Innovation has always driven Germaine de Capuccini, a professional cosmetics company rooted in Alcoy and established in 1964 as the personal project of Carmen Vidal. Today it operates in more than 80 countries, maintaining its core belief in pushing boundaries to bring revolutionary skin care to the market. Among its latest offerings is a cannabis oil–based cream designed to regenerate skin, and a solar line formulated with biodegradable ingredients that protect the marine environment.
It was Carmen Vidal who founded the company at age 54. In an era when female entrepreneurs were rare in a male-dominated landscape, she launched Germaine de Capuccini after training as a nurse and physiotherapist in Algeria, where her Spanish heritage shaped her professional path. Her work as a beautician in France helped the brand take root in European markets.
Germaine became a surname associated with Parisian beauty and was connected to Capucine, a famous actress and model of the era. This fusion gave the brand a distinct identity rooted in feminine strength and international reach. From the outset, the company offered education and professional beauty services through centers established in the 1960s, showcasing products manufactured in Alcoy, a municipality in Alicante. Today, the group maintains facilities across several countries.
change of ownership
Since those early days, the company has seen significant changes, including a 2019 ownership transition when the founding family’s shares were sold to the Acon and Torreal investment funds. Those funds now steer the business, yet the guiding philosophy remains intact: 4,000 beauty centers dispersed across more than 80 countries rely on Germaine de Capuccini’s cosmetic lines.
Miguel Ángel López, the company’s chief executive, highlights the core driver of success: a steadfast commitment to delivering visible skin improvements when products are used in professional settings. The emphasis is on real results that customers can notice after treatment, a promise echoed by the company’s ongoing research and development efforts.
R&D plays a central role in the brand’s strategy. It’s not just about choosing effective ingredients; it’s about how those ingredients are delivered into the skin—controlled, targeted, and released gradually for maximum impact. This approach is a cornerstone of the company’s innovation program and a reason for its sustained growth.
Germaine de Capuccini has earned recognition in the beauty industry, including Vogue Beauty Awards for Timexpert Rides in 2021 and for Repair Night Progress in 2022. Timexpert Rides is celebrated for its ability to stimulate cell metabolism and hydration across the skin’s layers, while Repair Night Progress is a concentrated booster with up to 22 active ingredients offering anti-aging and reparative benefits. The awards highlight the brand’s potency in both salon care and national product categories.
Continuing its drive toward responsible beauty, the company recently launched Timexpert Sun, a sun protection line reengineered to minimize environmental impact. The formulation uses biodegradable, silicone-free ingredients and avoids oxybenzone and octylmethoxycinnamate, filters challenged by evolving regulatory standards in regions defending marine ecosystems, including insular and coastal communities that prioritize coral reef protection.
In addition, Cannabi7, part of the Ainhoa Cosmetics line, centers on organic hemp oil. The company’s research points to benefits such as nourishment, hydration, barrier protection, and skin regeneration, with attention to reducing redness and supporting overall skin comfort. These products reflect a broader commitment to natural actives and well-being in ongoing product development.
Today, Germaine de Capuccini employs about 240 people and has recovered to pre-pandemic turnover levels, reporting revenue of €36.5 million in the most recent year and maintaining a healthy 20% annual growth. This performance underscores the brand’s resilience and its continued appeal across professional beauty channels in multiple markets.