WHO WE ARE

Our Story

The history of NAOS began in 1977 when Jean-Noël Thorel, a pharmacist-biologist, opened the way to active cosmetics by integrating biology into skincare.

visuel recherche

Ecobiology at the heart of our story

Our vision is rooted in biology. As early as 1977, our founder and president, Jean-Noël Thorel, has considered the skin as a living ecosystem that continuously interacts with its internal and external environment, adapts, and evolves over time.

 

His unique look on the skin and its ecosystem, and his high expectations, gave birth to an unprecedented scientific approach: Ecobiology.

1977-2023: 45 years of sustainable growth

pictogramme carte du monde

130

Countries

An international French company present around the world.

pictogramme brevet

70

Patents

A strong capacity for innovation serving a unique scientific approach: ECOBIOLOGY. 

pictogramme collaborateurs

3100

Naosians

A community of employee driven by heart around the world

pictogramme site de production

1

site of production

A single design site, NAOS Les Laboratoires, in Aix-en-Provence (France)

A culture of innovation

Our history is characterized by breakthrough innovations such as the invention in 1995 of the iconic micellar water, both cleanser and make-up remover, and over 70 patents.

  • 1977

    Creation of the first Bioderma products and of the Research Center CEREDAP (Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches en Esthétique et Dermatologie Appliquée).

  • 1978

    Creation of Institut Esthederm brand and its first products. A brand dedicated to supporting women's beauty over time.

  • 1985

    Creation of DIPTA (Développement Industrialisation et Promotion de Technologies Avancées) to support the R&D and manufacturing of Bioderma and Institut Esthederm products.

  • 1995

    Invention of the Micellar Water technology by Bioderma, leading to the creation of the new beauty care category. Sensibio H20, the first micellar water, still #1 on the market today.

  • 1999

    Invention of the Cellular Water technology, inspired by the water of the skin by the Institut Esthederm.

  • 2001

    Opening of the first affiliate abroad, in Italy. Since then, NAOS has opened more than 40 affiliates in the world.

  • 2011

    Creation of Etat Pur brand. A biomimetic and personalized skincare approach to bring the skin only what it needs. Nothing more, nothing less.

  • 2016

    Merger of the Bioderma, Institut Esthederm and Etat Pur activities into a cohesive company called NAOS

  • 2018

    Creation of the shareholder foundation.

    Creation of NAOS ILS Institute (Institute of Life Science) with world-renowned researchers.

  • 2023

    AGE PROTEOM™ ADVANCED SERUM, the first serum for cellular longevity that protects, strengthens and preserves all proteins in the skin