JUDITH LEVY: CO-FOUNDER OF MÊME

Atelier Nubio - 10/09/2025

Introduction to MÊME

MÊME is the first dermo-cosmetic brand dedicated to people affected by cancer. Since February 2017, MÊME has been developing skincare products designed to prevent and alleviate the side effects of anti-cancer treatments on the skin.

Developed with women undergoing treatment and subject to a very strict formulation charter, MÊME products meet the specific needs of sensitive skin (irritated scalp, hand-foot syndrome, blackened nails, etc.). They are associated with soft and pleasant textures.

Interview with Judith, co-founder of MÊME Cosmetics, alongside Juliette.

Where are your roots?

Like everyone else, they are in our respective families. MÊME is the story of my mother, of Juliette's mother, of her aunts... It is also the story of all the incredible encounters we have made over the past five years. At the time, we couldn't help our loved ones as much as we would have liked. Today, we are getting our revenge by dedicating all our energy to this project, which helps families affected by the disease.

What did you do before creating MÊME?

Juliette studied at HEC and Sciences Po Paris, and I trained at Strate, École de Design in Paris. We met during our end-of-study internships at a major cosmetics brand. We clicked immediately. I quickly told her about my story and my project, and she immediately understood. We decided to launch it together.

When did you know that MÊME would be the project that would make you passionate?

The turning point came during the presentation of my final year project at Strate — an initial draft of MÊME. What was initially a very personal initiative resonated strongly with the jury, who recognized themselves in the issues addressed. I understood that the need was real and universal. When I met Juliette, it became clear that we formed a complementary team to bring this idea to fruition.

What was the main obstacle to launching MÊME?

Funding. Developing products and clinically testing them on people undergoing cancer treatment is very costly. We couldn't launch the brand without ensuring perfectly suitable products. Fortunately, some people believed in us and agreed to be paid only once the brand was launched. Without them, MÊME would never have seen the light of day.

Can conventional cosmetics be harmful?

Few elements are scientifically proven today, and European regulations are strict: ingredients recognized as harmful are prohibited. However, new discoveries emerge regularly, and some active ingredients are gradually withdrawn. This can cause distrust. Overall, we are increasingly aware of the importance of using naturally derived ingredients. At MÊME, due to the fragility of our public, we have been pioneers in a "clean" approach.

How are MÊME products adapted for women with cancer? And in remission?

Cancer treatments strongly affect the scalp, skin, nails, and hair. Hair loss, for example, is both a psychological ordeal and physical discomfort (itching, difficulty wearing wigs, etc.). Our products are designed with and for these women. They are clinically tested to ensure their tolerance and effectiveness on fragile skin. They are also designed to be easily integrated into an already disrupted daily life. For example, our scalp mist is light, non-greasy, and can be used at any time. They are also perfectly suited for people in remission, or even anyone wishing to adopt gentle and safe care.

What motivates you to continue with such high standards?

Every day we receive messages from women, loved ones, people in remission... thanking us for the help we provide. These testimonials are incredibly powerful and push us to go further and do better.

What was your moment of greatest joy or relief?

One of the most significant moments was meeting our first laboratory. Its director, moved by our story, agreed to start production of our first products with unlimited payment terms. This allowed us to start without having the necessary funds. Without him - and other support - MÊME would not exist today.

What are the main side effects of anti-cancer treatments?

Beyond hair loss (alopecia), treatments severely dry out the skin and make it more sensitive to the sun. Nails become fragile, can blacken, or even fall out. Hands and feet can be affected by hand-foot syndrome, making some daily gestures difficult. Mucous membranes are also affected. In addition, treatments can cause nausea, altered taste and smell, joint pain, and great fatigue.

Is taking care of one's beauty during illness essential?

Yes, because it is one of the few levers of action available to patients. In a daily life punctuated by medical care, self-care helps preserve morale, self-esteem, and a sense of control. We are convinced that it also contributes to living better with the illness.

What devices help women reclaim their bodies?

Support care is increasingly developing in hospitals: socio-beauticians, socio-hairdressers, psychologists, associations... There are many initiatives, but sometimes they are still not well known.

What message do you want to convey to women affected by cancer?

Our favorite mantra:

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." — Seneca