In the cosmetic industry, there are thousands of skin care, hair care, makeup and other wellness brands and companies, all pushing for their products to be the best. But how many of them can say their products are sustainably sourced, contain clean ingredients, and cut down our impact on the environment? Probably not very many, but kudos to those that can. Brands such as E.L.F, REN, Rare Beauty, Clarins, and Aveda, among many others, are just some of those that produce vegan, cruelty free, and sustainable products – all with the people and planet in mind. Now, L’Oréal has joined the list of eco-positive brands becoming the third global company to invest in Geno-led technology and resources. 


"At L'Oréal, we believe that science has the power to create a better world, and we are committed to using our expertise to drive positive change in the beauty industry…By working together with other beauty players, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources wherever our collective efforts can have a meaningful purpose," stated Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Research, Innovation and Technology for L'Oréal, Barbara Lavernos. 


Geno is an advanced bioengineer firm that combines computer modeling with industrial engineering to create and develop sustainable materials. Starting in 1998, Geno has over the years been committed to finding and creating bio-based chemical sources and technologies. They are able to harness biology through their developed materials derived from plant or waste-based feedstock, instead of fossil fuels. Now, with engineering still kept as a main department, they have produced plant-based nylon used in clothing and furniture, personal care ingredients, energy performance supplements, palm oil alternatives, and fragrances. With partnering with L’Oréal, their bio-advanced technologies will be able to create a new level of cosmetic products accessible for the masses. 


Their proven biotechnology platform has engineered and produced a sustainable surfactant ingredient from fermented plant sugars by microorganisms. A surfactant is an active substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, so in turn this bio-produced substance can be a key ingredient in skin care products. This new found ingredient will be used in a range of L’Oréal products, pushing them one step closer to their goals of manufacturing 100% eco-designed formulas and 95% renewable, plant sourced ingredients by 2030. These formulas and ingredients in which respect the viscosity of aquatic ecosystems. 


L'Oréal is also the mother, or umbrella, company of many others — from NYX, to Maybelline New York, to Urban Decay, their environmental influence has found its way throughout hundreds of brands. Through their sustainability program, L’Oréal for the Future, they have increased a strong focus on partnering with sustainable, biotechnology innovators, like Geno. This is in hopes of exploring, developing, and manufacturing options in which to produce more everyday clean and sustainable products. 


"Welcoming L'Oréal to this incredible team of global brand heavyweights signifies just how important and urgent the need is for traceable, resilient and sustainable materials, at scale…This partnership will further catapult our venture's mission to the global scale required to meet strong market demand for sustainable products," stated Chief Executive Officer for Geno, Christophe Schilling.