L'Oréal and Institut Pasteur Forge Historic Partnership for the Advancement of Skin Health Science
L'Oréal and the world-renowned Institut Pasteur have signed their first scientific research agreement to advance skin health science. The partnership will combine their expertise in immunology, microbiology, and beauty science to explore skin biomarkers, the microbiome, and the role of skin in health management.
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A groundbreaking scientific research agreement has been signed between the globally renowned Institut Pasteur and L'Oréal, a world-leading beauty company. This partnership will bring together their combined knowledge in immunology, microbiology, and beauty science to explore skin biomarkers, the microbiome, and the role of skin in health management. The collaboration aims to accelerate the discovery of new biological targets and the development of next-generation active ingredients for advanced skin health solutions.
L'Oréal Group (headquartered in Paris), the world's largest cosmetics company, announced on April 2nd local time that it has entered into an innovative research partnership with the Institut Pasteur. This marks a historic milestone for both institutions and is the first scientific research agreement concluded between the Institut Pasteur, a globally acclaimed biomedical research institution, and L'Oréal, a leader in dermatological science.
This strategic partnership unites two leading global institutions from France. Both organizations share a common understanding that the skin, the largest organ of the human body, is a crucial reflection of an individual's health, well-being, and quality of life.
Furthermore, this collaboration aims to deepen the understanding of skin as a vital organ in human health, accelerate the discovery of new biological targets, and develop next-generation active ingredients for advanced skin health solutions.
By combining L'Oréal's cutting-edge dermatological expertise in the beauty sector with Institut Pasteur's world-leading specialization in immunology, microbiome research, and skin biomarker research, the joint research teams will explore the microbial and immune roles in skin health from a state-of-the-art biological perspective.
### Leadership in Skin Science
Barbara Lavernos, Deputy CEO of L'Oréal Group and Chief Research, Innovation and Technology Officer, stated:
"Through this unique collaboration with the Institut Pasteur, we will uncover the deep connection between skin and internal health. By scientifically demonstrating the importance of skin health, we will show that skin is a vital organ reflecting quality of life and supporting the foundation of individual health."
Professor Yasmine Belkaid, a world authority in immune system and microbiome research and Director of the Institut Pasteur, also commented:
"By combining the Institut Pasteur's fundamental research capabilities in immunology and microbiome science with L'Oréal's outstanding technological expertise, this research agreement aims to elucidate the complex interactions between skin cells, symbiotic microorganisms, and immune defenses. Together, we will explore how these interactions contribute to the progression of aging, how they reflect overall health status, and what role they play in maintaining the skin barrier function."
This partnership was formally established on December 16, 2025, during a scientific symposium held at the L'Oréal Advanced Research Center in Aulnay-sous-Bois. Presentations by researchers representing both institutions were also made on the day.
### About L'Oréal
For 117 years, L'Oréal has been a leader in the beauty and cosmetics industry, dedicated to meeting the aspirations and needs of consumers worldwide for beauty. Our purpose, "Create the Beauty that Moves the World," comprehensively expresses our approach to beauty, contributing to society and the environment in a sustainable, inclusive, ethical, and generous manner. With a diverse and wide brand portfolio including 40 international brands, and through our "L'Oréal for the Future" program dedicated to sustainable development and environmental protection, we celebrate the infinite diversity of beauty and deliver the highest standards of quality, efficacy, safety, integrity, and responsibility to all people worldwide. We employ over 90,000 people, have a geographically balanced presence, and sales channels across all distribution networks (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, salons, brand boutiques, and travel retail). Group sales reached 44.05 billion Euros in 2025. With 21 research and innovation centers in 13 countries worldwide, and over 4,000 scientists and more than 8,000 digital talents, L'Oréal emphasizes creating the future of beauty and advancing beauty technology.
In 2025, L'Oréal Group was selected as the "Most Innovative Company" from among 300 companies in Europe, across 21 European countries and 16 industries, in a ranking announced by Fortune magazine.
For more details, visit https://www.loreal.
L'Oréal Group (headquartered in Paris), the world's largest cosmetics company, announced on April 2nd local time that it has entered into an innovative research partnership with the Institut Pasteur. This marks a historic milestone for both institutions and is the first scientific research agreement concluded between the Institut Pasteur, a globally acclaimed biomedical research institution, and L'Oréal, a leader in dermatological science.
This strategic partnership unites two leading global institutions from France. Both organizations share a common understanding that the skin, the largest organ of the human body, is a crucial reflection of an individual's health, well-being, and quality of life.
Furthermore, this collaboration aims to deepen the understanding of skin as a vital organ in human health, accelerate the discovery of new biological targets, and develop next-generation active ingredients for advanced skin health solutions.
By combining L'Oréal's cutting-edge dermatological expertise in the beauty sector with Institut Pasteur's world-leading specialization in immunology, microbiome research, and skin biomarker research, the joint research teams will explore the microbial and immune roles in skin health from a state-of-the-art biological perspective.
### Leadership in Skin Science
Barbara Lavernos, Deputy CEO of L'Oréal Group and Chief Research, Innovation and Technology Officer, stated:
"Through this unique collaboration with the Institut Pasteur, we will uncover the deep connection between skin and internal health. By scientifically demonstrating the importance of skin health, we will show that skin is a vital organ reflecting quality of life and supporting the foundation of individual health."
Professor Yasmine Belkaid, a world authority in immune system and microbiome research and Director of the Institut Pasteur, also commented:
"By combining the Institut Pasteur's fundamental research capabilities in immunology and microbiome science with L'Oréal's outstanding technological expertise, this research agreement aims to elucidate the complex interactions between skin cells, symbiotic microorganisms, and immune defenses. Together, we will explore how these interactions contribute to the progression of aging, how they reflect overall health status, and what role they play in maintaining the skin barrier function."
This partnership was formally established on December 16, 2025, during a scientific symposium held at the L'Oréal Advanced Research Center in Aulnay-sous-Bois. Presentations by researchers representing both institutions were also made on the day.
### About L'Oréal
For 117 years, L'Oréal has been a leader in the beauty and cosmetics industry, dedicated to meeting the aspirations and needs of consumers worldwide for beauty. Our purpose, "Create the Beauty that Moves the World," comprehensively expresses our approach to beauty, contributing to society and the environment in a sustainable, inclusive, ethical, and generous manner. With a diverse and wide brand portfolio including 40 international brands, and through our "L'Oréal for the Future" program dedicated to sustainable development and environmental protection, we celebrate the infinite diversity of beauty and deliver the highest standards of quality, efficacy, safety, integrity, and responsibility to all people worldwide. We employ over 90,000 people, have a geographically balanced presence, and sales channels across all distribution networks (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, salons, brand boutiques, and travel retail). Group sales reached 44.05 billion Euros in 2025. With 21 research and innovation centers in 13 countries worldwide, and over 4,000 scientists and more than 8,000 digital talents, L'Oréal emphasizes creating the future of beauty and advancing beauty technology.
In 2025, L'Oréal Group was selected as the "Most Innovative Company" from among 300 companies in Europe, across 21 European countries and 16 industries, in a ranking announced by Fortune magazine.
For more details, visit https://www.loreal.