L’Oréal has unveiled a new research facility in South Africa built for the purpose of studying 'African hair and skin specificities', as well as the nature of beauty-product use in the continent.
This project will 'employ scientists from the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, physiology, cosmetology and biochemistry', the company said.
“By opening this new Research & Innovation Center, we are spearheading L'Oréal Research for the African continent,” said Laurent Attal, the firm’s executive VP of research and innovation.
“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, skin care and makeup categories.”
Alexandre Popoff, executive VP for Eastern Europe and Africa, and the Middle East, said, “Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest growing regions for L’Oréal. Our new research arm in South Africa will solidly enable us to continually create the beauty products of the future for our African consumers, while drawing inspiration from the diverse beauty rituals and the various needs of our consumers on the continent.”
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Peter Donnelly. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
