Mustela

Overview

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, moisturizers, diaper creams, eczema care Markets: Available in more than 100 countries worldwide Certification: B Corp Certified (through Laboratoires Expanscience since 2018) [2]

History

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 babies’ delicate skin. At the time, baby skincare products designed exclusively for infants were rare, making the innovation a significant milestone in pediatric skincare. [1]

Throughout the following decades, Mustela expanded its product range while maintaining a focus on scientific research and skin safety. [3]

Some notable milestones include:

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

Parent Company

Mustela is owned by Laboratoires Expanscience, a French family-owned company specializing in pharmaceuticals, dermatology, rheumatology, and cosmetic products. The company remains independently owned by the Berthomé family, allowing it to maintain long-term investments in research, sustainability, and product development. [4]

Mission

Mustela’s mission is to support families by developing skincare products that are: [5]

Safe from birth
Dermatologist-tested
Made with ingredients of natural origin
Environmentally responsible
Backed by scientific research

The brand aims to protect the skin health of babies while reducing its environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, eco-designed packaging, and sustainable manufacturing. [5]

Products

Mustela offers a broad portfolio of skincare products, including: [6]

Baby Care

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

Specialized 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
Moisturizers
Cleansers suitable for sensitive skin

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

Research and Safety

Mustela places significant emphasis on product safety. According to the company: [7]

Every product undergoes more than 450 quality and safety tests before reaching the market.
Products are evaluated by independent toxicologists.
Ingredients are selected according to a strict formulation charter.
Many products are suitable for newborns, including babies discharged from neonatal care (except premature infants where indicated). [7]

Sustainability

Mustela has progressively adopted sustainability initiatives, including: [8]

Manufacturing most products in France.
Increasing the use of recyclable and recycled packaging.
Prioritizing ingredients of natural origin.
Reducing carbon emissions.
Supporting biodiversity and regenerative agriculture.
Achieving B Corp certification through its parent company.
Committing to long-term environmental impact reduction strategies. [8]

The Mustela Foundation

Founded in 1982, the Mustela Foundation supports projects and research related to: [9]

Child development
Parenting
Early childhood education
Family wellbeing
Healthcare initiatives

The foundation collaborates with researchers, healthcare professionals, and nonprofit organizations around the world. [9]

Global Presence

Today, Mustela products are sold in over 100 countries, making the brand one of the most internationally recognized names in baby skincare. Its products are commonly available through: [10]

Pharmacies
Hospitals
Pediatric clinics
Baby specialty stores
Supermarkets
Online retailers

The brand is particularly well established in Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. [10]

Brand Philosophy

Mustela’s philosophy centers on three core principles: [11]

Protect delicate skin through scientifically developed skincare.
Support parents with gentle, practical everyday products.
Respect nature by using responsibly sourced ingredients and sustainable production methods. [11]

Recognition

Over more than seven decades, Mustela has become one of the best-known premium baby skincare brands globally. It is frequently recommended by pediatricians, dermatologists, and healthcare professionals for routine baby skincare and for managing sensitive or eczema-prone skin. [12]

About Mustela