A man, a story, an encounter.
Albert Ducray was born in 1901, with the arrival of the new century. The son of a dermatologist and a young hairdresser in Belle Époque Paris, Albert Ducray noticed how soap powders, used at the time as shampoo, weakened and dulled the hair.
Between 1929 and 1931 he created his own brand, Dr Ducray, and invented LIK soap, an innovative range of single-dose shampoos adapted to different hair types.
After the war, Albert Ducray, having been liberated, explored a new distribution channel for his products: pharmacies. This was the beginning of a 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.
90 Years ago, Albert Ducray's curiosity revolutionized hair care. He created his own shampoo range. Discover the whole story:
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 hair loss to sensitive skin, a complete range of expert care products was then created to cover the main hair disorders.
In the 1980s, Ducray, backed by the confidence of doctors, took up the challenge of skin care. Ictyane, with its revolutionary galenic formula, became a benchmark for the care of dry skin.
The brand thus continued its path in dermatological research and designed a set of targeted solutions to deal with the hair and skin disorders that can affect us all.
In the 90s, no fewer than 20 models were launched. Among them, reference products, passed down from one generation to the next, such as Ictyane for dry skin or Keracnyl, which went on to become one of the most prescribed treatments by doctors for acne-prone skin***.
In the 2000s all these products crossed borders to be distributed on all continents. They are now distributed in more than 80 countries.
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 disorders.
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 hair loss, and Kertyol P.S.O., composed of 4 complementary treatments, dedicated to soothe psoriasis-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 medical device indicated for the treatment of atopic, contact and chronic eczema of the hands, with a "dressing effect", has demonstrated its efficacy clinically on eczema lesions.
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.
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.
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.
Albert Ducray explores a new distribution circuit for his products: pharmacies. They provide better visibility and the professional endorsement of pharmacists.
Albert Ducray meets Pierre Fabre. The two men combine their ambitions for the benefit of the brand's reputation and development.
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.*
Ictyane, and its revolutionary galenic formulation, become a leading dry skin treatment.
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.
Creation of Keracnyl, the dermo-cosmetic range ofDucray laboratories which offers a comprehensive treatment of acne-prone skin.
Launch of Néoptide, aiming to curb hair loss in women and stimulate hair growth. Neoptide for men to be launched in 2015.
Keracnyl evolves thanks to Myrtacine, the first patented active ingredient to target the key bacteria (C.Acnes) responsible for pimples.
The result of 11 years of research, Dexyane med, soothing repair cream **, a medical device for treating atopic, contact and chronic eczema of the hands, with a "dressing effect", has clinically proven efficacy on eczema lesions.
For chronic or occasional hair loss, Anacaps, Anaphase + and Creastim are solutions adapted to each cause and contribute to strong hair growth.
Dexyane completes its range with Dexyane Med Palpebral**, a medical device, an adapted formula designed to treat eczema lesions of the eyelids.
The new Kertyol P.S.Orange, with 4 complementary products to soothe psoriasis-prone skin.
The new KERACNYL PP+ care product combines the benefits of Myrtacine®, which limits the risk of bacterial proliferation, and Celastrol, with its soothing action. This duo of 100% natural origin active ingredients acts on various factors that cause spots, at all stages.
Created in collaboration with a hair surgeon and a professor emeritus in Dermatology, NEOPTIDE EXPERT is an innovation in the management of chronic hair loss in men and women. Thanks to an exclusive and patented active ingredient**** , Anchorane™, this serum increases hair anchorage and stimulates hair growth***** .
*Keracnyl PP 30 mL No. 1 on the market for physician-prescribed anti-seborrheic care in France. IQVIA - Xponent PharmaOne - market for physician-prescribed anti-seborrheic care in France - year 2018 - in volume.
**Extra Gentle No.1 on the market for liquid shampoos (excluding MA) in pharmacies in France. IQVIA - Pharmatrend PharmaOne - Liquid shampoo market (excluding MA) in France - Year 2020 - in volume and value.
***DEXYANE MED soothing repair cream for face, body and hands is a regulated medical device that bears the CE mark under this regulation. Read the instructions in the leaflet carefully. Not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, on mucous membranes, or on the diaper area of children. Avoid any direct contact with the eyes. From 3 months. Manufacturer: Pierre Fabre Medical Devices.
DEXYANEMED, Palpebral, eyelids, is a medical device and regulated health product that bears the CE mark under this regulation. Read the instructions in the leaflet carefully. Not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Avoid any direct contact with the eyes. From 3 months. Manufacturer: Pierre Fabre Medical Devices. Update: April 2020. 241023.
****Patent pending
*****Of existing hair
