- Business
- L'Oréal S.A. is a French multinational personal care company headquartered in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, France, founded in 1909. It is the world's largest cosmetics company, operating through four main divisions: Professional Products, Consumer Products, Luxury Products, and Active Cosmetics. L'Oréal manufactures and sells a diverse range of beauty and personal care products including skin care, hair care, hair color, makeup, fragrances, and dermo-cosmetics under 37 global brands such as L'Oréal Paris, Lancôme, Garnier, Kiehl's, Yves Saint Laurent, La Roche-Posay, and others. The company serves consumers worldwide across over 150 countries with a strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and emerging markets.
L'Oréal has a significant focus on research and innovation, owning hundreds of patents and investing heavily in R&D to drive product development, including natural and sustainable beauty formulations. The company has a commitment to sustainability through its "L'Oréal for the Future" program aiming at climate stewardship, circularity, and social responsibility.
Recent major changes include the 2024 opening of a research and innovation center in India and the acquisition of a stake in Korean cosmetics company Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, including its Dr.G brand, from Swiss retailer Migros. In 2025, L'Oréal divested the hair care brand Carol's Daughter and acquired the haircare brand Color Wow. Additionally, L'Oréal announced a €4 billion deal to acquire Kering's beauty business, gaining the cologne brand House of Creed and exclusive rights to develop fragrances and beauty products for Kering's luxury labels such as Gucci and Balenciaga for 50 years. L'Oréal also continues to launch new products, including innovative haircare, skincare, and makeup items, and expands its digital capabilities with AI and data analytics to enhance consumer experience and sales channels.
The company maintains a strategic and decentralized operational model with strong entrepreneurial local teams, while being centrally coordinated from France. L'Oréal targets diverse market segments including mass consumers, professionals, luxury buyers, and dermatological customers. It employs approximately 90,000 people globally and consistently ranks as one of the most innovative companies in the beauty sector.
This comprehensive product offering combined with recent acquisitions and strategic partnerships positions L'Oréal as a leader in global beauty and personal care markets with a strong focus on sustainability, technology, and expanding its brand portfolio worldwide.