Shiseido has announced its intention to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Gallinée, a London-based beauty brand that pioneered the microbiome-friendly skincare segment.
Founded in London in 2014 by Marie Drago, a French pharmacist with 15 years’ experience working for successful skincare brands, Gallinée was inspired by Marie’s history with autoimmune diseases and her desire to create products that support the skin’s “good bacteria”. Her pharmacy thesis was the basis for the patented combination of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics that are the core of the Gallinée range.
The brand currently offers a range of beauty products designed to caring for the skin’s microbiome “from head-to-toe”. The products are primarily sold in the UK and France.
“Gallinée will deliver a complementary yet unique addition to Shiseido’s existing portfolio given its focus on beauty and wellness as well as its differentiated positioning within the emerging field of skin microbiome,” said Shiseido in a statement.
The Japanese group will provide the start-up with its extensive commercial resources and the R&D capabilities of its European Innovation Centre, with the aim of developing its presence within the EMEA zone.
Following the transaction, Marie Drago will join Shiseido’s EMEA team and continue to deliver product innovation and support Gallinée as the Chief Creative Officer of the brand, reporting directly to Franck Marilly, President & CEO, Shiseido EMEA & Global Fragrance.
