The Green Sciences revolution

Taking inspiration from the living world while protecting the planet

This transformation is underpinned by four pillars. First, sustainable agriculture. The goal is to preserve biodiversity while ensuring security of supply of raw materials, by managing water resources, preserving soil quality, limiting land occupancy footprint and carbon emissions thanks to innovative cultural practices and technologies. Then comes green extraction, which allows the direct extraction of the most active molecules from a natural resource. Green chemistry is the third pillar of Green Sciences. A chemistry based on 12 principles to obtain molecules that can be developed with a minimal impact on the environment. Finally, fermentation, and more broadly biotechnology, which consists in using the living such as plants or bacteria as “microfactories” to create new ingredients.
For example, the Group is working with French startup Microphyt, a microalgae specialist, to conduct targeted research on these microorganisms and uncover new properties for use in cosmetics. Natural and renewable, microalgae are perfectly suited to L’Oréal’s sustainability goals. They can be used as ingredients, particularly active ingredients, or to inspire biomimetic processes. Using exclusive technology in a controlled manner, Microphyt produces one of the most diverse selections of microalgae in the world.

A precise understanding of all skin and hair types

In 2022, Research & Innovation launched a major study of 15,000 people of all ages, genders, complexions, hair types and ethnic origins in eight countries. The programme aims to boost the Group’s diversity expertise worldwide, to develop increasingly inclusive services in line with applicable regulations. The study aims to gather reliable personal information and data from a sample group that is representative of more than half the global population.

This insight complements targeted studies focused on consumer concerns, like the one conducted by the Research Centre in South Africa on natural African hair and the impact of combing and braiding. It analysed the damage caused to the hair structure by these hairdressing practices as well as repair mechanisms within the hair fibre. Inclusive expertise is a powerful innovation driver.

Brazil: a land of diversity and innovation

In Brazil, L’Oréal decided to expand its tinted sun care range to better match skin phenotype diversity in the country. The Group developed 11 new formulas and adopted a new shade nomenclature based on a scale from 1.0 to 6.0, from very light to very dark, spawned through collaboration between L’Oréal Research & Innovation, several Group brands and independent stakeholders.