L'Oréal acquires Lactobio to expand precision probiotics expertise

04-Dec-2023 - Last updated on 05-Dec-2023 at 08:35 GMT

L'Oréal said precision probiotics will be used to develop new formulations for topical applications that are based on live bacteria

The French multinational has acquired Danish research company Lactobio, which is a leader in precision probiotics, in a bid to strengthen its leadership in microbiome research to explore new areas of cosmetic innovation.

L'Oréal said that this acquisition consolidates 20 years of advanced research on the microbiome and will allow it to deepen its knowledge of the microorganisms living on the surface of the skin and to strengthen its leadership in this field.

It also said that Lactobio's microbiome expertise and extensive patent portfolio could open up new opportunities for the development of safe and effective cosmetic solutions from live bacteria.

Lactobio was founded in 2017 by Søren Kjærulff, Ph.D. and Charlotte Vedel, Ph.D., who developed a unique and proprietary microbiome exploration platform, as well as a screening method to select the most effective and safest strains.

Large biobank of lactobacillus bacteria

L'Oréal said that these precision probiotics – created from a large biobank of lactobacillus bacteria – will be used to develop new formulations for topical applications based on live bacteria, with an end goal of providing the skin and hair with many nature-inspired benefits.

Global Executive Vice President, Advanced Research at L'Oréal, Anne Colonna, said of the acquisition: "The integration of Lactobio into our Advanced Research is very complementary to L'Oréal's scientific and technological advances. The Group's expertise combined with Lactobio's optimal formulations based on live ingredients will significantly strengthen and accelerate our microbiome research dedicated to beauty.

She continued: “By joining forces, we aim to develop a new generation of cosmetics that will incorporate cutting-edge innovations to achieve new products. precision probiotics and postbiotics at unprecedented levels of performance.”

Meanwhile, founder and scientific director of Lactobio Søren Kjærulff noted that Denmark has a long history of innovation in live microorganisms applied to food, agriculture and health, and said that this inspired the creation of the company.

Of the partnership, Kjærulff said: “I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved and excited about what the future holds for us at the L'Oréal Group, where together we can apply microbiome research to new areas of cosmetic innovation for women and men around the world."