Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the innovative strategies and leadership of Barbara Lavernos at L'Oréal, emphasizing the company's commitment to research and development as a key driver for future growth in the beauty industry [2][3][4]. Group 1: Leadership and Innovation - Barbara Lavernos has been pivotal in L'Oréal's transformation, overseeing a research team of over 4,000 scientists and managing an annual R&D budget exceeding €130 million (approximately 1.1 billion RMB) [4][6]. - Under her leadership, L'Oréal has launched over 3,000 new products annually, contributing 10% to 15% of the company's revenue from new products [6][7]. - The company has maintained a strong focus on quality, safety, and performance in its products, with a significant emphasis on patent applications as a measure of innovation [7][11]. Group 2: Research and Development Focus - L'Oréal's R&D strategy includes investments in life sciences, artificial intelligence, beauty technology, and sustainability, with a notable increase in patent applications, reaching 694 in 2024 [11][12]. - The company has established a comprehensive technology matrix for its "New Age Beauty" initiative, integrating cutting-edge research into consumer products [17][20]. - L'Oréal's Chinese R&D center has been instrumental in driving innovation, with 372 patent applications filed in 2024, showcasing the center's significant contributions to the company's global innovation strategy [24][31]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - The BIG BANG initiative launched in China aims to foster open innovation by collaborating with promising startups in AI, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical technology [29][30]. - L'Oréal's commitment to long-term research in longevity science positions it as a leader in the beauty industry's future, focusing on the aging process and its implications for skincare [14][15]. - The integration of AI into L'Oréal's R&D processes has significantly accelerated product development, allowing for the evaluation of 150 molecules in a fraction of the time previously required [21][22].