L’Oréal CEO Talks Skin Care, Travel Retail China and E-Commerce

Core Insights - L'Oréal is focusing on innovation in skin care and aims to bridge health and beauty, with a strong emphasis on longevity science as a growth opportunity [1][6][20] - The company's skin care segment, despite being its largest category at 16.4 billion euros, showed minimal growth of 0.4% year-on-year, contrasting with stronger growth in makeup and hair care [2][5] - E-commerce has become a significant growth driver for L'Oréal, with sales reaching 13 billion euros, accounting for over 30% of total group sales, marking a substantial increase from previous years [9][11] Skin Care Performance - Skin care sales were flat in 2025, which is a concern for L'Oréal as it represents a major category [2] - The company is adjusting its strategies to enhance performance in skin care, particularly through innovation and media engagement [1][5] Regional Performance - North Asia's sales declined by 5% on a reported basis, despite a slight gain in like-for-like terms [4] - The travel retail market in Asia has been soft, particularly in Korea and mainland China, impacting overall sales [3][5] Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions - L'Oréal announced a strategic partnership with Kering, acquiring the House of Creed and gaining exclusive licenses for Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga, valued at 4 billion euros [12][13] - The acquisition of a larger stake in Galderma will enhance L'Oréal's involvement in dermatology and aesthetics, allowing for better integration of strategies [18][19] Future Growth Opportunities - The company sees significant potential in the longevity market, with plans to introduce supplements and advanced beauty protocols [7][20] - L'Oréal aims to reach 2 billion consumers in the next decade, driven by trends in emerging markets and changing consumer behaviors [21]