanscience became the first dermo-cosmetic laboratory worldwide to achieve B Corp certification.
• 2022: Expanscience officially became a mission-driven company under French law.3

Mustela is owned by Laboratoires Expanscience, a French family-owned enterprise specialising in pharmaceuticals, dermatology, rheumatology and cosmetic products. The company remains independently held by the Berthomé family, enabling long-term investment in research, sustainability and product development.4

Mustela’s mission is to support families by developing skincare products that are safe from birth, dermatologist-tested, formulated with ingredients of natural origin, environmentally responsible and backed by scientific research. The brand seeks to protect infant skin health whilst reducing its environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, eco-designed packaging and sustainable manufacturing practices.5

Mustela offers a comprehensive portfolio of skincare products across several categories.

Baby Care

• Cleansing Gel
• Gentle Shampoo
• No-Rinse Cleansing Water
• Body Lotion
• Face Cream
• Baby Oil
• Nappy Rash Cream
• Cleansing Milk

Specialised Care

• Stelatopia (for eczema-prone skin)
• Cicastela Repairing Cream
• Cradle Cap Cream
• Vitamin Barrier Cream

Sun Protection

• Mineral Sunscreens
• SPF Lotions
• Sun Sticks

Maternity Care

• Stretch Mark Cream
• Stretch Mark Oil
• Firming Gel
• Nursing Comfort Products

Family Care

• Certified Organic skincare
• Moisturisers
• Cleansers suitable for sensitive skin

Many formulations incorporate plant-derived ingredients such as avocado extract, sunflower oil distillate, olive oil and shea butter.6

Mustela places significant emphasis on product safety. According to the company, every product undergoes more than 450 quality and safety tests before market release. Formulations are evaluated by independent toxicologists, and ingredients are selected according to a strict formulation charter. Many products are suitable for newborns, including infants discharged from neonatal care, except where contraindicated for premature babies.7

Mustela has progressively adopted sustainability initiatives, including manufacturing most products in France, increasing the use of recyclable and recycled packaging, prioritising ingredients of natural origin, reducing carbon emissions, supporting biodiversity and regenerative agriculture, achieving B Corp certification through its parent company, and committing to long-term environmental impact reduction strategies.8

Founded in 1982, the Mustela Foundation supports projects and research related to child development, parenting, early childhood education, family wellbeing and healthcare initiatives. The foundation collaborates with researchers, healthcare professionals and non-profit organisations worldwide.9

Mustela products are sold in over 100 countries, establishing the brand as one of the most internationally recognised names in baby skincare. Distribution channels include pharmacies, hospitals, paediatric clinics, baby specialty stores, supermarkets and online retailers. The brand maintains a particularly strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.10

Mustela’s philosophy centres on three core principles: protecting delicate skin through scientifically developed skincare; supporting parents with gentle, practical everyday products; and respecting nature by using responsibly sourced ingredients and sustainable production methods.11

Over more than seven decades, Mustela has become one of the best-known premium baby skincare brands globally. It is frequently recommended by paediatricians, dermatologists and healthcare professionals for routine infant skincare and for managing sensitive or eczema-prone skin, although specific recommendations may vary according to individual healthcare providers and patient needs.12

1. Our story since 1950 | Mustela independent family brand | www.mustela.com
2. Découvrir Mustela | www.mustela.com
3. Notre histoire depuis 1950 | Mustela marque familiale indépendante | www.mustela.com
4. Nuestra historia desde 1950 | Mustela marca familiar independiente | www.mustela.com
5. Our History | Mustela, a French Family Brand | Australia | www.mustela.com.au
6. About Mustela | French Family Baby Brand Since 1950 | www.mustela.com.au
7. Our story – We stand by parents since 1950 | Mustela
8. Our history | www.mustela.ca
9. The brand | www.mustela.ca
10. Our story since 1950 | Mustela, a French family owned skincare brand – Mustela USA
11. La nostra storia dal 1950 | Marchio di famiglia indipendente Mustela – Mustela Italia
12. Nuestra historia – Al lado de las familias desde 1950 | Mustela | www.mustela.es