Nestlé SkinHealth is investing BRL 200 million (CHF 54 million) in a new skin health products factory in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, to meet rising demand in the country and across South America.

Galderma, part of Nestlé Skin Health, plans to open the 16,000 square-metre plant in the municipality of Hortolândia in 2018, providing 300 direct and 450 indirect jobs.

It will manufacture brands including Cetaphil, Daylong, Loceryl and Mirvaso – to meet demand for science-based products to improve the health of skin, hair and nails.

Brazil isthe world’s third largest market for such products behind the US and Japan, and Nestlé Skin Health CEO and Galderma Chairman Humberto Antunes said: “With the new plant, we will reinforce our commitment to Brazil and meet demand both locally and throughout the region.”

In February 2014 Nestlé announced the creation of Nestlé Skin Health to extend its activities in the field of specialised medical skin treatments.