If your dermatologist has ever sent you home with a multistep regimen straight from the front desk, there’s a good chance ZO Skin Health was part of it. Now, the cult-favorite physician-dispensed brand is getting a powerful new parent company. Galderma, the dermatology heavyweight behind Cetaphil, Restylane and Dysport, has signed an agreement to acquire ZO Skin Health in an all-cash deal valued at $1.5 billion. As for your shelf, nothing changes yet: you can still shop ZO through your doctor’s office or at zoskinhealth.com.
Founded by dermatologist Zein Obagi, MD (a name any serious skin-care devotee will recognize), the Irvine, CA–based brand has spent more than two decades building a reputation for clinically backed, results-driven routines. Its lineup of 40-plus products, all made in the U.S., leans heavily on retinol and acid protocols, and it’s sold through more than 16,500 physician, medical spa and online accounts in over 40 countries. ZO brought in roughly $330 million in net sales over the 12 months ending in June 2026, and Blackstone, which sold its stake alongside the Obagi family, says revenue more than doubled during its ownership.
Galderma already owns Alastin, which it brought into the fold years ago, and that brand is best known for peptide-powered formulas that prep and support skin around in-office procedures. ZO’s daily regimens fill a different slot entirely, giving Galderma a bigger footprint in the fast-growing world of medical-grade skin care (the products your doctor recommends, and sells, right in the office).
“This acquisition is another important step towards building the world’s most innovative dermatology portfolio,” says Galderma CEO Flemming Ørnskov, MD, MPH.
Dr. Obagi, who will stay on as ZO’s founder and medical director, sounds equally thrilled. “Galderma is an organization I have long admired for its complete dedication to dermatology,” he says. “I am confident we have found a home where our philosophy will endure and grow.”
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 or early 2027, pending regulatory approvals. Galderma plans to ramp up investment in the brand during the first year of ownership, with the goal of reigniting growth in year two. Until then, ZO Skin Health stays business as usual.
