IBM, L'Oréal team up to advance AI-driven, sustainable cosmetic formulations

A custom AI model will be created to help L'Oréal develop sustainable and high-performance products.

IBM and L'Oréal have partnered to use IBM’s generative AI technology to enhance cosmetic formulations and drive sustainability.

The collaboration will create a custom AI foundation model to help L'Oréal’s Research & Innovation teams develop high-performance, consumer-focused products whilst reducing waste and using sustainable raw materials.

The AI model is expected to transform cosmetic product development by speeding up the creation of new products, reformulating existing ones, and optimising production processes. It will also support L'Oréal’s goal to source most of its product formulas from bio-sourced materials or circular economy solutions by 2030.

"As part of our Digital Transformation Program, this partnership will extend the speed and scale of our innovation and reformulation pipeline, with products always reaching higher standards of inclusivity, sustainability, and personalisation", said Stéphane Ortiz, head of Innovation Métiers & Product Development – L'Oréal Research & Innovation.

IBM's AI technologies will help L'Oréal accelerate the discovery and reformulation of products, optimizing for sustainable practices while enabling the use of renewable and eco-friendly ingredients.

The AI foundation model will use a wealth of formulation and component data to streamline key processes for L'Oréal’s global research teams, which include over 4,000 scientists. The model will assist in creating new products, optimizing existing formulations, and scaling up production to meet consumer demand more efficiently.

Additionally, IBM Consulting will play a key role in reimagining L'Oréal’s formulation discovery process, focusing on the sustainable use of renewable ingredients.