L'Oréal Groupe has inaugurated its new North America Research & Innovation (R&I) Center in Clark, New Jersey, a major expansion of its U.S. operations. The nearly 250,000-square-foot facility represents a $160 million investment and is the company’s largest research center outside France. This move underscores L'Oréal’s long-term commitment to the North American market and its focus on advancing beauty innovation.
The new R&I Center is home to over 600 scientists, engineers, and researchers specializing in product formulation, advanced materials, and sustainable innovation. Designed to enhance the company's research capabilities, the center integrates:
These resources enable L'Oréal to accelerate product development and tailor solutions to meet evolving consumer demands. The company emphasizes that the U.S. market plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of beauty, given its diverse consumer base and innovation-driven economy.
By expanding its research footprint in the U.S., L’Oréal is reinforcing the strength of its American operations. The center will support innovation across L'Oréal’s extensive portfolio, which includes brands such as Maybelline, CeraVe, Redken, and Kiehl’s. Additionally, it aligns with the company's global R&I ecosystem, complementing research hubs in France, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, and Japan.
L’Oréal executives, including CEO Nicolas Hieronimus and Deputy CEO Barbara Lavernos, attended the facility's opening alongside New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Tahesha L. Way. Company leadership emphasized that this investment strengthens L’Oréal's ability to develop high-quality, market-specific products while fostering economic growth in the region.
Beyond its role in product innovation, the R&I Center contributes to the local economy by generating high-skilled job opportunities. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy highlighted the state’s growing reputation as a hub for research and development, noting that L’Oréal’s expansion further solidifies this position.
The facility also integrates sustainability measures in line with L’Oréal’s global 'L'Oréal for the Future' initiative. Key environmental features include:
Construction of the R&I Center began in 2022, with employees starting to occupy the space in mid-2023. The facility is expected to reach full operational capacity by February 2025. As the largest subsidiary of the L'Oréal Groupe, L'Oréal USA manages over 35 beauty brands and generates more than $11 billion in annual sales across multiple distribution channels.
