Green Sciences cover all the scientific fields on which R&I relies to achieve L’Oréal’s objectives in terms of the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. Sustainable cultivation, biotechnologies and fermentation, green chemistry and green extraction are completely upending the way we approach and “do” science. Drawing on the expertise of its researchers and global innovation ecosystem, the Group works at the intersection of science and nature to create ingredients with high added value.
In early 2024, L'Oréal announced that it was joining forces with the NUS Environmental Research Institute (University of Singapore) to research soil microbes. The initiative aims to find new ways to boost soil health and increase plant yield without needing more land or relying on chemical fertilisers.
Lactobio, a Danish company specialising in probiotic and microbiome research, joined L'Oréal's laboratories following its acquisition at the end of 2023, enabling the Group to reinforce two decades of research in this field. New formulations based on probiotics and postbiotics are being developed to create a generation of cosmetics using targeted bacterial biotechnology.
Lastly, the exclusive partnership entered into by the Group with Cosmo International Fragrances is consistent with L’Oréal’s quest to create exquisite fragrances for consumers that are ever closer to the unique scents of the natural world. This partnership gives L'Oréal access to Osmobloom, a waterless, low-energy, slow extraction process that captures and reveals the olfactive power of flowers in an authentic way. This Green Sciences extraction process opens the door to new creative opportunities for the Group's fragrance- makers. Tuberose extract, the first extract obtained using Osmobloom, is one of the ingredients of Valentino Beauty's new fragrance, Private Talk.
L'Oréal is committed to making beauty more inclusive and accessible, for example with the launch of Melasyl™, a breakthrough molecule designed to address localised pigmentation problems leading to dark spots and acne scars. The result of 18 years of research in the Group's laboratories, Melasyl™ acts preventively by capturing melanin precursors before they are transformed into coloured pigments. Validated by more than 121 scientific studies, Melasyl™ has proved effective in treating localised pigmentation problems for all skin colours.
La Roche-Posay, drawing on its dermatological expertise, has incorporated Melasyl™ into its MelaB3 range, which has been launched in almost 40 countries. The combination of serum and SPF30 treatment helps to correct dark spots, while protecting the skin from UV rays – an aggravating factor in hyperpigmentation. The product offers a comprehensive, effective solution for affected consumers, particularly in the SAPMENA region, where hyperpigmentation is a major concern.
True to its commitment to democratising beauty, in 2024 L'Oréal Paris launched Glycolic Bright. This new range combines the effectiveness of Melasyl™ with glycolic acid and niacinamide for synergistic action on complexion radiance. Initially rolled out in emerging countries in 2024, the product illustrates L'Oréal Paris' commitment to effective and accessible beauty for all.
By 2030, around 40% of consumers will have curly, kinky or frizzy hair. L'Oréal is committed to the research and development of inclusive hair products that meet all hair types and needs, with specific ranges for curly hair.
A study of 2,500 people in 22 countries resulted in the creation of a new eight-category curl classification scale and underlined the importance of hydration and weekly washing. The development of the first 3D visualisation of a knot by our scientists also facilitates the development of more effective detangling products.
Thanks to its scientific and technological prowess, the Group develops innovative solutions to meet the specific needs of curly hair.
Capitalising on this expertise, Acidic Bonding Curl was launched by Redken in 2024, the first silicone- and sulphate- free bonding treatment designed for curly hair. Its patented DES CURLS technology repairs, hydrates and strengthens fragile curls. This innovative product is set to be rolled out worldwide, confirming L'Oréal's commitment to more inclusive beauty accessible to all.
To "create the beauty that moves the world", the Group shares its technological and scientific advances with other players in our industry and beyond. Our expertise in reconstructed skin is a good illustration of this.
Unveiled in 2024, the "Skin Technology by L'Oréal" platform combines biology, mechanics and electronics to create bioprinted and inclusive skin models. Capable of reproducing the complexity of human skin and its biological processes, such as tanning and healing, these models broaden the range of tests available for our products. This key innovation reinforces L'Oréal's long-standing commitment – in place since 1989 – to beauty without animal testing. We are therefore raising the standards of testing in the industry, while giving healthcare operators, start-ups and research institutes the benefit of our expertise.
L'Oréal also puts its fundamental research at the service of public health, by collaborating with leading institutions such as Percy Hospital (France) and the University of Oregon (US). Our partnership with the latter has enabled us to develop an artificial skin model closely resembling natural human skin using rapid 3D bioprinting technology, accelerating research into treatments for serious skin lesions.
L'Oréal's commitment to value sharing is also reflected in the partnership with Bakar Labs, UC Berkeley's biotech incubator. This partnership gives start-ups free access to our reconstructed skin models, encouraging open innovation and accelerating research to forge a more responsible beauty industry.
