Photoprotection: Navigating the science of light with L’Oréal

Taking care of your skin starts with sun protection.

Since the launch of Ambre Solaire in 1935, we have been at the forefront of photoprotection science, developing the knowledge, the technologies and the solutions to help everyone protect their skin's future.

Understanding the invisible

True protection begins with understanding. To safeguard the skin effectively, we need to look beyond the light we see to understand the invisible forces at play:

• UVB rays: Representing just 5% of UV radiation, they are intensely energetic and the primary cause of the skin’s alarm signal - sunburn. But their real impact goes deeper, as they are capable of inducing DNA damage at a cellular level.
• UVA rays: Accounting for 95% of all UV radiation, UVA is a constant, year-round presence, penetrating both clouds and glass alike.  Reaching deep into the dermis, it triggers the oxidative stress responsible for up to 80% of premature ageing, including loss of firmness and deep-set lines.
• Ultra-long UVA: Representing 30% of the UV radiation that reaches the skin, and with a wavelength of 380-400 nm, historically these were the most difficult UV rays to filter.

A century of dedication to skin health and protection

Our journey in photoprotection began in 1935, when Eugène Schueller created Ambre Solaire, the world's first sun oil with a protective filter, marking the foundation of a century of pioneering research. Today, our knowledge in this field is built on real, rigorous and wide-ranging science:

• Scientific Leadership: with over 360 peer-reviewed publications and 279 patent families in photoprotection, our research is a fundamental contribution to science for skin health.
• Inclusive Research: 17,000 individuals across 17 countries have participated in our clinical trials, ensuring our products work for the beautiful diversity of all human skin.
• Continuous Innovation: From the introduction of Mexoryl SX in 1982 to the recent unveiling of Mexoryl 400, we have never stopped pioneering the science of sun protection.

The art of formulation: our Netlock technology

We believe that high-performance protection should be comfortable for everyone. A breakthrough filter is only as effective as its ability to deposit and remain on the skin - evenly, comfortably and reliably.

To transform our advanced filters into a wearable shield, we developed our proprietary Netlock technology. This new formulation approach encapsulates the sun filters in ultra-fine droplets, forming a micro-thin, homogeneous and extraordinarily resilient film upon application.

The result is protection that is as wearable as it is effective:

• Invisible & Ultra-Light: No white marks, just a natural finish
• Built for Daily Use: Non-greasy and designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday routines
• Life-Proof: Highly resistant to water, sweat and sand.

Safe by design

Our commitment to efficacy is inseparable from our commitment to ethics. Every filter we use undergoes rigorous, multi-phase evaluations by independent experts to meet high safety standards at every stage of development.

And for over two decades, our environmental scientists have worked alongside institutions, like the Monaco Scientific Centre and IFREMER. Together, we seek to ensure that our sun protection technologies are developed not just to protect your skin, but to exist in harmony with the aquatic biodiversity that sustains our planet.