Skincare

The Magic Behind Klorane's Iconic Dry Shampoo

You might not know his name, but French pharmacist Pierre Fabre single-handedly transformed the worlds of hair care and dermatology.

by : Théo Dupuis-Carbonneau- Dec 29th, 2023

Launchmetrics Spotlight

Some rituals are so embedded in our day-to-day that it’s hard to imagine a time when they didn’t exist. Take dry shampoo, for example—a much appreciated time saver on many a hurried morning, allowing you to quickly refresh your roots without wetting your hair. The genius behind this invention? Pierre Fabre, who, in 1967, dreamed up the product for his bedridden maman. Klorane Dry Shampoo went on to collect numerous awards, and today, one bottle is sold worldwide every 11 seconds.

Klorane Extra-Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, $18.50

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But Fabre’s achievements stretch far beyond the hair-care aisle. Through his tireless commitment to medical research, he made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical sector—helping develop cancer drugs, for instance—as well as to skincare and wellness. We have him to thank for brands like Avène, Klorane and Ducray, which, although deeply rooted in the south of France, have found great success on the international scene, including right here in Canada.

Hoping to learn more about the illustrious founder, we paid a visit to his native Occitania. As we hopped around from Toulouse to Avène to Soual, it became clear just how deeply the pharmacist’s vision had influenced our daily lives and continues to do so to this day.

IN THE HEART OF THE PINK CITY

First stop: the Pierre Fabre Lab, inaugurated in 2019 in Toulouse. Bathed in natural light, the cozy boutique—think brick walls and lots of greenery— allows development teams to better understand consumer demand. “Last year, we conducted over 400 interviews with members of the community to help our brands come up with the best products to respond to people’s needs,” says Marie Chenal, retail and consumer-experience manager. The lab’s mission also includes dreaming up the pharmacy of the future, with innovative activations, such as treatment rooms and learning sessions, that transcend traditional retail. “Here, we have the space and the time to try things out,” adds Chenal. “When something is successful, we implement the concept in nearby drugstores to test it on a larger scale.” On-site, pharmacists and dermo-cosmetic experts are present to welcome shoppers, share advice and guide them in their product selection. “On average, clients spend 30 to 45 minutes in the store because they just feel so at home here.”

AVÈNE: A MIRACLE FOR SKIN

Next on the itinerary is the village of Avène. Home to the Avène Hydrotherapy Centre, it’s nestled at the foot of the Cévennes mountain range, a stone’s throw from the precious thermal water source that was discovered in 1736. Every year, more than 3,000 people suffering from dermatological conditions like eczema or psoriasis or whose skin has been affected by cancer treatments come to the centre to receive care by way of hydrotherapy (including baths, showers and underwater massages). The thermal water helps relieve itching, reduce inflammation and repair the moisture barrier. “That same water, which has a unique physical, mineral and biological makeup, is at the heart of all of Avène’s formulas,” says Laurence Lautier, doctor of pharmacy and quality and scientific projects manager at the Avène Hydrotherapy Centre.
Since 2020, the centre has also boasted a spa, the SensiCure space, for visitors who are looking to unwind and enjoy the benefits of the thermal source but don’t have any particular skin issues. On the menu: relaxing surroundings, hot tubs, thermal-water showers and body treatments.

THE AVÈNE HYDROTHERAPY CENTRE AT THE FOOT OF THE CÉVENNES MOUNTAINS

Courtesy of the Pierre Fabre Group

KLORANE: BOTANICAL WISDOM

We finish our journey in Soual at the Pierre Fabre Botanical Conservatory, where more than 225 plant species are housed. It’s a place that perfectly encapsulates the philosophy of hair-care brand Klorane as well as the mission behind the Klorane Botanical foundation. By fighting to prevent the extinction of plant species, helping protect ecosystems throughout the world and fostering our connection with nature, the organization seeks to preserve the biodiversity that makes our planet so extraordinary. You feel it immediately when you start down the paths of the conservatory’s garden, where peonies and poppies bloom brightly and fresh herbs fill the air with their aroma.
Although Fabre passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on through his company and foundation, which continue to promote what he valued most—health, personal care and medical research—on the world stage. And we, in turn, get to benefit from his knowledge and commitment in our beauty routines every day.