The maker of Avène and Klorane has swapped its shampoo production lines to start making hand sanitiser to help struggling pharmacies amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Pierre Fabre says it wants to support pharmacists and pharmacy staff to protect themselves against falling victim to the virus in France, and to meet the heightened demand from consumers.
France has recorded 22,300 confirmed cases and 1,100 deaths from Covid-19 as the pandemic spreads.
"As the long-standing partner of dispensing pharmacists, the Pierre Fabre Group could not simply look on without taking action as the risk of shortages began to threaten a product that has now become a vital part of daily life," the brand owner said in a statement.
Pierre Fabre's factory in Soual, southwest France, normally produces hair care products for the Klorane brand.
The multinational will use the facilities to manufacture hydroalcoholic gel, print 600,000 packaging labels under the Durcay brand and repurpose 100ml hair care bottles for the new product.
France has imposed price controls on hand sanitiser, which Pierre Fabre says it will follow, as panic buying has seen RRP soar.
Governments across the world have called on cosmetics and alcoholic beverage manufacturers to help make cleansing products that are running low.
