Raphaël surpasses 15 million brushes!

Founded in 1793, Raphaël is Europe’s oldest manufacturer specializing in fine brushes. Part of the Max Sauer Group, a world leader in fine arts, Raphaël has been perpetuating its authentic craftsmanship for over two centuries, passed down from generation to generation. Working closely with makeup artists and beauty professionals, the company designs and manufactures custom-made cosmetic brushes for leading international brands. Its latest innovations include gold-plated brass brushes engraved along the entire handle and a varnishing technique using strips of several colors. We discuss this with Rodolphe Ollivier, CEO.

It’s not widely known, but in addition to your factory in Saint-Brieuc in Brittany, you have two other production centers in Mauritius and Madagascar.

Rodolphe Ollivier: That’s right, we employ 150 people in Saint-Brieuc, 550 in Mauritius, and 100 in Madagascar. France accounts for 50% of our business. The companies we work for export all over the world. Our strength lies in our 200 years of craftsmanship in brush design and our ability to continually innovate while respecting this tradition.
Our turnover is divided between cosmetics (1/3) and fine arts (2/3) . Turnover in the fine arts sector is growing slowly, with good market share gains, while turnover in the cosmetics sector is more subject to macroeconomic variations (changes in activity with China and the US, etc.) and microeconomic variations due, among other things, to new product launches.

The cosmetics sector demands innovation!

Rodolphe Ollivier: Our capacity for innovation is primarily at the service of our customers. This year, 2025, is marked by new launches that showcase our expertise in sleeve varnishing, ferrule finishing, and metal sleeve decoration. This, of course, explains our investments in varnishing machines, manufacturing machines, and ferrule finishing machines (electroplating, polishing, etc.). Among our latest innovations are the creation of gold-plated brushes with brass engraved across the entire handle, and our ability to varnish with multiple color bands. It is important to note that every step, from creation to quality control, is carried out with the utmost care. As a result, more than 15 million brushes are manufactured each year in our workshops.
They are entirely handmade and rigorously checked at every stage.

So you confirm that despite the economic turmoil, your business is still growing?

Rodolphe Ollivier: I would be a little more nuanced. 2024 was a good year, continuing the steady growth trend of previous years. 2025 remains dynamic, with several launches that will soon be visible in stores. On the other hand, cosmetics companies that had not made any launch decisions are tending to leave their ranges as they are in the current uncertain economic climate.
The 2025 launches are still marked by the innovations that are the DNA of our company, whether in terms of shapes, materials, finishes, or decorations. Innovation is what drives our investment plans, along with our desire to control our entire value chain.
Of course, customs duties create uncertainty in the decisions of decision-makers. This is not conducive to business development. The main question concerns the difference in US customs duties between Europe and Asia, particularly China. This could become an opportunity for European players.

The environment is a major focus today for all suppliers in the beauty sector. What are your strengths in this area?

Rodolphe Ollivier: The environment is a major concern that we share with our customers. This requirement is reflected in our eco-design policy for products, particularly in the choice of materials that impact the entire product life cycle.
We are committed to protecting the environment around our factories. We will be the first factory in Mauritius, outside of hotel complexes, to have its own water treatment plant. This water will also be recycled for reuse directly on our site.
We have implemented a strategy to reduce our environmental impact, based on three key pillars: controlling our discharges into water, soil, and air; internal waste management; and reducing our energy consumption.
Since 2022, we have been regularly conducting carbon assessments to evaluate our environmental impact. An action plan has been put in place based on this analysis, with a dedicated team actively working on its implementation, with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future.
Our eco-design charter guides all our creative teams in developing environmentally friendly solutions.
A prime example is the “Ocean Brush,” the most eco-friendly brush on the market, made from recycled and bio-based materials and designed to minimize its impact throughout its life cycle.
We also offer brushes without ferrules, made from wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and recycled fibers, further reducing our ecological footprint.
But sustainability goes beyond materials. True eco-responsibility lies in the longevity of our products.
Our brushes are designed to last, offering performance and precision year after year—a sustainable alternative to disposable tools.

We play with shapes, colors, and finishes to meet the specific needs of a brand. Whether in terms of fibers (technical properties, color, brush head shape: flat, round, beveled, pointed, fan-shaped... adapted to each technique), or the ferrule (color, finish (matte, glossy, brushed...), or the handle (length, wood or brass material), and, of course, the finish (matte, glossy, metallic, etc.), shape, and branding.
We offer a wide variety of synthetic fibers, developed to mimic the performance of natural hair while respecting cruelty-free commitments. Our handles can be made of wood, recycled plastic, or innovative materials, with customizable finishes.

You have even published a “White Paper” that explains the secrets of developing a custom-made cosmetic brush.

Rodolphe Ollivier: This book provides an insight into our expertise. It has been designed for brands, buyers, and product development professionals in the beauty industry.
From the selection of materials to the ergonomics of the handle, including the finishes and choice of fibers, discover everything you need to know to design a brush that is high-performance, distinctive, and tailored to your brand identity.

Website: www.raphael-makeup-brushes.com