Gender fluidity, diverse beauty standards, and environmental sustainability: Cosm'Ethics places ethics at the heart of its concerns.

Today, the industry of beauty is reinventing itself and embracing the values of a more conscious and responsible society. By understanding traditional beauty standards and driven by ethical and aesthetic values, the sector promotes diversity, inclusion and body positivity. This is evident in the special attention paid to different body types, skin tones, and hair textures.

By breaking codes and stereotypes, beauty celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. It also plays a fundamental role in maintaining human dignity, especially for vulnerable individuals. Taking care of oneself also means reclaiming one's body, regaining self-confidence, and opening up to others. Studies prove it: 67% of vulnerable women who benefited from socio-aesthetic care found their way back to employment and training. And 75% gained access to healthcare. A gesture of beauty, a step towards resilience.

Beyond fleeting trends, beauty is now experienced as a holistic experience, a journey to the heart of oneself. The acceptance of imperfection, sublimated by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, invites us to embrace our uniqueness and cultivate harmony between body and mind. Beyond appearances, the quest for beauty is a quest for meaning, an art of living, and a way to connect with oneself and the world. This vital force accompanies us in our quest for personal fulfillment and well-being.

Democratizing the best of beauty is a thrilling, essential adventure. Because we are committed to make an impact. On our more than one billion consumers in changing their lives with beauty. On the planet by striving every day to create a more sustainable beauty industry, for example, targeting the use of recycled plastic packaging on all our hair care bottles. And on the society as well, with our brands that support meaningful social causes like L’Oréal Paris fighting against street harassment.

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.

As an intimate and social language, the quest for beauty transcends eras and cultures. 350,000 years ago, Neanderthal man already used powders and ornaments to adorn himself. By 10,000 BC, the Egyptians had mastered the art of skincare and the makeup for aesthetic, therapeutic, and spiritual purposes.

Born in Mesopotamia, perfumery flourished in Europe, creating a veritable luxury and refinement industry. Since the health crisis and the loss of smell (anosmia) that affected 53% of those infected with the virus, the fragrance market has experienced a resurgence.

From the Sumerians to the Parisians of the 21st century, lipstick has transcended centuries and cultures, embodying a symbol of femininity and self-affirmation. Its commercial creation in Paris in 1884 marked a turning point in the history of cosmetics. During the Second World War, cosmetics products were rationed in the United Kingdom, except for lipstick! Winston Churchill recognized its positive impact on morale. Helena Rubinstein created the shade "Regimental Red" for the American army.

Ancient and complex, men's relationship with beauty reflects the evolution of male grooming and social norms. The use of makeup and powders in the court of Louis XIV testifies to this long history. In the 18th century, men abandoned artifice and coquetry in favor of a more sober aesthetic. In the 20th century, a return to skincare for men and adornment began, influenced by icons like David Bowie. Today, the men's grooming market, particularly in Asia, reflects a redefinition of gender norms and a more diverse masculinity.

Across cultures and throughout time, beauty has played a central role in social cohesion. The bob haircut in the 1920s, the invention of Ambre Solaire sunscreen in the 1930s, long hair trends in the 1970s, the Black is Beautiful movement... beauty also symbolizes

social progress, women's emancipation, and the liberation of bodies. In the wake of the individual liberation movements of the 20th century, contemporary beauty aims to be holistic, celebrating authenticity, individuality, self-acceptance, and imperfection.

Hairstylists are craftsmen, artists, entrepreneurs, mentors, confidants, influencers. They connect with people, build self-confidence, and positively impact lives every day. Hairstylists are essential in society. Alongside hairstylists since 115 years, L’Oréal Professional Products Division innovates to meet all hair needs. Together, with our 3 million hairstylists partners around the world, we shape the future of professional beauty.

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.

Worldwide, one billion people suffer from mental health disorders. This scourge particularly affects young people: among Generation Z, 50% feel stressed and 43% experience anxiety⁽¹⁾. Faced with this pandemic, which the WHO predicts will worsen by 2030, beauty rituals are taking on a new dimension. Cultivating well-being is becoming a major concern. For 80% of European women, self-care routines and skincare rituals help them regulate their mood⁽²⁾. Globally, for 96% of women, beauty products help them feel good or boost their self-esteem⁽¹⁾.

Moisturizing your skin, shaving your beard, brushing your hair, putting on perfume... Every day, facing the mirror, these simple self-care gestures invite us to take care of ourselves, to anchor ourselves in the present, and to cultivate our well-being. Nearly 70% of women and 75% of men say that skincare and personal care products help them relax⁽¹⁾.

From our first bath to the last moments of life, contact with beauty sets the rhythm of our existence. Birthdays, first makeup application, a wedding... Every happy moment, shared with loved ones, is imbued with beauty rituals. They structure our present, help us navigate through time, accept ourselves, and gain in discernment.

Moreover, these privileged moments foster self-expression, self-affirmation, and creativity. Close to 88% of women and 80% of men say that beauty helps them boost confidence and self-esteem⁽¹⁾. It helps them to feel good in their skin through skincare and self-care routines.

Worldwide, one in four people suffers from skin diseases. Faced with this scourge, skin health shoule be a right not a privilege.

Our skin surrounds and protects us and connects us to the world. However, everywhere on the planet, attacked by pollution, stress, and climate change, it can become weakened. Eczema, acne, psoriasis, atopy, vitiligo, melanoma... The number of skin diseases is increasing. Stigmatization, anxiety, depression, difficulties in employment... The WHO ranks them 4th in the world among diseases impacting the quality of life of patients. But faced with the global shortage of practitioners, waiting times to see a dermatologist are getting longer. For too many people, skin health remains a privilege, not a right.

In this world of screens, we are more aware than ever of our appearance. Aesthetic procedures and cosmetic surgery are also booming. Nearly 620 million people want to consult a cosmetic suregon.

More and more consumers are using dermo-cosmetic products prescribed by doctors. L'Oréal is positioning itself at the intersection of beauty and health, creating innovative skincare products that respond to skin problems on the one hand, and to the explosion of aesthetic demand on the other.

Three of our dermo-cosmetic brands are among the top four most prescribed by dermatologists. To deepen knowledge about skin health, we collaborate with 310,000 healthcare professionals around the world. We also raise awareness about the dangers of the sun and the importance of sun protection.

Our mission? To offer everyone sustainable dermatological solutions that change lives. At L'Oréal, the leader in dermatological beauty, we are working to improve access to skin health. We also empower individuals to reclaim their rightful place in the world. Let's make skin health a reality for all.

(1) Human8 for L’Oréal 2022.

(2) Cosmetics Europe 2022.

(3) L’Oréal Ipsos 2016.

At L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, we offer life-changing dermatological treatments to all in a sustainable way. We are driven by singular belief: skin health should not a privilege, but a right.

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.

With €2.35 billion invested annually in research and innovation, the European beauty industry is constantly pushing the boundaries of cosmetic science. More than 30,000 scientists, spread across 77 innovation centers, work to create increasingly high-performance cosmetic formulas. Proof of this dynamism? 25% to 30% of the 10,000 beauty products from major companies are reformulated every year with new active ingredients and advanced technologies.

With over €1.3 billion invested in 2024, 21 research centers in 11 countries, a team of 4,200 scientists, and 8,000 digital experts, L'Oréal stands as a major player in beauty innovation.

Results: 694 patterns filed in 2024, 52% of which by women and 3,636 new formulas launched.

The group also launches large-scale studies. Conducted in partnership with Verily (Alphabet), the "My Skin & Hair Journey" study analyzes the biological, clinical, and environmental factors that influence skincare and hair health. It is the largest study ever conducted in the beauty sector. Finally, through its BOLD venture capital fund, the Group invests in innovative beauty startups.

By 2030, 40% of the world's population will have curly hair. Aware of this demographic shift and the diversity of skin and hair types, L'Oréal develops skincare, hair care and makeup products tailored to the specific needs of each individual.

L'Oréal develops a wide range of innovations, such as Melasyl, a patented active ingredient targeting hyperpigmentation. Protected by over 20 patents, Melasyl is the result of 121 clinical studies conducted with 12,000 participants.

A pioneer in reconstructed tissues with its Episkin subsidiary, L'Oréal promotes alternative methods to animal testing. Moreover, by 2030, L’Oréal will aim to sustainably source at least 90% of biobased materials used in formulas and packaging. Finally, the group is investing heavily in green sciences, biotechnology, and the circular economy.

With 115 years of innovation, L'Oréal is the largest research laboratory in the cosmetics industry. Our researchers innovate every day for a beauty science that is ever more effective, responsible, inclusive, and personalized, that protects against external aggressions, brings well-being and self-esteem, and supports the stages of life, all while reducing its environmental footprint. Creating beauty that moves the world forward means putting ever more effective products and experiences into the hands of our consumers, tailored to the needs of each and every one.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Technology has transformed the consumer purchasing journey, multiplying possible interactions. Faced with a plethora of options, 70% of consumers feel overwhelmed and struggle to find the right beauty products. To meet this demand for personalization, cosmetics companies are investing heavily in R&D, representing more than 2% of their sales in France. There are 150 cosmetics start-ups in France, representing 1% of the ecosystem. Grouped within the Cosmetic Valley, they are developing chemical and digital innovations.

For over 10 years, L'Oréal has been at the forefront of the digital revolution. With the world's richest beauty database (17,300 terabytes of data!), the group offers personalized and inclusive beauty experiences through more than 800 digital services, used 110 million times in 2024 by 33 brands in 66 countries.

As the fourth largest advertiser worldwide, L'Oréal is committed to responsible consumption. The group collaborates with IMPACT+ to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of its digital activities and has established a value charter for beauty influencers. In China, L'Oréal and Alibaba launched the first digital circular economy for the beauty sector.

L'Oréal creates inclusive, inspiring, and respectful beauty experiences, prioritizing sustainability, safety, and quality. For example, Lancôme launched Hapta, a smart makeup applicator for people with reduced mobility. And Yves Saint Laurent offers "Rouge Sur Mesure by Perso", a device that allows the creation of thousands of personalized lipstick shades. Hyper-personalized, inclusive, and responsible, thanks to a winning combination of science, technology, and creativity, L'Oréal is shaping the beauty of the future.

Our mission is to drive unparalleled consumer engagement with beauty, for our billions of prospects and consumers. Digital & Technology are further fueling beauty demand, through access to conversations, education, personalized experiences and entertainment in the beauty consumer journey. We are augmenting marketing for our 37 global brands, with both ‘math & magic’, to make a relevant place in culture.

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.