L'Oréal explains beauty beyond superficiality

Beauty has ceased to be a static ideal and has become a living language of diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. L'Oréal, global leader in cosmetic innovation, reaffirms its vision of a beauty that empowers, that makes human plurality visible, and that promotes a cultural shift towards acceptance, sustainability, and integral well-being in its Essentiality of Beauty report.The New Era of Responsible BeautyToday, beauty is being redefined through new values: responsibility and social awareness. The sector is no longer guided solely by aesthetic criteria, but also by ethical ones. The industry promotes a pluralistic beauty that embraces the diversity of bodies, skin tones, textures, and hair types. This openness translates into products that celebrate individuality and campaigns that champion authenticity.In fact, 67% of women say they have benefited from the social dimension of beauty, whether through employment or training, demonstrating that the sector's impact goes beyond appearance: it drives opportunity and social transformation.A Journey Towards Well-being and Self-AcceptanceContemporary beauty is experienced as a journey of self-discovery. L'Oréal defends a holistic vision, where personal care becomes a practice of balance and harmony. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, the brand invites us to embrace imperfection and cultivate serenity between body and mind.The data confirms it: 75% of men and women believe that beauty products help them relax. 80% of European women say that their personal care rituals improve their mood. And for 96% of them, cosmetics are allies of self-esteem and emotional well-being. Democratizing Beauty: L'Oréal's Mission"The act of democratizing beauty is the most exciting thing about our sector," states Alexis Perakis-Valat, president of L'Oréal Consumer Products. The executive emphasizes that this mission is not limited to access, but also encompasses sustainability. L'Oréal is committed to using recycled plastic in the packaging of its hair products, reaffirming its commitment to the planet, and has a commitment for 2030: it aims to sustainably source at least 90% of the bio-based materials used in formulas and packaging.Beauty Through Time: A Symbol of Culture and ProgressIn its report, L'Oréal offers a kind of retrospective and historical journey demonstrating that beauty has been an essential part of human development: from makeup in ancient Egypt to the perfumes of Mesopotamia.The report also highlights iconic moments such as lipstick as a symbol of femininity and self-acceptance. During World War II, Winston Churchill defended its production and distribution to the public, recognizing its positive impact on social morale.The story also reflects the evolution of the male role in beauty. L'Oréal recalls that Louis XIV already used makeup to highlight his pale complexion, and that figures like David Bowie marked a turning point by breaking down gender barriers. Today, the rise of male personal care in Asia reflects a redefinition of norms and a more diverse masculinity.Beauty as an engine for social changeThroughout the 20th century, beauty has accompanied movements of liberation and progress. From the bob cut of the 1920s, a symbol of female independence, to the birth of Ambre Solaire sunscreen or the Black is Beautiful movement, each cosmetic advance has gone hand in hand with profound social transformations.Europe, Epicenter of Cosmetic InnovationEurope is consolidating its position as a leading territory in cosmetic research. According to L'Oréal, the continent invests more than 2.35 billion euros annually in R&D, with a community of 30,000 scientists distributed across 77 innovation centers. The industry reformulates between 25% and 30% of the 10,000 products it launches each year, incorporating new active ingredients and advanced technologies.In 2024, L'Oréal allocated 1.3 billion euros to research, with 21 development centers in 11 countries, a team of 4,200 scientists, and 8,000 digital experts. Thanks to this innovation ecosystem, the company managed to create 3,636 new formulas, consolidating itself as the largest innovation player in the sector.Looking to the Future: Hair Diversity and PersonalizationThe brand anticipates that by 2030 more than 40% of the world's population will have curly hair. In response to this evolution, L'Oréal is researching new hair, face, and body solutions adapted to the specific needs of each type of hair, skin, and culture. L'Oréal ultimately asks and shows how beauty should be viewed. It is not a standard, it is an expression of identity, diversity, and well-being. Democratization, sustainability, and inclusion stand today as the pillars of a more human and transformative beauty.

L'Oréal explains beauty beyond superficiality

Beyond aesthetics, L'Oréal champions a beauty that celebrates uniqueness, fosters inclusion, and promotes holistic well-being.