L’Oréal and Institut Pasteur announce historic partnership to advance skin health science

·     A historic collaboration- the first scientific agreement between the world-renowned Institut Pasteur and the world’s leading beauty company.

·   This strategic partnership brings together their complementary expertise in immunology, microbiology, and beauty science to explore the skin biomarkers and microbiome as well as skin implication in people’s health management.

·   The partnership will accelerate the discovery of new biological targets and the development of next-generation active ingredients for advanced skin health solutions.

Clichy, France – April 2, 2026 – L'Oréal and the Institut Pasteur have announced a landmark research partnership, marking a historic first for both organizations. This collaboration represents the first scientific agreement of its kind between the world-renowned center for biomedical research and one of the global leaders in skin sciences.

This strategic partnership brings together two world-leading French institutions, both driven by a shared belief that skin - the largest organ of the human body - is the silent witness of each individual’s holistic health, well-being, and quality of life. 

This scientific alliance aims to deepen the understanding of skin as an essential organ of human health, while accelerating the discovery of new biological targets and the development of next-generation active ingredients for advanced skin health solutions.

By synergizing L'Oréal's mastery in advanced research for beauty skin science with Institut Pasteur's world-leading expertise in immunology, microbiome and skin biomarkers research, the teams will explore the role of microbes and immunity on skin health through a cutting-edge biological lens.

Leadership in Skin Science

"With this unique collaboration with Institut Pasteur, we are uncovering the deep-rooted connection between our skin and our internal health,” said Barbara Lavernos, Deputy CEO in charge of Research, Innovation and Technology at L'Oréal. "By scientifically emphasizing the importance of skin health, we are demonstrating that skin is a vital organ that mirrors our quality of life and its foundational role to the health of every individual.”

Professor Yasmine Belkaid, Director General of Institut Pasteur and a global authority on the immune system and microbiome, emphasized: " By bridging Institut Pasteur's fundamental expertise in immunology and microbiome science with L'Oréal's technological excellence, this master research agreement aims to decode the intricate dialogues between skin cells, commensal microbes, and immune defenses. Together, we will explore how these interactions influence accelerated aging processes, reveal systemic health conditions, and maintain skin barrier integrity. "

The partnership was formalized during a scientific symposium held on December 16, 2025, at L'Oréal's Advanced Research center in Aulnay-sous-Bois, featuring cross-presentations from leading researchers from both institutions.

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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

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