History – Yves Rocher

1930

THE BIRTH OF A NATURE ENTHUSIAST

Yves Rocher was born in the small Breton village of La Gacilly. At the age of 14, after his father's death, he found refuge and solace in the forest. Yves Rocher realized that nature has a positive impact on our well-being. It was then that he decided to make a cream based on Lesser Celandine in his attic. This marked the beginning of botanical cosmetics.

1959

Brand Creation

From his family home, Yves Rocher created his own laboratory. Through mail order, he achieved his goal of directly distributing, without intermediaries, his affordable and nature-committed products to millions of women throughout France.

1973

The icon that transcends ages

Launch of the "Riche Crème Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream"With its exceptional oils and thousand roses oil, this anti-aging treatment quickly became a real success. 50 years later, our Riche Crème line is iconic for millions of women, with 1 product sold every 5 seconds worldwide.

1975

Creation of La Gacilly Botanical Garden

A true open-air laboratory envisioned by Mr. Yves Rocher. 1,500 plant species are preserved and studied there by our experts. A member of BGCI (Botanic Gardens Conservation International), the Yves Rocher Botanical Garden is part of an international network for the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

1979

From our plants to your skin

We become botanists, gatherers, manufacturers, and distributors. A complete value chain without intermediaries, allowing us to control every step of manufacturing, with a reduced environmental impact and perfect traceability, from our fields to your skin.

1989

End of animal testing

15 years before the European regulation, we made the pioneering decision in the cosmetics industry to stop animal testing. Three years later, we received the SPA gold medal.

1991

Creation of the Yves Rocher Foundation

Driven by his father's vision, Jacques Rocher created the Yves Rocher Foundation, committed to biodiversity. In 2001, the first edition of the Terre des Femmes award was held to support exceptional women committed to protecting our planet. In 2019, the Foundation was recognized as a public utility, a true acknowledgment of its 25 years of sustained action in this field.

1999

Our fields are certified in Organic Agriculture

Our 60 hectares of fields are organically cultivated in La Gacilly, Brittany. There, we grow our 9 emblematic plants: Cornflower, Marigold, Peppermint, Matricaria Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Edulis, Nasturtium, Arnica, and Ficoid.

2004

Inauguration of the La Gacilly Photography Festival

A committed and immersive photographic experience across some thirty open-air galleries, showcasing the best of contemporary photographic creation, questioning our relationship with the world and nature. A free space accessible to all.

2006

No more plastic bags

10 years before the European law, we stopped selling plastic bags.

2017

Launch of the 1st concentrated shower gel

A great innovation, thanks to its concentrated formula this 100 ml bottle is equivalent to the same number of showers as a 400 ml bottle: 2 times less plastic, 2 times less CO2.

2019

First international group to become a purpose-driven company

This strong commitment underscores the willingness to make the company's social mission as important as its economic purpose. Our purpose? "To reconnect women and men with nature" and to act in service of the common good.

2020

100% recycled and recyclable plastic jars*

Our bottles are made from 100% recycled and recyclable plastic*, allowing us to reduce approximately 2,600 tons of virgin plastic per year**.

*Excluding caps and dispensers

**According to our 2021 forecast

2021

First French brand to obtain UEBT certification

As part of our commitment to organic farming for more than 20 years, our emblematic plants from La Gacilly are now UEBT certified (Union for Ethical Bio Trade - Responsible Sourcing Label), another step towards responsible manufacturing.

2021

Solid Cosmetics

Launch of our Green Heroes, our 100% solid and vegan cosmetics with organic active ingredients from La Gacilly for a plastic-free beauty experience.