Beautiful Skin. Clinically Proven. Two Dermatological Skincare Brands from L'Oreal Now Expanding at Select Walgreens

NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- La Roche-Posay and Vichy Laboratoires, the two world-renowned dermatological skincare brands from the L'Oreal Group, are proud to announce the upcoming expansion into select Walgreens locations.  With an upscale, interactive merchandising concept and a unique, best-in-class shopping experience that includes instant expert advice, the brands bring their rich medical heritage and expertise to this widely-accessible retailer.  Beginning this month, more Americans will have access to the clinically-proven, optimal concentration skincare products that are in high demand by the savvy beauty shopper.

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Originating in France and once available only in European pharmacies, Vichy and La Roche-Posay are leading dermatological skincare brands around the world.  Developed in collaboration with dermatologists and based on scientific breakthroughs, both brands offer innovative products that are carefully formulated for sensitive skin and rigorously tested in clinical studies to ensure effective results.  Each brand is committed to a vision of skin health as the foundation for maintaining beautiful skin longer.

"It is just wonderful to see both of these brands teaming up with Walgreens to become more widely available. Consumers will be able to access these products and receive professional advice where it is convenient for them. It's really exciting," says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD.

Walgreens plans to feature this unique kiosk concept at select LOOK Boutiques and other top beauty locations across the country.  Utilizing the most modern technology, the kiosk will engage shoppers with a tablet experience that will offer information and advice about skincare.  This interactive tablet experience will help customers by focusing on their concerns and needs, as well as guide their selection of everything from cleanser to sunscreen. The Dermatological Skincare experience also provides an educational component where users can tap into the brands' skincare secrets or get dermatologist advice. In addition, customers can scan a product's UPC code to instantly see the features, benefits and ingredient details.  Vichy Laboratoires will also offer French beauty secrets while La Roche-Posay will deliver board-certified dermatologist advice.  Walgreens beauty advisors, available at each of the drugstore chain's locations, are specially trained to help customers who may have questions about skincare products or would like to sample products.

"Industry studies show that 1 out of 2 women in the U.S. are using the wrong skincare product for their skin's needs," said Henric Sark, President, Active Cosmetics Division at L'Oreal.  "One of the prime objectives of this collaboration with Walgreens is to improve the level of results and satisfaction by helping customers to make the right choice.  To do this, we have worked together to provide advice and in-depth information, either through the trained beauty advisor or the interactive tablet, and also by offering products that can deliver the results, that are backed by science, proven effective and safe.  This educational approach and the new merchandising concept show that La Roche-Posay and Vichy Laboratoires are on the cutting edge of technology not just in skincare, but also in reinventing the skincare shopping experience."

"We are always looking for ways to help our customers get, stay and live well and these L'Oreal brands are great examples of how we can provide new dermatological skincare brands in an exciting and innovative way," said Joe Magnacca, Walgreens president of daily living and product solutions.  "These brands are leaders in this area and when you fuse that with our products and beauty advisors, we are thrilled to help our customers feel good about their health and the selection and knowledge we can bring."

The exciting collaboration will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony by executives of both corporations at the Walgreens at 15 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, Ill.

About LA ROCHE-POSAY

Recommended by more than 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay offers a unique range of daily skincare developed with dermatologists to meet their standards in efficacy, tolerance and elegant textures for increased compliance. The products, which are developed using a strict formulation charter, include a minimal number of ingredients to reduce side effects and reactivity and are formulated with active ingredients at optimal concentrations for increased efficacy. Additionally, La Roche-Posay products undergo stringent clinical testing to guarantee efficacy and safety, even on sensitive skin. Dermatologist By Your Side™ videos can be viewed on the La Roche-Posay US YouTube channel, the Dermatologist By Your Side™ section of the La Roche-Posay USA Facebook page, and the La Roche-Posay website.  Consumers will also be able to dial **DERM (**3376) from their mobile phones, which will send a text link for immediate access to the videos via smartphone.  For additional information about La Roche-Posay, visit www.laroche-posay.us and "like" the La Roche-Posay Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LaRochePosayusa. Download the La Roche-Posay "My UV Check" iPhone application at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myuvcheck-us/id433207689?mt=8.

ABOUT VICHY:

In 2011, Vichy celebrated its birthday: 80 years of expertise and innovation in skincare! Created by Dr. Haller in 1931, from the heart of France, Vichy is among the first French doctor's brands trusted by millions of women in Europe and around the world. All Vichy products are powered by remarkably active antioxidant water from Vichy spring, 100 percent pure and naturally rich in 15 minerals. Its regenerating, soothing and fortifying properties have been scientifically proven. This water is then combined with cutting-edge dermatological ingredients such as Vichy's new generation of Retinol, LHA or time-released Vitamin C in highly effective formulations. Vichy's pleasurable and sensorial textures are skin-friendly, allergy-tested, paraben-free and all deliver clinically proven results for healthy, beautiful skin. For additional information, please visit www.vichyusa.com, www.Facebook.com/Vichyusa and check out the Vichy Booty Break at www.bootybreak.com.

ABOUT WALGREENS

As the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) vision is to become America's first choice for health and daily living. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. The company operates 7,919 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.walgreens.com/.

SOURCE L’Oréal