Sensilis

Sensilis is a Spanish dermocosmetic skincare brand based in Barcelona, focused on products for sensitive and ageing skin. It belongs to Laboratorios Dermofarm, a pharmaceutical laboratory that has been part of the Italian group Instituto Ganassini since 2009 [6]. The brand markets itself as a "Sensitive Skin Lab" and sits within a portfolio of dermocosmetic labels sold largely through pharmacy channels.

The date of its founding is recorded differently by different sources. Sensilis traces its own story to a pharmaceutical laboratory in Barcelona in 1979 [2], while the corporate page of parent group Instituto Ganassini states that the brand "was founded in 1996 in the Dermofarm laboratories in Barcelona" [5]. The two dates are plausibly compatible: 1979 as the laboratory lineage the brand claims as its heritage, and 1996 as the point at which the Sensilis name itself was established within Dermofarm.

According to the company, Sensilis began "in a pharmaceutical laboratory in Barcelona" and has been "dedicated to sensitive skin and skin ageing" ever since [2]. The name derives from the Latin word Sensibilis, meaning "sensitive" — a reference the brand uses to frame its stated specialism. The founders are not identified in the available sources.

Sensilis is one of several brands operated by Laboratorios Dermofarm. Dermofarm itself grew out of Laboratorios Semar, a family business created in 1946 by Doctor Jorge Bellmunt and renamed Laboratorios Dermofarm in 1972 [6]. In 2009 the company was acquired by Instituto Ganassini, described as one of the largest dermocosmetic companies in Italy [6].

Under Dermofarm, Sensilis sits alongside sister brands including Cumlaude Lab, Rilastil, Comodynes, Axovital and Ojosbel [6]. The parent company reports a presence in 27 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia [6], and states that Sensilis products are created, formulated and manufactured in Spain.

Sensilis positions itself around sensitive and "sensitised" skin — the latter defined by the brand as skin whose barrier has been damaged by medical or cosmetic treatments. The company describes itself as "experts in listening to your sensitive and/or sensitised skin" and organises its identity around three stated pillars: sensoriality, its "Sensitive Skin Lab", and sustainability.

Central to the brand's messaging is a claim it calls "scientific honesty", summarised in the principle "NO TEST, NO CLAIM" [2] — the company's assertion that its efficacy statements rest on testing. Sensilis also says it bases its routines on the three-tier "Pyramid" model associated with the cosmetic dermatologist Dr Zoe Draelos, structured around protection and repair, epidermal transformation, and optimisation [3].

The brand's range concentrates on facial skincare, with additional lines in sun protection, make-up, hair care and body care. Its anti-ageing products draw on ingredients common to the dermocosmetic category, including biotech peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid and epidermal growth factor.

Named ranges include Peptide [AR], a peptide-based line the company markets for a lifting and soothing effect; Peptide [Reti-V], a night treatment; Eternalist A.G.E., aimed at mature or dry skin; and Origin Pro EGF-5, built around growth-factor technology. Sensilis describes its work through an in-house "Sensitive Skin Lab" dedicated to formulas for sensitive and ageing skin [5].

Sensilis states that it manufactures in Spain and reports several environmental commitments, including moves toward fully sustainable packaging, use of renewable energy, and an estimated saving of around 24 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year through more efficient lighting. It also describes an "Ocean Respect" approach to its sunscreen formulation. Parts of the range are certified to the ECOCERT/COSMOS standard for natural and organic cosmetics [2].

Sensilis is an active brand owned by Laboratorios Dermofarm, itself part of Instituto Ganassini since that 2009 acquisition [6]. Its website lists current product ranges and it maintains active social channels, so its "acquired" designation reflects ownership rather than dormancy [1].