From Business School to Beauty Innovation
Camille Brégeaut began her career in the beauty industry as a Product Manager at Darphin, part of Estée Lauder Companies, in 2015 before launching Les Petits Prödiges in 2017. She quickly became one of the most talked-about names in France’s eco-conscious cosmetics scene. A graduate of the IÉSEG School of Management’s Grande École Program (Class of 2010), she paired her business acumen with a deep personal interest in ethical and sustainable living.
In 2017, alongside her co-founder, she launched Les Petits Prödiges, a beauty brand dedicated to making daily essentials both natural and pleasurable to use. This vision was about more than clean formulas, aiming to rework the essentials of personal care routines by removing unnecessary elements and making products more intuitive to use.
The Birth of Les Petits Prödiges
Les Petits Prödiges began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to merge eco-responsibility with indulgence. The brand’s products, like its signature Magic Balm and deodorants in recyclable cardboard tubes, were designed to simplify routines without sacrificing effectiveness, fragrance, or aesthetic appeal.
By marketing itself as “Green, eco-responsible, and pleasure-focused,” the brand differentiated itself from both conventional and sterile “green” alternatives, winning loyal customers from the start.
Growth Fueled by Resourcefulness
Launched with just €10,000 in self-funding, the company turned a profit from its very first month, which the founders note is uncommon in consumer goods, although no industry data is provided, and enjoyed triple-digit growth in its early years. Brégeaut’s entrepreneurial instincts and dedication to hands-on innovation proved critical in scaling the business while staying true to its founding values.
This growth was achieved because the founders chose not to raise external funding for the first four years, allowing them to maintain full control over the brand’s direction before later welcoming investment from business angels to support expansion.
Forbes Recognition and Industry Influence
In 2023, Brégeaut’s achievements earned her a spot on Forbes’ 40 Women list, honoring her as a leader shaping the future of beauty and entrepreneurship. She called the recognition “an incredible honor” and a valuable boost for the brand’s visibility.
Her work has also been celebrated by her alma mater, IÉSEG, which has spotlighted her as a standout alumnus in multiple features and video showcases.
Designing Products for Real-Life Use
Brégeaut’s product development philosophy is rooted in addressing practical consumer needs. As she explained, “We felt that having to apply a deodorant by hand was really unappealing… So, we decided to create our own product that would meet our expectations.” This focus on intuitive, consumer-friendly design is now a signature of the brand.
By bridging the gap between sustainability and everyday convenience, Brégeaut has helped shift perceptions around eco-friendly products, from a compromise to a conscious luxury.
