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Meeting Highlights:
- A Transformative Growth Journey: With 13 years at Galderma, the past five years have been particularly transformative, marked by rapid growth and innovation. The company’s unique blend of medical dermatology and consumer experience has solidified its position as the only brand globally offering the full spectrum of premium skincare solutions.
- India’s Evolving Skincare Market: India was traditionally seen as a scale-driven market, but perception is shifting. The past few years have witnessed significant advancements in dermatology, with increasing consumer awareness and demand for premium skincare solutions. To sustain this momentum, Galderma invests in innovative solutions while enhancing our digital, e-commerce, in-store, and healthcare professional engagement channels.
- A Clear Value Proposition in India: Galderma has been actively shaping India’s dermatology landscape for 26 years, driven by a clear purpose: advancing dermatology for every skin story and becoming the most trusted derma company in the Indian market.
- AI & The Future of Dermatology: Artificial Intelligence is reshaping skincare diagnostics and treatment by improving diagnostics, accessibility, and patient/consumer engagement. Galderma is integrating AI technologies to personalize skincare solutions, ensuring every individual’s unique skin story is met with the right care and innovation.
- People Drive the Difference: A unified vision and team culture are at the heart of Galderma’s success. The company is committed to fostering an empowering and engaging workplace. With strong collaboration, Galderma creates an environment that nurtures growth, leadership, and adaptability & brings people together under the shared mission of advancing one skin at a time.
- Galderma has been passionate about dermatology since 1981, driven by innovation and science to shape the future of skincare. With Cetaphil, we champion people with sensitive skin by owning “sensitive skin moments,” combining scientific expertise with the emotional freedom of feeling comfortable in your skin. Our philosophy, “Hum Skin Ki Sune, Tum Dil Ki Suno,” empowers individuals to live life without limitations, embracing what makes them feel truly themselves.
EF: What are your current priorities, and what is your strategic plan for growth in India?
RS: Galderma, a Swiss-based company, has undergone tremendous growth, transitioning from a Nestlé division to a pure-play publicly listed dermatology leader. My 13-year journey here has been especially transformative over the past five years. After leading the Philippines team for over seven years, I returned to India two years ago. Initially, our focus was on scale, but today, we emphasize both scale and value, positioning ourselves in the premium healthcare and skin health segment.
India’s expanding middle class and increasing focus on healthcare present tremendous opportunities for dermatology and injectable aesthetics. By 2027, the Indian dermatology market is expected to grow significantly, and at Galderma, we are positioning ourselves as the category leader with a strong product portfolio.
2024 marked 25 years of Galderma’s operations in India, a milestone that underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing dermatology for every skin story. We operate with a three-pronged approach—Therapeutic Dermatology (TD), Dermatological Skincare (DS), and Injectable Aesthetics (IA), with patient and consumer needs at the heart of everything we do.
What sets us apart is our commitment to science and dermatology. We are not just a skincare brand but a research-driven company offering solutions from therapeutic treatments to premium consumer brands. The past five years have been remarkable—Cetaphil, our known line of gentle skincare products, demonstrates the trust we have built within the dermatology sector.
EF: How do you ensure your products reach a vast population, especially for niche offerings? How do you engage with HCPs to highlight the importance of skin health?
RS: We position ourselves as a premium science-based dermatology company while ensuring accessibility. Our workforce of 600 includes a field team of 480, covering three divisions. Our therapeutic dermatology team connects with 11,000 dermatologists and 10,000 pediatricians across India. Our GTMT team manages retail and chain accounts, and a specialized injectable aesthetics team engages with aesthetic physicians. We are present in Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets, with plans to expand beyond Tier 2 between 2026 and 2030. We also conduct awareness campaigns, including Skin Awareness Month and Acne Awareness Month, to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and consumers.
We have led dermatology innovation for over 41 years and have been in India for 25 years. Cetaphil remains the top dermatologist-prescribed skincare brand, demonstrating our bridge between scientific expertise and consumer trust. We also leverage digital platforms and dermatology influencers to enhance accessibility.
India's healthcare system is largely out-of-pocket, making affordability a key factor. While specific products for atopic dermatitis require insurance in markets like the US and Europe, they are entirely self-funded in India.
Cetaphil contributes 70-80% of our business, making it our biggest success. The brand has three clear product lines. The core line, with cleansers, moisturizers, and sun protection, follows our CTMP model: Cleanse, Treat, Moisturize, and Protect; Cetaphil Baby, a line we introduced to strengthen our partnership with pediatricians and redefine premium infant skincare in India, which has been growing by 100% in just a few years; and lastly, Bright Healthy Radiance, addressing hyperpigmentation, a major concern for Indian skin.
We meet our diverse consumer's skincare needs with science-backed solutions, and our products highlight this commitment. We have already introduced brightening products and have more launches planned for the coming year. Everything we do aligns with our purpose to advance dermatology for every skin story.
EF: How do you drive research within India to meet local needs in skincare?
RS: Innovation is in our DNA. With a legacy of 40 years in dermatology, we recognize that every skin type is unique. Our ‘local jewels’— specifically designed for Indian skin—are a testament to our commitment to creating tailored solutions.
Consumers today are more informed than ever, and skincare has evolved beyond aesthetics to a key component of wellness. At Galderma, we see skin as the fabric we wear daily. Recognizing India’s needs, we established local production early with a CMO in Goa. Today, 70% of our core line is produced in India, tailored to local requirements. Our portfolio includes a leading treatment for hyperpigmentation and melasma recommended by dermatologists.
For Cetaphil, we identified the need for gentle bathing bars. Most existing options are alkaline-based and harsh on delicate skin, particularly for infants. In response, we developed a mild Cetaphil bathing bar, which is now a consumer favorite. Our localized approach ensures dermatologist acceptance while reinforcing consumer trust. Through conferences, CMEs, and initiatives like Skin Awareness Month and Skin Labs, we engage with dermatologists and consumers to highlight the importance of skin health. It is not just business; it is our passion.
EF: How is Galderma integrating digital solutions in diagnostics, communication, and operational efficiency?
RS: This is an exciting time with the rise of disruptive technologies. While some find AI intimidating, we see it as an opportunity. At Galderma, it is a game-changer in product development and delivery. AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and digital platforms are transforming dermatology.
Digital platforms will drive future growth. Our “Skin, Health & You” initiative is a knowledge-sharing tool that empowers individuals through greater internet accessibility. Every skin has a story, and AI can help us listen and tailor products accordingly. Personalized skincare is impossible without digital disruption, and AI plays a key role. Even within small groups, skincare needs vary based on type, climate, concerns, and age. AI allows us to offer customized solutions, unlocking significant opportunities in the industry.
EF: If India were to have a new name beyond the "Pharmacy of the World," what would it be?
RS: The title "Pharmacy of the World" is well-earned; given India's vast pharmaceutical expertise and manufacturing potential, India has solidified its position. Beyond this, India is witnessing rapid economic growth, a rising middle class, and significant healthcare advancements. The government is actively supporting multinational and domestic firms in R&D and product innovation. "The Future Skin Care Capital" As India becomes a major player in the skincare industry, this name could represent the country’s growing influence in producing quality skin care products, from herbal cosmetics to clinical-grade dermatological treatment.
Skin health awareness is rising fast. Projections suggest the Indian skin health market will reach $28-$30 billion by 2029-2030, with a 10-12% CAGR. This is a huge opportunity for every global & local dermatology player. With a dermatology legacy since 1981, we are poised to lead this growth. Our mission in India is clear: to be the number one dermatology company offering cutting-edge solutions across the skin health spectrum.
But our ambition goes beyond delivering products. We aim to shape the future of skincare, one year at a time, one skin story at a time. Every skin is unique, and we understand that.
EF: When you raise your glass to celebrate 15 years with the company, what are you most proud of, and what do you hope to achieve in the next five years?
RS: One of my proudest moments was when we returned to our roots. Galderma has a long history—founded in 1981, but becoming fully independent in 2019. That independence allowed us to refocus on what defines us: research and development. It took time, but we’re now seeing the results.
We were the first to launch a third-generation liquid toxin powered by Pearl technology—a groundbreaking achievement. Another milestone is our treatment for Prurigo Nodularis and Atopic Dermatitis, which addresses severe itch and fills a critical therapy gap. It has already been approved in the US and Europe. These innovations reflect our commitment to cutting-edge solutions for patients and consumers.
Beyond innovation, our incredible growth excites me the most. It is not just about new products but scaling success to fuel further breakthroughs. I am eager to replicate that trajectory. Our goal is clear: To solidify our leadership in dermatology. That’s what drives us forward.
EF: Do you have a final message to share?
RS: Dermatology is our heritage; skin has been our passion since 1981. Our commitment to innovation and science fuels our ambition to be the world’s leading dermatology company. At Galderma India, we are not just offering products; we are shaping the future of skincare—one skin story at a time.”
Our success rests on three pillars: our company, our products, and, most importantly, our people. In the broader healthcare industry, we understand skin health better than anyone and are uniquely positioned to lead—a responsibility we take seriously. But beyond strategy and vision, our people are the driving force. I am honored to lead a team of passionate, empowered individuals who consistently exceed expectations. A strong vision means little without execution, and I am grateful that my team in India has fully embraced ours.
Our goal is to sustain hyper-growth, and when we meet again, we will be celebrating another year of growth—a challenge we’re ready to achieve together.
