French multinational L'Oreal India recently launched its new range of skin and body care products under the brand name Vichy. A package of 33 products, the range includes Pure'te Thermale, a skincare cream, Thermale S2, uv-Activ, Capital Soleil, Reti C and LiftActiv. Besides these, the range also offers body products and deodorants. The prices range from Rs.300 to Rs 1,500.

Emannuel Paint, marketing co-ordinator for Vichy said, "Skin is a vital organ and all Vichy products are formulated with thermal waters obtained from the Vichy spa in France. This water is rich in mineral content and is known to have certain therapeutic properties. The product concentrates on healthy skin and fights against skin ageing and pigmentation disorders."

Eric Delmare, managing director, said the product would be available only through pharmacies. Initially, the company has planned the launch only in Mumbai and Delhi. But by the end of 2001, it expects nearly 50 cities to be selling the products.

Speaking on the high quality of Vichy products, he said all brands are safe, hypo-allergic and dermatologically tested. Tests are regularly conducted before the launch of any product. And even if one out of 100 women is not satisfied with the sensitivity test, the product is held back from the market till satisfactory results are achieved.

Noted dermatologist Dr Rekha Sheth explained the process of ageing and the importance of using a sunscreen as a shield against harmful rays of the sun. She said the Indian skin was twice as much prone to skin damage by the sun as compared to the Caucasian counterpart.

Vichy products, sold exclusively through pharmacies in 48 countries across the world, are now all set to storm the Indian market. It may be recalled that the company made its debut in India in 1991 with the launch of Ultra Doux shampoo from Laboratories Garnier. Its three prestigious brands, Laboratories Garnier, Maybelline and L'oreal Paris have already carved a niche in the Indian cosmetic industry.