Myriam Cohen-Welgryn, President, Active Cosmetics, talks about the keys to the Division’s outstanding performance, including the ways in which dermocosmetics is improving skincare, the latest big innovations and the things she was most proud of in 2021.

At L’Oréal Active Cosmetics, we strongly believe that health is the future of beauty and our products help improve both skin conditions and quality of life of patients. 

How are dermocosmetics contributing to skin health and well-being?

Two billion people suffer from skin conditions and skin diseases. Nine out of ten people who suffer from skin conditions say it affects their emotional health. Dermocosmetics play an essential role in helping those consumers. First, they take care of skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and protect against sun damage. Second, they protect skin against the side effects of diabetes and cancer treatments. Third, they help consumers with strong aesthetic expectations to optimise their skin aging, thanks to high-performance, strongly concentrated formulas. And, lastly, they improve quality of life for patients. 

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What are the keys to the Division’s outstanding performance?

In 2021, our Division grew almost three times faster than the dermocosmetic market, further consolidating its leadership of the medical beauty market. There are three reasons for this success.

First, our portfolio of complementary skincare brands, which address consumer needs for safety, performance and health—a long-term trend that was exacerbated by the Covid pandemic. In 2021, La Roche-Posay, SkinCeuticals and CeraVe had double-digit growth while Vichy saw high single-digit growth.

The second key reason for success is our boosted medical leadership. We have increased the number of doctors we reach and doubled our publications in scientific reviews. As a result, La Roche-Posay is the most recommended brand by dermatologists in the world, while Vichy is number three CeraVe is the number one dermatologist recommended skincare brand in the US SkinCeuticals is the number one medical skincare brand worldwide.

The third key success factor is our digital leadership. E-commerce has continued to boom across all zones and countries. This channel has become, so to speak, the “number one country” for our Division.

We are also leading digital advocacy in the skincare category across platforms. 

What are the top innovations of 2021?

We had many exciting launches in 2021 : La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema MED, which revolutionises eczema treatment thanks to the science of the microbiome with visible effects in only three days. Our daily UV protection range, with La Roche-Posay Age Correct and Vichy UV Age, powered by Netlock technology, will help protect people’s skin all year long. And finally, the Silymarin vitamin C serum for blemish-prone skin by SkinCeuticals. After six years in the making, it is a game-changer in aesthetic skincare.

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Looking back on 2021, what are you most proud of?

Beyond the amazing business growth, I'm proud of our positive impact. Let me mention two examples.

La Roche-Posay's first advertising campaign “Beyond Skin”, supporting the overlooked burden borne by skin sufferers. Up to 50% of people suffering from major skin conditions feel rejected, which can impact their mental health.

I'm also proud of our environmental achievements this year. For instance, 81% of our units are already produced in carbon-neutral plants. This is 10 points above last year.

All this brings to life our Division's mission: pioneer life-changing dermatological solutions for all.