The foundation model being developed will leverage advanced AI capabilities to process vast amounts of cosmetic formulation data. This innovation marks a major step forward in blending beauty, chemistry, and technology. By applying IBM’s expertise in AI for scientific discovery, L’Oréal will enhance its ability to create high-performance, sustainable, and personalized products.
Matthieu Cassier, Chief Transformation & Digital Officer of L’Oréal Research & Innovation, remarked, “Building on years of unique beauty science expertise and data structuring, this major alliance with IBM is opening a new and exciting era for our innovation and development process.”
A central focus of the collaboration is to contribute to L’Oréal’s “L’Oréal for the Future” sustainability targets, which include sourcing most product formulas from bio-sourced materials or circular economy inputs by 2030. IBM’s AI technology will help L’Oréal researchers analyze renewable raw materials and optimize formulations to reduce the reliance on non-renewable resources.
“This partnership will extend the speed and scale of our innovation and reformulation pipeline, with products always reaching higher standards of inclusivity, sustainability, and personalization,” added Stéphane Ortiz, Head of Innovation Métiers & Product Development – L’Oréal Research & Innovation.
The collaboration will allow L’Oréal to accelerate multiple aspects of product development, including:
IBM Consulting will support L’Oréal in rethinking the formulation discovery process. This approach will use foundation models to unlock new insights into raw material behaviors and their interactions in cosmetic formulas. It aims to bolster inclusivity and personalization while prioritizing ecological responsibility.
Foundation models, a cutting-edge advancement in AI, are capable of performing a variety of tasks by applying insights across different contexts. While they have significantly enhanced natural language processing (NLP), IBM is extending their application into areas such as chemistry, time series, and geospatial analysis.
“This collaboration is a truly impactful application of generative AI, leveraging the power of technology and expertise for the good of the planet,” said Alessandro Curioni, IBM Fellow and Vice President Europe and Africa, Director IBM Research Zurich.
By deploying this tailored AI model, IBM and L’Oréal aim to reimagine the future of cosmetics, blending sustainability with innovation. This effort underscores how AI can be a transformative force, not just in technology but in industries traditionally grounded in art and science.
The collaboration is set to benefit L’Oréal’s network of over 4,000 researchers, empowering them to push the boundaries of cosmetic formulation. The initiative embodies a vision where beauty products are as unique as the individuals who use them, while also being environmentally responsible.
“With this alliance, we’re combining highly specialized expertise in artificial intelligence and cosmetics to revolutionize formulation processes,” stated Guilhaume Leroy-Méline, IBM Distinguished Engineer, Business Transformation Services CTO, IBM Consulting France.