What Ducray does

Ducray (Laboratoires Dermatologiques Ducray) is a French dermo-cosmetic brand founded in 1930 by Albert Ducray and headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. The company develops and markets a broad portfolio of dermatological skin and hair care products spanning 15 care domains including hair loss (ANAPHASE+, CREASTIM, NEOPTIDE, ANACAPS), anti-dandruff (KELUAL DS, SQUANORM, ELUTION, KELUAL SQUANORM), acne-prone skin (KERACNYL), eczema and atopic skin (DEXYANE, DEXYANE MeD medical device), hyperpigmentation (MELASCREEN), psoriasis (KERTYOL PSO), sensitive scalp (SENSINOL), dry skin (ICTYANE), cradle cap (KELUAL), and excessive perspiration (HIDROSIS CONTROL). Its core technology is dermo-cosmetic formulation under dermatological control, with proprietary offerings such as PROBIOTIC-SCIENCE technology in anti-dandruff shampoos and the Green Impact Index (AFNOR Spec 2215) sustainability framework.

Ducray operates as a brand within Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique, part of the privately-held Pierre Fabre Group, benefiting from the parent's dermatological research infrastructure, manufacturing, and distribution network. The go-to-market is sales-led through pharmacies and parapharmacies where pharmacist recommendations drive prescriptions-style consumer purchases; online diagnostic tools (hair loss, acne, dandruff) and the 'Allo l'Expert Ducray' content program support mid-funnel conversion. The company runs country-specific localized websites across 33+ countries in Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia, and Africa, with regional support offices in Canada (Brossard) and Morocco (Casablanca). Products are tested under dermatological control with clinical usage studies cited for efficacy claims.

Revenue is generated primarily through one-time product sales of branded dermo-cosmetic SKUs at price points set independently by individual pharmacy retailers (not publicly disclosed by Ducray). Customer segments are fragmented end consumers organized by dermatological condition rather than enterprise accounts; the brand holds the No. 1 anti-dandruff market position in pharmacies across 11 European countries per IQVIA CH Customized Insights 2023, underscoring category leadership that anchors the broader portfolio.

Name

Ducray

Legal name

Laboratoires Dermatologiques Ducray

Website

https://ducray.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1930

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Ducray is a French dermo-cosmetic brand founded in 1930, part of Pierre Fabre Group, that develops and sells dermatological skin and hair care products across 15 care domains via pharmacies and parapharmacies in 33+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dermo-Cosmetics

NAICS

Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Treatments & Scalp Care (Serums, Oils, Anti-dandruff, Growth) (CRABABAE), Dermatology & Topical Skin Treatments (HLAIADAE), Dermatology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAL), Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal) (CRADAMAF)

Keywords

• Dermo-cosmetic products
• Hair loss treatments
• Anti-dandruff shampoo
• Acne skincare
• Eczema skincare

Headquarters

HQ city

Boulogne-billancourt

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. Dermo-cosmetic product sales: Ducray generates revenue through the sale of dermo-cosmetic products for skin and hair care conditions including hair loss, acne, eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, and hyperpigmentation. Products are distributed through pharmacies, parapharmacies, and authorized online retailers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Ducray manufactures and sells dermo-cosmetic products for skin and hair conditions including hair loss, acne, eczema/atopic dermatitis, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, cradle cap, sensitive scalp, and hyperhidrosis. The portfolio is organized into named product ranges (KERACNYL, KELUAL DS, ANAPHASE+/CREASTIM/NEOPTIDE/ANACAPS, DEXYANE/DEXYANE MeD, MELASCREEN, KERTYOL PSO, SQUANORM, ELUTION, SENSINOL, ICTYANE, KELUAL, HIDROSIS CONTROL, NUTRICERAT, DENSIAGE, EXTRA-DOUX) sold primarily through pharmacies and parapharmacies, with recommendations from pharmacists and dermatologists.

Product overview

Ducray is a dermo-cosmetic brand specializing in dermatological hair and skin care products. Founded in 1930 and part of the Pierre Fabre Group, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio organized into distinct product ranges targeting specific dermatological concerns. The offering spans hair loss treatments (ANAPHASE+, CREASTIM, NEOPTIDE, ANACAPS), anti-dandruff solutions (KELUAL DS, SQUANORM, ELUTION), acne and oily skin care (KERACNYL), eczema and atopy management (DEXYANE MeD, DEXYANE), hyperpigmentation and photo-aging correction (MELASCREEN), psoriasis care (KERTYOL PSO), sensitive scalp and itching relief (SENSINOL), dry skin hydration (ICTYANE), cradle cap treatment (KELUAL), and specialty products like excessive perspiration control (HIDROSIS CONTROL), hair nutrition (NUTRICERAT, DENSIAGE), gentle daily care (EXTRA-GENTLE), and antiseptic spray (DIASEPTYL). Products are prescribed by dermatologists, tested under dermatological control, and distributed primarily through pharmacies and parapharmacies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KERACNYL: Product range for oily and acne-prone skin
• KELUAL DS
• ANAPHASE
• DEXYANE
• MELASCREEN
• SENSINOL
• KERTYOL PSO
• SQUANORM
• ELUTION
• ICTYANE
• NEOPTIDE
• CREASTIM
• ANACAPS
• ANAPHASE+
• NUTRICERAT
• EXTRA-DOUX
• DENSIAGE
• HIDROSIS CONTROL
• KELUAL
• KELUAL SQUANORM

Products and services

• ANAPHASE+ / CREASTIM / NEOPTIDE / ANACAPS Hair Loss Range

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of loose dandruff eliminated after first application (KELUAL SQUANORM usage test on 79 subjects)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Pierre Fabre GroupcoreOthersDucray is a brand owned and operated by Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique, part of the global Pierre Fabre Group. The company benefits from Pierre Fabre's dermatological research infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and corporate resources including the Eczema Foundation and Green Impact Index sustainability framework.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Avène: Sister dermo-cosmetic brand under Pierre Fabre Group, also positioned in pharmacy-channel dermatological skincare for sensitive skin, eczema, and acne. Direct intra-portfolio peer sharing parent infrastructure and overlapping product categories with Ducray.
• Klorane: Pierre Fabre sister brand specializing in plant-based haircare distributed through pharmacies. Direct intra-group peer with overlapping haircare categories (anti-dandruff, dry hair, sensitive scalp) and shared parent infrastructure.
• Vichy: L'Oréal-owned dermo-cosmetic brand with pharmacy distribution and dermatologist-backed positioning across anti-aging, acne, hair, and scalp care. Comparable category coverage and channel model to Ducray.
• Eucerin: Beiersdorf-owned dermo-cosmetic brand sold through pharmacies with strong medical credibility and a dermatology-focused portfolio covering eczema, acne, hyperpigmentation, and dry skin. Direct competitor to Ducray with similar pharmacy-led GTM.
• A-Derma: Pierre Fabre sister brand focused on fragile skin, eczema, and atopy in pharmacies. Direct intra-group peer with overlapping care domains (eczema, atopy) and identical parent-company distribution model.
• Phyto: French botanical haircare brand with pharmacy and salon distribution focused on hair loss, anti-dandruff, and scalp treatments. Direct competitor to Ducray in the haircare segment with similar condition-specific positioning.
• Bioderma: NAOS-owned French dermo-cosmetic brand distributed primarily through pharmacies with dermatological ranges for sensitive, acne-prone, and atopic skin. Shares pharmacy-led channel and French-origin dermo-cosmetic positioning with Ducray.
• La Roche-Posay: L'Oréal-owned dermo-cosmetic brand offering dermatologist-recommended skincare and haircare through pharmacies globally. Most direct competitor to Ducray with similar pharmacy-led distribution, dermatological positioning, and condition-specific ranges (acne, eczema, anti-aging).
• Uriage: Puig-owned French dermo-cosmetic brand sold through pharmacies worldwide with thermal-water-based dermatological ranges for sensitive skin, babies, and atopic conditions. Comparable channel, country of origin, and product positioning.

Broad incumbents

• CeraVe: L'Oréal-owned dermatologist-developed skincare brand now expanding aggressively into mass and pharmacy channels globally. Competes with Ducray on dermatologist credibility and core skincare conditions (acne, eczema, dry skin) at larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ducray