Green Sciences : harnessing the power of life
L’Oréal’s ambition is to develop formulas for its brands that guarantee unrivalled performance, are safe and perceived as such, and contain 95% ingredients from renewable botanical sources, abundant minerals, or circular technologies.
Exploiting the potential of Green Sciences
L’Oréal announced the launch of its new sustainable development programme for 2030, L’Oréal for the Future, and Research & Innovation continues to make significant contributions to attaining its goals thanks to its innovative approach in line with the Group’s aims. L’Oréal is committed to respecting the limited nature of biodiversity, water and other natural resources and to reducing its impact on climate change.
To rise to these challenges, L’Oréal’s sustainable innovation programme relies on Green Sciences, which include biotechnologies, synthetic biology and green chemistry, among other fields. Green Sciences are the ideal solution for meeting consumer expectations, which were heightened by the Covid-19 crisis: safe beauty products that respect human health and the environment without compromising on performance. The transition to Green Sciences combines access to new raw materials with eco-designed formulation, for a new approach that is more environmentally friendly.
Centella asiatica: the renewable star ingredient in the new La Roche-Posay formulas
In one example of this environmentally friendly approach to formulation, L’Oréal Research & Innovation has incorporated the properties of Centella asiatica, a plant native to Asia and Oceania, into its new formulas. Madecassoside, extracted from Centella asiatica, is a soothing ingredient that promotes skin renewal. Combined with other ingredients, it is the star of the new Cicaplast range by La Roche-Posay. This range is particularly suitable for damaged, irritated or cracked skin following dermatological treatment. Centella asiatica is also sustainably sourced by L’Oréal. A project in partnership with the Group’s suppliers with support from the Union for Ethical BioTrade was launched to preserve the wild plant while simultaneously guaranteeing traceability, quality, fair wages for the women who pick the leaves, and respect for human rights.
L’Oréal Research & Innovation has proven its ability to profoundly transform its methods for developing and manufacturing cosmetics. This gradual transformation underway at our brands and in the Group’s products includes hybrid steps that combine ingredients from traditional chemistry with ingredients from green sciences in a single formula for unprecedented performance. The goal is to provide high-performance solutions that set L’Oréal apart from the competition.
