Canova

Canova is an Italian dermocosmetics brand founded in 1994, built around skincare used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine [1]. Its first product was a range of high-concentration chemical peels for professional use, and the line was among the first in Italy to launch products with salicylic, glycolic and pyruvic acids [2]. Since 1998 it has been owned by the Milan pharmaceutical company Sifarma S.p.A. [3]

The brand describes its focus as functional dermocosmetics designed for dermatologists and aesthetic-medicine doctors, addressing specific skin concerns rather than general cosmetics. It remains active, distributed mainly through Italian pharmacies and supported by an ongoing social-media presence.

Canova began in 1994 as a dermo-cosmetic line rooted in specialist products for dermatology and aesthetic medicine [1]. According to the company, its first launch was a range of chemical peels intended for professional use, based on high-concentration peeling acids. The brand positions this as an early move in the Italian market, noting that it was among the first to offer products formulated with salicylic, glycolic and pyruvic acids [2]. The individual founders are not publicly recorded.

A note on scope: some trade listings have associated the Canova name with men's grooming. The brand's own site identifies it unambiguously as a dermocosmetics company working in chemical peels, acne, anti-ageing, depigmentation and rosacea care [1], and that is the category reflected throughout its product range. Its Italian origin is consistent across sources.

Canova is owned by Sifarma S.p.A., a pharmaceutical company based in Milan and founded in 1989 by the Berchi family [3]. Sifarma acquired the brand in 1998, describing it as a dermo-cosmetic range with products prescribed by dermatologists [3]. The following year, in 1999, Sifarma expanded its portfolio further with the acquisition of the Dermatrophine brand [3]. The parent company operates across the aesthetic and dermatological sector, working with channels that include pharmacies, beauty centres, spas and specialist doctors.

Canova frames itself around science-based formulation. The company says its active ingredients are supported by scientific publications and included at functional concentrations for treating skin conditions, with those concentrations stated on the packaging [1]. It also emphasises transparency, listing complete INCI ingredient information on primary and secondary packaging. The brand summarises its approach under five themes: science-based formulations, transparency, quality and efficacy, ethics, and innovation, and uses the tagline "Innovative Formulations" [1]. Products are described as tested at Italian clinics and universities.

Distribution follows two distinct routes. One line is reserved for outpatient use by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and aesthetic physicians; a second line is sold for home use through pharmacies, with promotion directed only at specialist doctors through medical-scientific information [4].

Canova's range is organised by treatment area rather than by conventional cosmetic categories. These include mild and moderate acne, chrono and photo-ageing, scar and keloid prevention, depigmenting products, seborrhoeic dermatitis, sensitised skin, sun protection, hair and nail care, and rosacea and couperose. Hero ingredients highlighted across the line include retinol, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, rutin and bakuchiol.

Named products span several of these areas. RETINPIL is a "normalizing cream-gel" combining retinol in liposomes with bakuchiol, while SALIPIL ZETA is described as an "anti-spot gel" pairing salicylic, azelaic and glycolic acids. The SENSIVEN line targets rosacea and couperose, including SENSIVEN ZELAIC, a soothing cream intended to reduce visible blemishes, and the SENSIQUELL line addresses very dry and sensitive skin. For scalp care, RIVESCAL is a gentle shampoo formulated for daily washing of sensitive, delicate scalps.

Canova is active. The brand maintains an Instagram account (@canova_skincare) and a LinkedIn presence, and it continued to appear in retailer and aggregator listings in 2026 [5]. Its core market is Italy, where it is distributed through pharmacies, though some of its products surface in other European pharmacy retailers.