Laboratoires Expanscience, a family-owned French pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetics company specialized in skin health, has acquired Babo Botanicals, LLC, a U.S. based, botanically-infused mineral skin care brand for babies and adults.

"This acquisition marks an important milestone in Expanscience’s development in the U.S. market," said Jean-Paul Berthomé, President of Laboratoires Expanscience.

Established in the U.S. since 1989 with Mustela, the well-known French dermo-cosmetic and natural skin care brand for babies and new and expecting mothers, Expanscience thus reinforces its presence in this high growth market.

Babo Botanicals was founded in 2010 by Kate Solomon, a young mother searching for safe, efficacious, and natural products for her children. The company develops and markets a full range of mineral and plant-based premium skin care, sun care and hair care solutions for babies, children and adults with sensitive skin. Babo Botanicals’ formulations, which incorporate botanical ingredients, are certified by the Environmental Working Group and are ideal for families looking to protect and safely nurture their babies’ skin with reliable and authentic products.

The strategic acquisition of Babo Botanicals will allow Expanscience to strengthen its presence in the baby and family category, with the addition of a business and brand that are complementary to its own Mustela brand, in terms of product lines, customers and expertise, particularly in the natural skin care and mineral-based sun care categories. Mustela will also gain access to important U.S. distributors, specialized in premium natural and safe products, as well as to key retailers including Whole Foods where Babo Botanicals is launching nationwide. Furthermore, Babo Botanicals’ growth will be accelerated both in the U.S. and international markets,” explained Laboratoires Expanscience in a statement.

Kate Solomon, Founder of baby Botanicals will retain her position as President and will continue to operate with her team out of their Scarsdale, New York, offices.

Babo Botanicals, Laboratoires Expanscience and its brand Mustela, are all B-Corp certified. B-Corp is an international label honouring socially responsible companies.

"This acquisition marks an important milestone in Expanscience’s development in the U.S. market. Babo Botanicals will accelerate Mustela’s growth in the U.S. and is fully aligned with our commitment to the well-being of consumers. We share the same values and ambitions,” said Jean-Paul Berthomé, President of Laboratoires Expanscience.

Kate Solomon and her team will join Expanscience’s U.S. subsidiary. Mrs Solomon will retain her position as President of Babo Botanicals and will continue to operate with her team out of their Scarsdale, New York, offices.