Foltène Pharma

What Foltène Pharma does

Foltène Pharma is an Italian dermocosmetics brand founded in 1944 in Como (originally as Crinos Industria Farmacobiologica S.p.A.) that develops scientifically formulated products for hair, scalp, eyelash, eyebrow, and nail care. The portfolio is anchored by three proprietary patented active ingredients: Tricosaccaride® (a mucopolysaccharide complex discovered in the mid-1960s), Tricalgoxyl® (a polysaccharide complex extracted from brown algae), and DN-Age™ (a Cassia Alata-derived anti-aging extract added in 2019). Supporting ingredients include the Nourishing Biomineral Complex, Revitalizing Nourishing Complex, and Phyto-Peptidic Fractions (Capillia LongaPPF, LPD Eyelasher). Efficacy is supported by 58 published clinical studies and 80 years of clinical positioning. The product range covers hair and scalp treatments in 12/24-vial formats, a specialized everyday shampoo range (strengthening, anti-dandruff, sebum normalizing, dermoprotective, anti-aging, solid shampoo bars), conditioner, eyelash and eyebrow serums, and a nail rescue treatment.

The business model is B2C product sales through pharmacy retail distribution. International export and marketing activities are centralized in Athens (Greece) under Gerolymatos International, while manufacturing, procurement, and QC remain in Milan (Fino Mornasco), Italy. Foltène is sold in pharmacies across 30+ countries and five continents — including Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Korea, Japan, Israel, and Singapore — and is ranked among the top 5 players in the global scalp care serum market alongside Amorepacific, Lion, L'Oréal, and POLA. End customers are adult men and women experiencing hair loss, hair thinning, scalp conditions, or seeking eyelash, eyebrow, and nail enhancement; key sub-segments include pregnant/breastfeeding women, chemically treated hair users, and people with dandruff or sensitive scalp. Distribution relies on pharmacy chains (with deep penetration in 19+ named Greek pharmacy chains) and digital marketing (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, brand websites foltenelabs.com and foltene.eu). In October 2024, Foltène was acquired in full by China's JOY GROUP (Shanghai Juyi Cosmetics Co., Ltd.), parent of JUDYDOLL, placing the brand in a multi-brand, multi-category, multi-geography platform alongside René Furterer and other hair and scalp care assets.

Name

Foltène Pharma

Legal name

Foltene Laboratories S.r.l.

Website

https://foltene.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1944

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Foltène Pharma is an Italian dermocosmetics brand founded in 1944 that develops clinically validated hair, scalp, eyelash, eyebrow, and nail treatments built on proprietary patented active ingredients. The brand sells through pharmacy retail channels across 30+ countries and was acquired by China's JOY GROUP in October 2024.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Anti-Hair Loss and Scalp Care Dermocosmetics

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411)

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), Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair (CRABAAAG), Eye & Lip Skincare (CRABAAAC)

Keywords

• Anti-hair loss treatment
• Scalp care shampoo
• Eyelash growth serum
• Nail care treatment
• Dermatological hair care

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Sale of dermocosmetic hair, scalp, nail, and eyebrow care products through pharmacy channels and retail distribution. Products include treatment vials, shampoos, conditioners, serums, and specialized everyday hair care products.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Foltène Pharma develops and sells clinically backed dermatological products for hair, scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and nails. The portfolio includes anti-hair loss treatment vials (for men and women), specialized shampoos (anti-dandruff, sebum normalizing, strengthening, anti-aging, dermoprotective, and solid formats), conditioners, eyelash and eyebrow growth treatments, and nail rescue treatments. Products are formulated around the brand's proprietary patented active ingredients Tricosaccaride® and Tricalgoxyl®, with 58 published clinical studies supporting efficacy.

Product overview

Foltène Pharma is a dermatological hair, nail, and eyebrow care brand founded in Milan in 1944, known for its clinically backed anti-hair loss and scalp care products. The product portfolio centers on three core product lines: (1) Hair & Scalp Treatments (for women and men) featuring the brand's proprietary Tricosaccaride® and Tricalgoxyl® active complexes, available as treatment vials in 12 and 24-vial packs; (2) a specialized everyday shampoo range including Strengthening Shampoos, Anti-Dandruff, Sebum Normalizing, Dermoprotective, and Anti-Aging variants, plus a Solid Shampoo Range and Conditioner; and (3) Eyelash & Eyebrow treatments including the Eyelash & Eyebrow Treatment and Eyebrow Enhancing Serum, plus Nail Rescue Treatment for nail health. All products leverage the brand's patented active ingredients developed through 80 years of clinical research, with 58 published clinical studies supporting efficacy. The brand was acquired by JOY GROUP (China) in October 2024 and operates under Gerolymatos International Group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hair & Scalp Treatment for Women Clinically backed anti-hair loss treatment for women, formulated with Tricalgoxyl® and other proprietary active ingredients to reduce hair loss, promote natural hair growth, and restore scalp balance. Available in 12-vial (1-month) and 24-vial (3-month value pack) formats. For adult women experiencing hair thinning and hair loss.
• Hair & Scalp Treatment for Men Anti-hair loss treatment specifically formulated for men, based on the synergistic action of Tricosaccaride® and Revitalizing Nourishing Complex. Targets male pattern hair loss and helps restore hair vitality and scalp health. Available in 12-vial and 24-vial packs.
• Strengthening Shampoo for Women Specialized shampoo for thinning hair in women, containing Tricalgoxyl® and Panax Ginseng Extract to stimulate hair strengthening, restore scalp balance, and promote body and shine. For women with thinning or fragile hair.
• Strengthening Shampoo for Men Booster shampoo for fragile and thinning hair in men, formulated with Tricosaccaride® and Capsicum Extract (red pepper) to restore natural strength, vitality, volume, and shine. For men with thinning or fragile hair.
• Anti-Aging Hair Rescue Shampoo Anti-aging shampoo with DN-Age™ and Olive Natural Extract to protect hair from UV rays, increase hair density, and restore elasticity. Suitable for both men and women concerned with hair aging and environmental damage.
• Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Shampoo formulated with Piroctone Olamine, Salicylic Acid, and Thyme Extract to eliminate dandruff-causing microorganisms, relieve scalp irritation, and remove persistent flaking. Available for both dry and oily flaky scalp types. For consumers with dandruff-prone scalps.
• Sebum Normalizing Shampoo Shampoo for removing all types of dandruff and reducing re-formation, containing Vitamin B6, Biotin, and Sage Extract to regulate sebum production and restore hair shine and volume. For consumers with oily hair and scalp sebum issues.
• Dermoprotective Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp Gentle daily-use shampoo for sensitive scalps, formulated with Avena Extract, Aloe Extract, Chamomile Extract, and Panthenol to deliver delicate cleansing while preserving natural scalp balance. For consumers with sensitive or easily irritated scalps.
• Solid Shampoo Range Eco-friendly solid shampoo bars including Anti-Dandruff formula (with Piroctone Olamine and Birch Extract) and Nourishing formula (with Apricot Kernel and Jojoba Oils). 97% natural origin ingredients, vegan formula. For environmentally conscious consumers seeking sustainable hair care.
• Conditioner Hair Beautifier Conditioner with Macadamia Oil, Pracaxi Oil, Vitamin E, and Panthenol to moisturize and nourish all hair types, detangle gently, add elasticity, and resist breakage. Free from sulfates, mineral oils, silicones, and paraffin wax.
• Eyelash & Eyebrow Treatment Treatment for thin and delicate eyelashes and eyebrows, formulated with Tricosaccaride®, Tricalgoxyl®, LPD Eyelasher, and DN-Age™. Clinically tested to increase volume by 23% and length by 9%. Provides protection against blue light. For consumers with thin, weak, or damaged lashes and brows.
• Eyebrow Enhancing Serum Serum specially formulated for thin and fragile eyebrows, containing Myristoylpentapeptide-17, Panthenol, and LPD Eyelasher. Clinical testing shows eyebrows become 4x thicker and 4x longer after 56 days. For consumers seeking eyebrow enhancement.
• Nail Rescue Treatment Treatment for damaged, dry, and dull nails based on Tricosaccaride®, Tricalgoxyl®, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, and Burdock Extract. Passed dermatological safety tests and helps regenerate and stimulate keratin for healthier-looking nails. For consumers with brittle, weak, or damaged nails.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hair regains natural strength, vitality, volume and shine
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Ducray (Pierre Fabre): French dermatological hair care brand within Pierre Fabre, with Anaphase+ anti-hair loss and Ducray scalp treatment ranges. Direct overlap with Foltène in pharmacy distribution, hair loss treatment positioning, and dermatological credibility.
• René Furterer: French botanical hair care brand now under JOY GROUP alongside Foltène, with overlapping scalp care and hair loss treatment portfolios. Most direct peer given shared ownership, similar dermocosmetic positioning, and identical European pharmacy-led GTM model.
• Klorane (Pierre Fabre): Botanical hair care brand under Pierre Fabre with strong anti-hair loss and scalp care presence. Comparable to Foltène in pharmacy-led GTM, botanical actives positioning, and emphasis on clinically validated plant-based formulations.
• Nioxin: Global hair thinning and scalp health brand (Wella Company) with strong professional salon and consumer presence. Directly comparable anti-hair loss and scalp serum portfolio, though more salon-channel focused versus Foltène's pharmacy channel.
• Phyto (Alès Groupe): French botanical hair care brand specializing in plant-based hair thinning and scalp treatments. Comparable to Foltène in botanical active ingredient approach, hair loss focus, and pharmacy/selective retail distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Aveda (Estée Lauder): Estée Lauder-owned botanical hair care brand with Pramasana scalp solutions and Invati anti-hair thinning line. Comparable botanical and clinical positioning but operates at much larger global scale via prestige and salon channels.
• Vichy (L'Oréal): Global dermocosmetic brand owned by L'Oréal with Dercos scalp and hair loss treatment line. Comparable to Foltène in pharmacy distribution, clinical positioning, and target consumer, but operates within L'Oréal's much broader portfolio.
• Amorepacific: South Korean beauty conglomerate explicitly identified as a Top 5 scalp care serum peer alongside Foltène. Comparable in scalp care serum category but operates at vastly larger scale across Asian and global markets.
• L'Oréal Professionnel / Kérastase: L'Oréal-owned premium hair care brand with hair loss/scalp ranges like Aminexil and Initialiste. Direct overlap in anti-hair loss clinical positioning with Foltène, but at materially larger scale and broader professional distribution.

Emerging players

• POLA (Pola Orbis Holdings): Japanese beauty group explicitly identified as a Top 5 scalp care serum peer alongside Foltène. Comparable scalp care serum positioning with strong Asia-Pacific distribution; less direct competition in Europe where Foltène is stronger.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC3tcPFPl0MEGxsRBz0UMpZw
• Facebookfacebook.com/FolteneGreece
• Instagraminstagram.com/folteneofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/foltene-laboratories-srl

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 Foltène Pharma