L’Oreal Leverages AI for Faster Product Development

VIENNA – L’Oreal, the renowned French cosmetics firm, has harnessed artificial intelligence to pinpoint molecules within its skincare products that can be adapted for use in shampoos. This innovation reportedly allows the company to develop new products four times quicker than in previous years, according to a senior executive’s remarks.

Many consumer brands, like Nestle, Haleon, and Mondelez, are also employing AI in their product development processes. This technology aids in swiftly testing ingredients, generating recipe ideas, and addressing challenges within supply chains.

The shift toward AI integration comes as companies in the consumer goods sector strive to innovate more efficiently and manage costs while catering to evolving consumer preferences.

L’Oreal has been utilizing AI in its laboratories for the past four years, successfully identifying new molecules for beauty applications by predicting their effects on skin and hair, stated Fabrice Megarbane, head of its consumer products division.

Recently, L’Oreal repurposed molecules typically found in skincare for a shampoo designed to enhance lift and fullness through collagen, Megarbane noted.

“You can really go much faster by imagining new associations of molecules and new benefits,” he explained at the Consumer Goods Forum’s Global Summit in Vienna.

In light of slower sales growth, L’Oreal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus initiated a “beauty stimulus plan” last year aimed at spurring innovation within the company.

AI Transforming Product Development

The integration of AI in human-driven product innovation is a “game-changer,” according to Filippo Catalano, Mondelez’s Chief Information and Digital Officer. This technology has enabled the company, known for brands like Cadbury and Toblerone, to streamline processes and explore innovative recipes. AI can generate a wide array of recipe concepts, which are then assessed by human experts.

Catalano highlighted how this advancement allows for optimizing recipe development, reducing reliance on single sourcing in supply chains, and adapting products to meet changing consumer tastes.

Mondelez’s AI tool reportedly minimizes the number of samples usually required for innovation. It has contributed to the development of Gluten Free Golden Oreo cookies and an updated recipe for Chips Ahoy cookies. The company claims that 60% of the recipes produced using AI have shown improvements in nutrition, sustainability, and cost.

“AI capabilities accelerate processes that were already possible, compressing timelines from months to weeks,” Catalano concluded.