L’Oréal opens research and innovation centre in South Africa

L'Oréal has inaugurated its new research and innovation (R&I) centre in South Africa.

The new facility is L'Oréal’s seventh global R&I centre, which will study African hair and skin specificities, as well as sub-Saharan consumers’ beauty routines.

L'Oréal research and innovation executive vice-president Laurent Attal said: “By opening this new research and innovation centre, we are spearheading L'Oréal Research for the African continent.

“We are showing our determination to go further in innovations for the African beauty market. Our consumer surveys conducted since 2010 and our in-depth studies of skin and hair since early 2000, represent the knowledge base for the development of tailored products for African consumers.

“We are starting with hair and our ambitions are much broader and cover the body, hygiene, skincare and makeup categories.”

The new centre will seek to develop beauty products ranging from haircare, colour, relaxers and shapers to personal hygiene.

The centre will also collaborate with the African scientific ecosystem, universities, dermatologists, natural biodiversity centres, as well as hairdressers.

In 2003, L'Oréal launched its first evaluation centre in South Africa that was focused on consumer knowledge and product assessment.

L'Oréal’s African Beauty Brands team has already introduced black oil technology for hair colour, failsafe relaxers and skin evenness routines, as well as customised products such as Hair Food and Makeup, for African consumers.

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Image: L'Oréal’s new research and innovation centre in South Africa. Photo: courtesy of L'Oréal.