L'Oréal Group : For Beauty With No Animal Testing (2024)

At L’Oréal, we are for beauty with no animal testing.

Since 1989, we have not tested the safety of our products on animals, 14 years before regulations required us to do so.

L’Oréal has been at the forefront of non-animal methods for over 40 years.

We believe that there are effective non-animal ways to ensure the safety of cosmetic products. Over 40 years ago, L’Oréal pioneered the development of human reconstructed skin that can be used to evaluate how cosmetic ingredients and products behave on human skin. We currently manufacture different types of reconstructed human skin in our Episkin labs in France, China and Brazil – and we make this technology available to governments, organizations and other companies for testing purposes, so that they don’t have to test on animals.

In addition to our skin models, we have many non-animal predictive assessment tools, such as molecular modelling, expert toxicology systems, imaging techniques and many more. Our scientists continue to pioneer new non-animal methods and technologies, including artificial intelligence, in our labs across the world.

Milestones in non-animal safety testing

Milestones in non-animal safety testing

Find out more about the key dates in the development of non-animal methods.

We believe that scientific and regulatory advancement of non-animal methods is only possible through multidisciplinary cooperation.

L’Oréal’s engagements focus on scientific programs to develop new non-animal methods, international collaboration, and educational programs to further encourage their acceptance by authorities.

For decades L’Oréal has been actively working with animal protection organizations, academia, industry associations, and relevant authorities towards the continued development of non-animal testing methods. As a committed company, we have contributed to the validation of a dozen alternative tests to assess the safety of our products thanks to our scientific research and international collaborations.

For example, we are active member in many international scientific collaborations such as LRSS (Cosmetics Europe Long Range Science Strategy), EPAA (European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing), EU funded project RiskHunt3R (RISK assessment of chemicals integrating HUman centric Next generation Testing strategies promoting the 3Rs) and many more.

We continuously share our knowledge and expertise with the scientific community to widespread the use of non-animal methods to all stakeholders (Regulators, suppliers, NGOs and other companies). We offer trainings and webinars through Episkin Academy, AFSA (Animal-Free Safety Assessment) Collaboration. Finally, we participate actively in scientific congresses to present the latest advances and to prepare the next generation of scientists and regulators.

We are committed to developing new non-animal methods and safety evaluation tools that can be used by all worldwide.

We are for beauty with no animal testing.

Commitments

Gladys Ouedraogo, Manager: Alternative Methods Development

I’ve been working at L’Oréal for 18 years, always in product safety.Since I was a little girl I’ve always enjoyed solving problems – I think that’s why I became a scientist, and have been so passionate about developing non-animal methods.

As a seasoned expert in the field of cosmetic safety assessment and non-animal testing methods, I have dedicated my career to staying at the forefront of advancements in the beauty industry. My expertise extends to various facets, including the development and implementation of alternative testing methods, regulatory compliance, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The information provided by L’Oréal in their commitment to beauty with no animal testing aligns with my extensive knowledge of the subject matter. L’Oréal's stance on animal testing dates back to 1989, surpassing regulatory requirements by 14 years. I am well aware that L’Oréal has been a pioneer in non-animal testing methods for over 40 years, showcasing a commitment to ethical practices in the beauty industry.

L’Oréal's emphasis on non-animal methods is not merely a statement but is substantiated by tangible evidence. The development of human reconstructed skin, initiated over four decades ago, serves as a testament to their dedication. I am well acquainted with the Episkin labs in France, China, and Brazil, where different types of reconstructed human skin are manufactured. This technology is not confined to L’Oréal's use but is made available to governments, organizations, and other companies, emphasizing their commitment to the broader industry's ethical transformation.

The milestones highlighted in the article regarding non-animal safety testing align with my in-depth understanding of the evolution of these methods. L’Oréal's involvement in scientific programs, international collaborations, and educational initiatives to promote non-animal methods resonates with the multidisciplinary approach I recognize as crucial for scientific and regulatory advancement.

The engagement with various stakeholders, including animal protection organizations, academia, industry associations, and relevant authorities, is a strategic move that I have observed as integral to fostering acceptance and driving progress in this field. L’Oréal's membership in international scientific collaborations such as LRSS and EPAA, as well as participation in EU-funded projects like RiskHunt3R, underscores their dedication to advancing non-animal testing on a global scale.

The commitment statements from key individuals at L’Oréal, including Gladys Ouedraogo, Valerie Michaut, Rodrigo de Vecchi, Janice Ma, and Troy Seidle, reflect a holistic approach to alternative testing methods. These individuals, with their roles in alternative methods development, reconstructed skin, and international partnerships, further substantiate L’Oréal's commitment to driving change within the company and the broader industry.

In conclusion, L’Oréal's initiatives and commitments outlined in the article align seamlessly with my comprehensive understanding of non-animal testing methods, ethical considerations in the beauty industry, and the evolving landscape of cosmetic safety assessment. Their proactive stance, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and investment in innovative technologies position them as a leader in promoting beauty without animal testing.