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How Dr. Brandt's CEO Stephane Colleu Leads with Heart and Science

How Dr. Brandt's CEO Stephane Colleu Leads with Heart and Science

For over two decades, Stephane Colleu has been at the helm of Dr. Brandt Skincare, guiding the science-driven brand from a respected dermatological line into a global leader in advanced, accessible skincare. As President and CEO, Colleu has overseen a 120% growth, expanding the brand’s reach to more than 20 countries, all while staying true to the visionary legacy of the late Dr. Fredric Brandt, known as the “Baron of Botox.”

With a steadfast belief in the power of innovation and inclusivity, Colleu has forged partnerships with leading dermatologists, scientists, and universities to keep creativity and clinical expertise at the brand’s core. His leadership has also championed sustainability, ensuring that Dr. Brandt Skincare’s formulations remain vegan, cruelty-free, and effective across diverse skin tones, a reflection of both scientific integrity and social responsibility.

But Colleu’s mission extends beyond skin deep. Following the loss of his mentor, he founded the Dr. Brandt Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking stigmas around mental health and expanding access to care, particularly for underserved communities. It’s this rare balance—business acumen paired with compassion, that defines Colleu’s approach to beauty and leadership alike.

In this exclusive interview, Colleu opens up about honoring Dr. Brandt’s legacy, the science of modern skincare, and how fatherhood continues to shape his perspective as a global leader.

You’ve been with Dr. Brandt Skincare for more than 20 years. What first drew you to the brand, and what has kept you inspired all these years?

My journey with Dr. Brandt Skincare has been nothing short of inspiring. Working alongside Dr. Brandt himself was a rare privilege, he constantly challenged the status quo and taught me that with hard work and belief, anything is possible. Over time, I also realized firsthand the power of skincare. I wasn’t taking care of my skin in the beginning, but once I understood its importance, the transformation was undeniable. I still get compliments today, thanks to 20 years of discipline and learning. Finally, beauty and retail are industries where you’re challenged daily, you can never rest, and that constant push to innovate keeps me energized and inspired.

What has been the key driver of Dr. Brandt Skincare’s global success?

The real driver has been our team and our collective belief in challenging the status quo, something we inherited directly from Dr. Brandt. As a privately owned company, it’s not always easy, but passion and dedication have kept us thriving for nearly 30 years and growing into more than 20 countries under my leadership.

How have you honored Dr. Brandt’s legacy while steering the brand forward?

First, by ensuring the brand not only survives but thrives more than a decade after his passing, this resilience speaks volumes about his vision. On a personal level, I educated myself deeply about depression after 2015, and in September that same year I founded the Dr. Brandt Foundation to focus on mental health and self-care. Back then, mental health was still a taboo subject in beauty, but we pushed forward to help destigmatize the conversation. I’m also proud of the Dr. Fredric Brandt Endowed Professorship at the University of Miami, which supports groundbreaking research and honors his commitment to science for generations to come. We also continue to support many others non-profit organizations like the Human Society, Dr. Brandt was a big lover and advocate for the animals.

How does the brand stay at the forefront of innovation?

We have 30 years of expertise and constant collaboration with scientists, manufacturers, and dermatologists who inspire us to dig deeper. Our partnership with the University of Miami keeps us directly connected to top physicians, ensuring that every new product addresses real skin concerns with the latest science.

Skincare trends come and go, but your team seems to focus on long-term solutions. How do you decide which innovations or ingredients to pursue?

True innovation often starts with an idea no one has tried before that excites me the most. At the same time, today we have powerful data and strong communities that help guide us. By testing pre-launch concepts with our community, listening to feedback, and blending that with scientific insights, we ensure our innovations are both groundbreaking and relevant.

How do you ensure formulas are effective across diverse skin types and tones?

From the beginning, Dr. Brandt created products for everyone, his patient base was diverse, and that philosophy lives on. We formulate unisex, inclusive products, rigorously test to minimize counter-effects, and balance powerful actives with carefully chosen raw materials. We also keep scents neutral to avoid alienating any group; our goal is effectiveness and accessibility across all skin types.

What’s the biggest challenge in making luxury skincare both effective and sustainable?

The challenge is balancing safety, efficacy, and sustainability. Clinical testing and regulatory standards worldwide, especially in the EU and Asia are far stricter than in the U.S., and meeting those ensures our products are safe and effective. True sustainability means creating products that can withstand these rigorous standards while still delivering real results.

Why was founding the Dr. Brandt Foundation so personal for you?

After Dr. Brandt’s passing, I didn’t hesitate, I felt it was my duty to carry his legacy forward. Mental health became my personal mission because I quickly realized how much society avoided the subject in 2015. With the Foundation, we’ve worked tirelessly to create a safe space for dialogue and action, and I’m proud that today the movement to destigmatize mental health is growing stronger every year.

How does the Foundation reach underserved communities?

We partner with community centers, schools, and youth organizations to bring mental health education and resources directly where they’re most needed. From local events to grassroots programs, our mission has always been to meet people where they are and open conversations that change lives.

You’re leading a global brand while raising three children. Has fatherhood influenced your leadership style?

Absolutely. Fatherhood has taught me patience, something that doesn’t come naturally to me and the importance of appreciating each moment. That perspective has made me a better leader, more grounded, and more aware of the human side of business.

What advice would you give your younger self or future leaders in beauty?

Believe in yourself, pursue the vision your inner voice whispers, and be patient success comes with hard work, resilience, and respect for others.

What excites you most about the future of Dr. Brandt Skincare?

We’ve just revamped the brand to meet the evolving expectations of today’s consumers and retailers. Our pipeline is incredibly exciting: from our new Dermal MicroPoint Collagen Booster “microneedling in a bottle” to future launches in 2026 that embody our new tagline, Integrative Dermatology. By blending external and internal care with cutting-edge technology, we’re shaping the future of beauty in a way that truly honors Dr. Brandt’s pioneering spirit.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering lifestyle news and current events. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted beauty news and style stories.

When she’s not busy writing about impactful brands and standout products, she and her husband can be found snuggling with their emotionally needy, perpetually sleepy golden retriever, or she’s chipping away at her Juris Doctor. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel.

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