L’Oréal develops acne-fighting tech for problematic skin

Effaclar Spotscan by L’Oréal’s La Roche-Posay brand is the world’s first web app providing analysis of acne-prone skin, the beauty giant says.

It combines L’Oréal’s expertise in the field of dermatology with Alibaba’s world-leading AI technologies.

The app will now be available on Alibaba’s Tmall and Toaboa platforms, meaning it will be accessible by consumers in China.

“With 80% of young people suffering from acne and only one dermatologist per 60,000 habitants available in China, there is an increasing demand for accessible, accurate and professional advice on acne,” L’Oréal explains.

How does the app work?​

Based on 6000 scientific images of acne skin collected by L’Oréal, Alibaba’s AI scientists used deep learning to create a neural network model for acne testing that detects the link between visual information from a user’s selfie and the type of acne.

Based on this analysis, the app provides personalized advice and skin care recommendations to remedy acne lesions and prevent them from getting worse.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Spotscan will make its debut on the Tmall and Taobao mobile app in June 2019.

Yeming Wang, General Manager Alibaba Cloud EMEA said: “Millions of consumers on Tmall and Taobao suffer from acne.

“Through AI technology, they can now gain a better understanding of the state of their skin and choose the skincare solution that are right for them in an effective and convenient manner without even having to leave their homes.”

An international partnership ​

Wang also asserted the international nature of the collaboration, stating: “We are very pleased to join hands with L’Oréal Group, and to contribute ‘Chinese Intelligence’ to this innovation that can truly benefit every consumer.

“Today, we are launching Effaclar Spotscan to the entire world. This is yet another instance in which Alibaba and L’Oréal have achieved a perfect, consumer-oriented match of beauty and technology within our strategic partnership.”

Lubomira Rochet, Chief Digital Officer of L’Oréal said: “We are delighted to team up with Alibaba to bring dermatological expertise to millions of people in China with the launch of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Spotscan.

“This launch perfectly illustrates our vision of beauty, diversified and accessible to all, tailored to the needs and aspirations around the world and powered by digital.“

Stéphane Rinderknech, CEO of L’Oréal China said: “China is an important digital innovation hub, leading and inspiring the digital transformation of our industry.

“The launch of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Spotscan is a milestone in our partnership with Alibaba, aimed at providing disruptive beauty experiences and services.”