Brand view

From heritage to future growth

As Sothys marks its 80th anniversary, president Christian Mas and new UK distributor Nicola Mealia share how innovation and strong therapist partnerships are shaping the brand’s next chapter

Few brands in professional beauty can claim eight decades of continuous evolution while remaining true to their roots. For skincare brand Sothys, 2026 marks a moment to reflect on a legacy built on family values, scientific innovation and commitment to the professional channel.

“It’s a lifetime journey,” says Sothys president Christian Mas, who has been with the company for over 25 years and has led the brand since 2010. “It really means something because it’s not 30 years – it’s 80 years, and it’s been run by the same family for 60 years.”

That enduring perspective is central to how the business operates. “It obliges us to think long term,” Mas explains. “When we make a deal with someone, most likely you will see us again next time… people know they can rely on us.”

Professional first

In an era where many brands have expanded into retail and online marketplaces, Sothys has remained committed to the professional channel. “When we design a retail line, it always starts in the cabin,” says Mas. “It’s always a complement to the professional line; that’s part of the secret. Fifty percent of Sothys’ success is the therapist’s work.”

For Mas, the role of the therapist is fundamental. “They will be able to recommend the product the best and they are responsible for their customers’ wellbeing,” he says. “Basically, they make our products work.”

This focus is increasingly relevant in today’s market, where direct-to-consumer channels dominate. “You find the whole beauty offer on the internet,” he adds. “The beauty therapist is the link between the brand, the industry and the end user… they become even more important.”

Innovation rooted in tradition

Despite its heritage, Sothys continues to invest heavily in research and development, launching up to 40 new formulas each year. “For us, it has always been important to propose novelties to the therapist,” says Mas. “We have our core identity and signature treatments, but around that we are able to evolve with different trends.”

This includes developments in areas such as cosmeceuticals and organics, alongside continued refinement of treatment protocols. The brand’s in-house laboratory and testing systems allow it to maintain control over both quality and innovation. “We have our own testing unit, independent testing outside, dermatological controls… the process is quite grounded,” he says.

At the same time, the brand’s French identity remains central. “We are French, so it’s hard to pretend we are something else,” Mas adds. “It’s part of our culture, a bit like French cooking!”

A new chapter in the UK

While Sothys has a long-standing presence in the UK, 2026 marks a significant shift with the appointment of a new distributor. Chleo, led by managing director Nicola Mealia, has distributed Sothys in Ireland for nearly four decades, making the transition a natural evolution rather than a reset.

“We’re a second-generation family business so there’s a nice family story… my mum worked with their father, and I’ve known Christian and Frédéric Mas growing up.”

The opportunity to expand into the UK came directly from Mas. “It’s not every day Christian Mas contacts you,” she says. “I was totally blown away, and I’m so determined to make it work.”

Leading with stability

With the transition from the previous distributor, Mealia’s immediate priority is stability. This includes reassuring longstanding accounts, many of whom have worked with the brand for decades. “Nobody likes change,” she says. “But once we met them, everybody was just so reassured. They like the family story.”

Rather than aggressively pursuing new business, the focus is on strengthening foundations. “2027 is when we’ll look to grow more strongly,” adds Melia.

Supporting salons

A key part of Chleo’s strategy is providing ongoing support to partners, something Mealia sees as essential in today’s challenging market. “It’s about giving the best support that you can,” she says. “Communication is everything – it’s like a marriage.”

This support includes tiered incentive programmes, training, and accessible education through initiatives like virtual “power hours”. “The accounts that keep up to date with training are the accounts that are performing well. It’s so black and white,” she says.

Retail is another focus area. “There’s a lack of retail sales training in college,” Mealia notes. “Sometimes you just need to step back and focus on the basics – how to read a client, how to find the opportunity.”

A changing market

Both Mas and Mealia acknowledge the shifting dynamics of the professional skincare market, from increased competition to changing client expectations. “There are brands that were exclusive that you now find online or on the high street,” says Mealia. “Sothys is one of the very few that has stayed loyal to the beauty therapist.”

At the same time, consumer behaviour is evolving. “There’s definitely a demand for shorter treatments,” she adds. “People are time-poor… the challenge is delivering a high-quality experience in less time.”

Sothys’ response lies in its combination of results-driven formulations and treatment expertise, particularly through its signature Digi-Esthétique techniques.

Consolidating partnerships

For Mas, the future of the brand is not about rapid expansion, but deeper relationships. “Maybe it’s better to be stronger in fewer countries… to have very strong partnerships,” he says. “The key will be how we support therapists – how we coach them and help them do their job.”

Mealia shares a similar vision for the UK. “We want to maintain our existing customers, build strong partnerships and be present in high-quality salons and spas,” she says. “And I’d love to have a dedicated training space in the future.”

Celebrating 80 years and beyond

As Sothys marks its 80th anniversary, the focus is on the future, with plans including the relaunch of its premium Secrets range and investment in the professional channel.

With a renewed UK strategy rooted in shared values and long-term commitment, Sothys is positioning itself not just as a heritage brand, but as one built for the future of professional beauty.