Gattefossé, the French specialist in lipid chemistry and plant-based ingredients for the personal care and pharmaceutical industries, celebrates 20 years of presence in China. On this milestone anniversary, the Group reaffirms its long-term confidence in the Chinese market and inaugurates the upgraded Technical Center of Excellence in Shanghai, further strengthening China’s strategic role within Gattefossé’s operations across Asia.

China: a fast-evolving innovation hub

 Over the past two decades, China has become a global powerhouse in both pharmaceuticals and personal care. No longer a follower, the country now sets trends, fosters innovation, and defines new ways of consuming. Supported by world-class universities and research institutions, China has created a fertile ecosystem for collaboration and scientific progress.

As the world’s No. 1 beauty market, China is home to increasingly creative and sophisticated brands, perfectly aligned with Gattefossé’s expertise in natural, high-performance ingredients. The country also stands out as a pharmaceutical innovation leader, generating nearly 30% of the world’s new molecules and investing over $30 billion annually in R&D.

 “Since establishing our affiliate in 2005, we have continuously deepened our presence in China, building strong and lasting partnerships with customers, universities, and institutions. China is one of our top priorities for investment and growth. This long-term commitment reflects the strong bond between France and China, rooted in shared values of innovation, expertise and collaboration” explains Eduardo de Purgly Gattefossé Group CEO.

An upgraded state-of-the-art application laboratory

 Located in Shanghai, the newly upgraded Technical Center of Excellence embodies Gattefossé’s ongoing investment in the region. Expanded by over 60%, the facility now brings together advanced personal care and pharmaceutical laboratories, a sensory analysis room, a clinical testing area, and cutting-edge analytical instruments.

 Acting as a regional hub for Asia, the Technical Center of Excellence supports customers in China, but also Japan, Singapore or Korea, developing locally tailored formulations and providing technical training aligned with global trends. It illustrates Gattefossé’s mission to combine scientific rigor, local agility, and sustainable innovation.

 “With this state-of-the-art world-class facility and a highly skilled local team, we are better equipped than ever to support our customers in China and across Asia. We have enhanced our capabilities with one-stop solutions and have driven innovative applications. We will continue this journey with unwavering confidence and long-term commitment” says Jacky Chen, General Manager of Gattefossé China.

In personal care, Gattefossé China’s experts design refined creams, balms, color cosmetics and suncare formulations using unique emulsifiers and natural oils, pioneering wax ester technology for innovative textures.

In pharmaceuticals, the laboratory develops lipid-based drug delivery systems to improve bioavailability, along with controlled-release and topical formulations that balance efficacy and comfort.

Building bridges between modern science and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the company also explores plant-based actives and natural compounds, contributing to innovative, patient-centered healthcare solutions.

A trusted partner for sustainable growth in China

For Gattefossé, building trust means combining scientific expertise with long-term commitment.
Through continuous investment in local talent, regulatory knowledge, and formulation support, the company strengthens its collaboration with Chinese partners and universities, including China Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, and the Shanghai Institute of Technology.

 From personal care to pharmaceutical, Gattefossé adapts to local climatic, cultural, and consumer specificities, developing tailor-made solutions for Chinese and Asian markets. This approach underpins the Group’s global ambition: to deliver technical excellence and sustainable innovation close to its customers.

France and China: a partnership rooted in history

The relationship between France and China rests on decades of diplomatic trust and cooperation. Today, collaboration thrives in aeronautics, nuclear energy, beauty, science, and academia, reflecting strong and complementary expertise.

These ties resonate deeply with Gattefossé’s own story. Founded in Lyon, a city historically connected to China through silk and long-standing trade routes, Gattefossé is also a founding sponsor of the new Sino-French Institute, continuing a century-old tradition of cultural and scientific exchange.