L'Oreal Unveils $160 Million Research & Innovation Center in New Jersey,

L'Oreal Groupe has officially opened its new North America Research & Innovation (R&I) Center in Clark, New Jersey, marking a significant milestone in the company's 70-year history in the United States. The nearly 250,000-square-foot facility represents a $160 million investment and is L'Oréal's largest research center outside of France.

The state-of-the-art center employs over 600 scientists, engineers, and researchers specializing in product formulation, advanced materials, and sustainable innovation. It focuses on tailoring products to diverse customer needs, skin tones, hair types, and textures, as well as beauty self-expression and goals.

Key features of the R&I Center include:

1. A 26,000-square-foot modular laboratory

2. A consumer center for product testing and co-creation, accommodating up to 400 consumers daily

3. An on-site mini factory for scaling final formulations before full-scale production

   
   

The facility also aligns with L'Oréal's sustainability goals, featuring 10,000 solar panels that meet 70% of its energy needs. This initiative supports the company's aim for all globally operated sites to utilize renewable energy by 2025.

L'Oréal's investment in the US market comes as the company reports strong growth in North America. In Q4 2024, North American sales increased by 2.3% year-over-year to €2.9 billion, while full-year 2024 sales grew by 5.9% to €11.9 billion. The US market, which accounts for one-quarter of L'Oréal's sales, is seen as a key driver of future growth.

Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L'Oréal Groupe, emphasized the importance of the US market, stating, "We have a unique portfolio to conquer the U.S. market. It combines our 18 American brands. Three of them are part of our billionaire club".

The new R&I Center joins L'Oréal's global research ecosystem, which includes hubs in France, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, and Japan1. This expansion underscores L'Oréal's commitment to innovation and its strategy to leverage the diverse US consumer base and innovation-driven economy to shape the future of beauty.