Beauty is a Business story
Chapter V
Beauty:A Key
Economic
Sector
In a fluctuating global context, the beauty industry is playing a growing role in the world economy. It has emerged as a pillar of growth and a driver of innovation. L'Oréal Groupe, a global leader in this sector, embodies this dynamic.
A strong economic model
Estimated at over €290 billion in 2024, the global beauty market is extremely dynamic. As a key driver of socio-economic development, it employs millions of workers worldwide, including over 3 million in the European Union, the majority of whom are women (61.2%), and boasts a significant scientific community (over 30,000 cosmetic researchers). Composed of multinationals, SMEs, and family businesses, the beauty industry relies on a complex value chain, ranging from raw material producers to local specialists (beauticians, hairdressers, dermatologists etc.). L'Oréal plays a central role in this diversified ecosystem, contributing to growth and wealth creation for all stakeholders.
A true soft power
More than just an industry, beauty represents genuine soft power, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and providing public health solutions. Its impact on the GDP of developed countries is significant, and it plays a crucial role in combating deindustrialization. Innovation is the engine of this industry.
France, the birthplace of the cosmetics industry and the world's leading exporter of beauty products, generating €21.3 billion in exports in 2023. The cosmetics industry is a key sector of the French economy, employing nearly 300,000 people.
L'Oréal: a multitalented groupe
L'Oréal operates in more than 150 countries and employs more than 90,000 people, including 4,000 researchers and 8,000 tech and digital experts. With 37 factories worldwide, the group generated 43.48 billion sales in 2024.
4th
largest advertiser globally, across all sectors.
Chapuy
Cyril
Chapuy
President – L’Oréal Luxe
Deviating from the norm is part of the essence of luxury.
At l’Oréal Luxe, it is in our DNA to always think differently and strive for what has never been done before. We call it “La Culture de l’Écart”.
As the global leader in luxury beauty, we have the great responsibility to drive change through bold innovations, impactful commitments, and memorable experiences.
Every day, our luxury crafters elevate creativity, driven by a permanent quest for the extraordinary, with the obsession to unlock the emotional power of luxury beauty.
This is not a beauty podcast
A new podcast from L’Oréal Groupe and New York Times explores the essential role beauty plays in the human experience. Across six episodes, hear about the hidden role beauty plays in sports, technology, business, science, health and politics, interviewing individuals from around the world.
