Bioderma Eyes U.S. Market

Bioderma, a French skin and hair care brand, is in talks to enter the U.S. even as it expands operations in Italy. Bioderma is already distributed in 200 Italian pharmacies, but company executives expect to double that figure by the end of the year, as well as increase its sales in Italy from $5.3 million in 2008 to $6.3 million.

Created by pharmacist Jean Noel Thoral in 1985 in Lyon, the privately-held beauty company’s sales topped $117 million last year. Products are distributed in 60 countries.

Bioderma is made up of six lines, each addressing specific skin problems, including one dedicated to the hair and scalp. The beauty brand’s star product is a makeup remover called Sensibio H2O.

Later this year, Bioderma will launch White Objective, a four-item line of skin care products for discolored skin. The line is priced from 18 euros, or $25.15, for a cleanser and 40 euros, or $55.90, for a night serum.