A new way of innovating

Water plays a key role in the environmental impact of cosmetics products, both in terms of the quantity of water consumed for production and the quality of the water that drains away when the product is used. To improve the water footprint of its formulas, L'Oréal makes a special effort to ensure biodegradability, i.e. their ability to be broken down in the natural environment. Several products launched in 2016 have biodegradability levels above 98%, including Aura Botanica conditioner by Kérastase, Ultra Doux 5 Precious Herbs shampoo by Garnier, Aura Mirabilis make-up remover mask by Roger&Gallet, and Absolue Precious Oil by Lancôme.

In its formulas, L'Oréal favours the use of renewable raw materials that are responsibly sourced. In 2016, several products have a renewable raw material content above 94%, including Biolage R.A.W. Uplift shampoo, Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil by Kiehl's and Ultra Doux Honey Treasures hand cream by Garnier.

To source these raw materials, the group has developed a strict methodology, controlled by an independent third party.

One of L’Oréal’s approaches to improving packaging is an ongoing policy of replacing traditional materials by others that are recycled or biosourced. The bottles used for Biolage R.A.W. shampoos, and the haircare ranges Aura Botanica by Kérastase and Botanicals Fresh Care by L'Oréal Paris – apart from the caps and pumps – are made of 100% recycled plastic, and can be recycled again after use. The same trend can be seen in the use of recycled glass in packaging, which has reached levels as high as 25% for Lancôme, Vichy, Roger&Gallet, Sanoflore and The Body Shop.