BIZFRONT

Christian Mas, President, Sothys Paris, and Yashesh Bharwada, Director, Absolute Beauty Concepts, discuss with Vidhi Arya the brand’s launch in India and its vision for the Indian market.

The French skincare brand Sothys Paris marks its grand entry into the Indian market, bringing along a 79-year legacy of luxury and innovation. As the brand has established a niche for itself in the skincare domain, Sothys promises Indian consumers a luxurious, results-driven experience that blends tradition, technology and a true passion for skincare, highlighting its French heritage and expertise.

Excerpts from the interview with Christian Mas, President, Sothys Paris:

Why did you choose India, and why now?

India represents one of the most dynamic and promising beauty markets in the world. With its growing demand for high-performance skincare and a deep appreciation for wellness rituals, India is naturally aligned with the values of Sothys.

Today’s Indian consumers are well-informed, discerning and increasingly looking for premium skincare experiences that deliver visible results. We felt the time was right to bring Sothys to India to meet this demand with our unique combination of scientific innovation, sensorial luxury and professional expertise. Moreover, we see incredible potential in partnering with India’s salon and spa professionals to create meaningful, long-term relationships based on education, quality and a shared passion for skincare.

Why did you partner with Absolute Beauty Concepts?

When entering a market as nuanced and diverse as India, the choice of partner becomes pivotal. Absolute Beauty Concepts, with over 20 years of experience in the professional skincare industry, has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the market and a remarkable ability to build brands with integrity and long-term vision. Their track record speaks for itself—they have successfully nurtured and established global skincare brands in India, always staying committed to education, professionalism and excellence.

What truly impressed us is the leadership of Yashesh Bharwada and Tejas Bhatt. Their expertise in presenting a brand with authenticity, elegance, and strategic insight is unmatched. They understand not just how to position a luxury skincare line, but how to create meaningful engagement with salons, therapists and end consumers. Their approach aligns perfectly with Sothys’ values of premium quality, professional training and holistic skincare. We are proud to partner with them to bring Sothys to India in the way it deserves to be experienced.

Will the brand adapt to Indian skin needs or stay classically French?

Sothys has always been rooted in the heritage of classic French skincare, emphasising high-quality ingredients and proven formulations. At the same time, we recognise that skincare is deeply personal and influenced by cultural and environmental factors. For a diverse and vibrant market like India, it’s essential to understand local skin types, concerns and preferences.

Our approach would be to honour the brand’s French legacy while thoughtfully adapting where it makes sense — whether through product formulations, ingredient choices or ritual experiences — to better meet the unique needs of Indian skin. For example, pigmentation is a key concern for many Indian consumers due to higher melanin levels and sun exposure. Our Pigmentation Management Treatment is a targeted treatment that incorporates effective brightening agents like vitamin C, naturally sourced nettle leaf extract and prickly pear, combined with gentle exfoliation techniques tailored for Indian skin, ensuring both safety and efficacy. This treatment allows us to maintain Sothys’ identity as a luxury, effective skincare brand while offering solutions that truly resonate with Indian consumers. Ultimately, it’s about combining the best of both worlds: French expertise with local relevance.

How do you intend to train Indian skincare professionals?

Training is fundamental to ensuring the consistent quality and excellence that Sothys represents worldwide. For Indian skincare professionals, our approach will be comprehensive and tailored to the unique needs of the local market. We have robust training programmes that combine Sothys’ global expertise with localised content. This will include hands-on workshops, virtual masterclasses, and certification courses designed to deepen their knowledge of our products, treatment protocols and the science behind skincare. Importantly, training will address the specific skin concerns common in India, such as pigmentation, sensitivity and environmental stressors, ensuring professionals can deliver highly effective and personalised treatments.

Additionally, we want to foster a community of ongoing learning and support through mentorship and access to the latest research and innovations. By empowering Indian skincare professionals with both technical skills and brand values, we ensure they become trusted ambassadors of Sothys, providing exceptional experiences to clients across the country.

What’s your growth roadmap for India?

India is one of the most dynamic and promising skincare markets in the world, and our roadmap reflects both ambition and respect for its complexity. Our growth strategy for India is built on three pillars: education, experience, and expansion.

Firstly, education — we believe that building awareness about professional skincare and the Sothys philosophy is key. This includes training skincare professionals, partnering with dermatologists and aestheticians, and engaging directly with consumers through digital platforms and masterclasses.

Secondly, experience — Sothys is known for its sensorial treatments and luxurious rituals with a cosmeceutical edge, which is very rare as a combination. We plan to expand our presence in high-end spas, salons and skin clinics across major Indian cities, ensuring that clients can experience the full depth of our brand, from touch to texture to results.

And thirdly, expansion — we’re committed to a phased rollout, starting with metros and tier I cities, then moving into tier II markets where demand for premium skincare is growing rapidly.

Long term, our goal is to make Sothys not just a leading professional skincare brand in India, but a benchmark for luxury skin health, adapted thoughtfully to Indian skin needs and lifestyle.

Here’s what Yashesh Bharwada, Director, Absolute Beauty Concepts, had to say about partnering with Sothys Paris for its launch in India:

Why did you choose to bring Sothys to India?

We saw a clear gap in the market for a professional skincare brand that blends clinical efficacy with sensorial luxury. Indian consumers are increasingly becoming knowledgeable and discerning. They want more than just a product; they seek expertise, experience and visible results.

Sothys stands out as a brand with a rich heritage, backed by decades of research and a commitment to professional skincare. Its high-performance treatments, luxurious rituals and deep focus on skin health make it the perfect fit for the evolving Indian beauty landscape.

Our mission is to elevate the standards of skincare in India. Introducing a brand like Sothys allows us to offer Indian professionals and consumers access to world-class products and education, and to set a new benchmark for what premium skincare can truly mean in this market.

How will you position Sothys in India’s luxury skincare market?

We will position Sothys as a professional luxury skincare brand that delivers both visible results and sensorial indulgence — a combination that sets it apart in India’s growing premium beauty space. Unlike many luxury brands that focus solely on retail products, Sothys has deep roots in professional treatments delivered through top-tier spas, salons and skin clinics. This gives it authenticity, trust, and a results-driven reputation.

Our goal is to place Sothys at the intersection of science, sophistication and self-care. We’ll target discerning consumers who are not only willing to invest in quality skincare but are also seeking a more personalised, expert-led skin journey.