Medical aesthetic products. Ieva Group buys back Intuiskin from Unilever

THE WHAT? Unilever has sold its majority stake in Intuiskin to Ieva Group for an undisclosed sum, according to a report published by WWD.

THE DETAILS Unilever will retain a minority stake in the parent company of Ioma, Ioma Hair and Made With Care. Ieva Group has also announced that it has completed a €9 million funding round led by Credit Mutuel Innovation.

THE WHY? Ieva Group Founder Jean Michel Karam set up Intuiskin in 2010 before selling a stake to Unilever the following year. Unilever went on to take full control eight years ago. Karam said in a statement, per WWD, that the acquisition ‘is a major step in the develooment of Ieva Group’.

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.