L’Oréal Groupe and COSMAX sign memorandum of understanding to collaborate on next-generation beauty innovations

L’Oréal Groupe and COSMAX sign memorandum of understanding to collaborate on next-generation beauty innovations

• A new chapter of collaboration between two leaders of the beauty market, marking the 140^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea. 

• CombiningL’Oréal’s global beauty science and consumer insights with Cosmax’s K-beauty-inspired product designexpertise. 

• Advancingjoint research on raw materials, active ingredients, and innovative sensory signatures. 

• Harnessingcomplementary strengths to shape future trends in the global beauty market and expand touchpoints with consumers worldwide. 

 

Clichy, France – September 9^th, 2026– L'Oréal Groupe, the world's leading beauty company, and Cosmax, a South Korean leading cosmetics research, development, and manufacturing (ODM) company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on next-generation beauty innovations. As one of only three business MOUs signed during the bilateral summit marking the 140^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France, this agreement underscores the strategic role of the beauty sector in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between France and South Korea. 

 

This MOU was signed on the afternoon of September 8^th (local time) in Paris by Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO, L’Oréal, and Choi Kyoung, Vice Chairman of Cosmax, in the presence of Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness and Kim Jeong-kwan, South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.  

 

L'Oréal has driven beauty innovation through close collaboration with South Korean partners for more than 30 years, ranging from ODMs and packaging pioneers to raw material suppliers. This latest partnership will leverage L’Oréal’s global beauty science, consumer insights, and extensive brand portfolio alongside Cosmax’s science-based product development and agile R&D capabilities to shape the future of the global beauty market and drive next-generation innovation. 

 

The collaboration will focus primarily on three key areas: 

 

• Global Product Development:Joint research and development of K-beauty-inspired products for global expansion, powered by L'Oréal's beauty science and consumer insights. 

• Innovative Ingredients:Exploration and development of innovative cosmetic raw materials and active ingredients. 

• Sensory Innovation:Creation of novel sensory signatures and product formats inspired bySouthKorean beauty trends and consumer preferences. 

 

The two companies expect this MOU to serve as a vital milestone, uniting the strengths of both nations to accelerate next-generation beauty innovations globally. 

 

Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO, L'Oréal, shared:" Beauty serves as a vibrant bridge between our cultures and a strategic industry for both countries. As we celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea, I am proud to deepen our partnership with Cosmax. By working closely together and combining our strengths, we will join forces to shape the future of beauty and create exceptional new experiences for consumers worldwide.” 

About L’Oréal         

 

For over 115 years, L’Oréal, the world’s leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 40 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L’Oréal for the Future programme, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.

 

With more than 95,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (ecommerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2025 the Group generated sales amounting to 44.05 billion euros. With 22 research centers across 7 regional hubs around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and more than 8,000 Digital, Tech and Data talents, L’Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse.

 

In 2025, L’Oréal has been named the most innovative company in Europe by Fortune magazine, out of 300 companies, in a ranking spanning 21 countries and 16 industries in Europe.

 

More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom

 

 

 

“This press release does not constitute an offer of sale or solicitation of an offer to purchase L'Oréal shares. If you wish to obtain more comprehensive information about L'Oréal, please refer to the public documents registered in France with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, also available in English on our website www.loreal-finance.com.

This press release may contain forecast information. While the Company believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions as of the date of publication of this press release, they are by nature subject to risks and uncertainties which may lead to a discrepancy between the actual figures and those indicated or suggested in these statements.”      

CONTACTS

L’ORÉAL

Switchboard

+33 (0)1 47 56 70 00

Individual shareholders

Angélique FRUCHTENREICH

+33 (0)1 47 56 45 35

[email protected]@loreal.com

Financial analysts and institutional investors

Eva QUIROGA

+33 (0)7 88 14 22 65

[email protected]

Media

Brune DIRICQ

+33 (0)6 63 85 29 87

[email protected]

Christine BURKE

+33 (0)6 75 54 38 15

[email protected]