The history of Ducray Dermatological Laboratories
Albert Ducray, an innovator with a bold vision
Albert Ducray was born in 1901, just as a new century was dawning.
As a young hairdresser making his way in Belle Époque Paris, Albert Ducray was quick to observe the damaging and dulling effects of soap powders when used as shampoos. Between 1929 and 1931 this dermatologist’s son created his own brand, Dr Ducray, and developed LIK Savon, a revolutionary range of single-dose shampoos adapted to different hair types.
After the war, Albert Ducray, liberated, continued to innovate, using dispensing pharmacies to distribute his products. This marks the beginning of an amazing success story.
My father’s qualities? Curiosity and attention to the world around him. Not only did he sense the changing times, but he was ahead of them. He was a pioneer.
Ducray, a French story
90 Years ago, Albert Ducray's curiosity revolutionized hair care. He created his own shampoo range. Discover the whole story:
Pierre Fabre, a decisive encounter
In 1969, Albert Ducray met Pierre Fabre. Their work is reflected in their common points of view and ambitions. Pierre Fabre Laboratories, already invested in cutting-edge hair research, acquired Ducray.
This alliance gave the brand a new impetus and accelerated its development.
A development that took shape with the creation of the Extra-Gentle shampoo, presented during medical visits. The first frequent-use shampoo to respect the balance of the scalp, it became a cult product that has stood the test of time.
From loss of hair density to sensitive skin, a complete range of expert care products was then created to cover the main hair disorders.
Ducray, from hair to skin
In the 1980s, strengthened by medical professionals’ trust, Ducray took up a new challenge and developed Ictyane, which was to become a leader in dry skin care thanks to its revolutionary galenic composition. The brand continued its dermatological research and developed a range of targeted solutions to treat hair and skin disorders that can affect anyone. The 1990s saw the launch of no fewer than 20 products, including classic treatments, handed down from one generation to the next, such as Ictyane for dry skin and Keracnyl, later to become one of the products most frequently prescribed by doctors for acne-prone skin*. By the 2000s, our products were being distributed right across the world. They are now available in more than 80 countries.
Ducray, an unchanged spirit and motto
In 2010, Ducray began a new phase of development with a strong conviction: useful innovation.
Because at Ducray, innovation has always meant designing products that improve daily life, acting scientifically to provide lasting relief, and believing that we can always go further in the treatment of dermatological condition.
To better achieve this and offer innovative products, the brand is developing a contributory approach, involving patients and health professionals.
The Ducray story began in a hairdressing salon with the courage and vision of one man, Albert Ducray.
From the first Dr Ducray shampoos to Anaphase or Anacaps, which slow down loss of hair density , and Kertyol P.S.O., composed of 4 complementary care , dedicated to soothe dry plaques-prone skin, Ducray has never ceased and will never cease to aim at improving the quality of life of its patients.
Following the example of Dexyane med, soothing repair cream*, the result of 11 years of research, this care indicated for soothing atopic-prone skin of the hands, with a "dressing effect", has demonstrated its efficacy clinically onlesions.
It is therefore only natural that in 2020, Ducray entered a new phase in its history and created the quality of life index.
The objective: to measure the impact of dermatological disorders on patients' lives precisely in order to better guide and accompany them on a daily basis.
Ducray, 90 years of useful innovation
1901
A family story
Albert Ducray was born in Paris. He was the son of Jean-Baptiste Ducray, a dermatologist. This inspiring heritage led him to take an interest in hair and skin disorders.
1930
Care tailored to each hair type
Hairdresser Albert Ducray shows that soap powders weaken the hair. He creates the LIK range, the first single-dose shampoos adapted to different hair types.
1957
Partner of pharmacies
Albert Ducray explores a new distribution circuit for his products: pharmacies. They provide better visibility and the professional endorsement of pharmacists.
1969
A decisive encounter
Albert Ducray meets Pierre Fabre. The two men combine their ambitions for the benefit of the brand's reputation and development.
1977
Gentleness in everyday life
The Extra-gentle shampoo is presented during a medical visit. 20 years later, he is the market leader in shampoos sold in pharmacies in France and Europe.*
1985
The first Ducray skin care product
Ictyane, with its revolutionary galenic formulation, has become a benchmark in the treatment of parched skin.
1990
The Ducray brand continues its path in dermatology research
In the 1990s, no less than 20 products are launched: dermatologists now have a range of care products to help them deal with their patients' dermatological problems.
1999
A complete range of care for acne-prone skin
Creation of Keracnyl, the dermo-cosmetic range of Ducray laboratories which offers a comprehensive treatment of acne-prone skin.
2009
Slowing down hair loss
Launch of Neoptide, aiming to slow down loss of hair density. Neoptide for men to be launched in 2015.
2013
An innovative care for acne-prone skin
Keracnyl evolves thanks to Myrtacine, the first patented active ingredient to target the key bacteria (C.Acnes) responsible for pimples.
2016
Soothe atopy-prone skin
The result of 11 years of research, Dexyane med, soothing repair cream **, to soothe atopic-prone skin of the hands, with a "dressing effect", has clinically proven efficacy on eczema lesions.
2017
Strengthening weak hair
For chronic or occasional loss of hair density , Anacaps, Anaphase + and Creastim are solutions adapted to each cause and contribute to strong hair.
2019
Targeting eyelid prone to atopy
Dexyane completes its range with Dexyane Med Palpebral**, an adapted formula designed to treat atopic lesions of the eyelids.
2020
Accompanying care for skin prone to dry plaques
The new Kertyol P.S.Orange, with 4 complementary products to soothe skin prone to dry plaques.
2021
A patented synergy of active ingredients**** for acne-prone skin
New KERACNYL PP+ combines the benefits of Myrtacine®, which limits the risk of bacterial proliferation, and Celastrol, with its soothing action. This duo of 100% natural active ingredients acts on various factors at the origin of pimples, at all stages.
2022
Extend the life of hair
Created in collaboration with a hair surgeon and an emeritus professor of Dermatology, NEOPTIDE EXPERT breaks new ground in the management of chronic hair loss in men and women. Thanks to an exclusive, patented active ingredient****, Anchorane™, this Serum increases hair anchorage and stimulates hair growth*****.
Legal Notice
*Kéracnyl PP 30ML N°1 on the market for anti-seborrheic care prescribed by doctors in France. IQVIA - Xponent PharmaOne - market for anti-seborrheic care prescribed by doctors in pharmacies in France - year 2018 - in volume.
**Extra Doux N°1 in the market for liquid shampoos (excluding MA) in a pharmacies in France. IQVIA - Pharmatrend Pharmaone - liquid shampoo market (excluding MA) in pharmacies in France - 2020 - volume and value.
***DEXYANE MED soothing repair cream for face, body and hands. Read the instructions in the leaflet carefully. Not to be used on pregnant or breastfeeding women, on mucous membranes, or on the diaper area of children. Avoid direct contact with the eyes. From 3 months old. Manufacturer: Pierre Fabre Medical Devices.
DEXYANEMED, Palpebral, for eyelids. Read the instructions in the leaflet carefully. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid direct contact with the eyes. From 3 months old. Manufacturer: Pierre Fabre Medical Devices. Updated: April 2020. 241023.
****Registered patent
*****Existing hair