Seeking new growth opportunities, the beauty industry has embraced technological innovation. From connected beauty devices to AI-powered chatbots and sophisticated skin diagnostics, advances are rapidly transforming the sector, while leading companies strengthen partnerships with cutting-edge technology firms.
Massive investments
L’Oréal, a major French cosmetics company, is showcasing several AI-powered innovations like the K-Scan, a device for assessing scalp health trained on 12,000 hair images, and Lancôme's Cell BioPrint, which estimates biological skin age to recommend suitable products. Experts like Éric Briones highlight the necessity of AI for true personalization in beauty, linking it to understanding an individual’s biological age. This drive for personalization requires significant technological infrastructure and investment. L’Oréal announced a collaboration with OpenAI and has invested substantial amounts—EUR 1.5 billion in technology and EUR 1.4 billion in research and innovation—to secure a competitive edge.
"Hyper-personalized responses"
Guive Balooch, Vice President of Technology and Open Innovation at L’Oréal, emphasizes leveraging science and technology for competitive advantage, citing partnerships with Nvidia for accelerating molecule discovery and OpenAI for enhancing customer interactions. AI is also transforming the retail experience; Sephora, an LVMH subsidiary, launched a ChatGPT-powered application in the U.S. for personalized beauty advice. Gonzague de Pirey, LVMH’s Data and Omnichannel Director, notes that this AI assistant provides increasingly relevant and tailored recommendations as it learns user preferences. Franck Le Moal, LVMH’s Chief Information Officer, foresees emerging technologies enabling virtual product try-ons and advanced skin analysis, heralding a "digitalization of beauty" that converges with cosmetic healthcare. Technology companies like Samsung, showcasing an AI-powered skin and scalp analysis solution from its startup Becon at VivaTech, are recognizing the beauty sector's significant economic potential and its intersection with wellness and health.
