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2024-04-15 08:21:20

L'Oréal

French cosmetics company
French cosmetics company
L'Oréal S.A. is a leading French personal care company, headquartered in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine. It is renowned for its wide range of products including hair color, skin care, sun protection, make-up, perfume, and hair care.
1851
Kiehl's Since 1851
Kiehl's, a skincare brand, has been in operation since 1851.
1902
Helena Rubinstein
Helena Rubinstein, a pioneer in the cosmetics industry, founded her brand in 1902.
1909-07-31
Founding of L'Oréal
Eugène Paul Louis Schueller, a French chemist, registered his company, the Société Française de Teintures Inoffensives pour Cheveux (Safe Hair Dye Company of France), which eventually became L'Oréal. The company focused on research and innovation in the beauty field.
1922
Liliane's Birth in Paris
Liliane, the only child of L'Oréal founder Eugene Schueller and his wife, Louise, was born in Paris in 1922. She later became a key figure in the L'Oréal empire.
1925
L’Oréal d’Or hair brightener introduced
In 1925, L’Oréal introduced the d’Or hair brightener, a product aimed at enhancing the brightness of hair.
1928
Monsavon acquired
In 1928, L’Oréal acquired Monsavon, a significant move in expanding its portfolio and market presence.
1929
Imédia fast-acting oxidation dye introduced
Imédia, the first fast-acting oxidation dye, was introduced in 1929, revolutionizing hair coloring methods.
1933
Votre Beauté magazine created by L’Oréal founder Eugène Schueller
In 1933, L’Oréal founder Eugène Schueller created Votre Beauté magazine, a publication focused on beauty and cosmetics.
1934
Introduction of Dopal (DOP) - the first soap-free shampoo
In 1934, Dopal, the first soap-free shampoo, was introduced in hairdressing salons. It later underwent a name change to DOP and became available to the public.
1935
Lancôme
Lancôme, a renowned cosmetics brand, was founded in 1935.
1939
La Société Française des Teintures Inoffensives pour Cheveux becomes L'Oréal
In 1939, La Société Française des Teintures Inoffensives pour Cheveux was officially named L'Oréal, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
1945
Founding of L'Oréal
L'Oréal was founded after World War II and grew to become the largest cosmetics company in the world.
1950
Liliane's Marriage to Andre Bettencourt
In 1950, Liliane married Andre Bettencourt, who was the deputy chairman of L'Oréal. This marriage further solidified her connection to the company.
1952
Biotherm
Biotherm, a skincare brand, was established in 1952.
1953
L'Oréal Founded
L'Oréal was founded in 1953. It is a major cosmetics and beauty company.
1954
L'Oréal creates the level system for hair color
In 1954, L'Oréal introduced the level system, which is now the common language used for hair color. This system revolutionized the way hair color is understood and communicated in the beauty industry.
1957
Liliane Inherits L'Oréal Empire
In 1957, at the age of 35, Liliane inherited the entire L'Oréal empire after her father's passing. This marked a significant turning point in her career.
1960
Belle Color at-home hair color shampoo launched
In 1960, L’Oréal launched Belle Color, the first at-home hair color shampoo, providing a convenient solution for coloring hair at home.
1961
Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent, a prominent fashion designer, founded his brand in 1961.
1963
L’Oréal floats on the Paris Bourse
In 1963, L’Oréal went public and started trading on the Paris Bourse, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
1964
L’Oréal acquires Lancôme
In 1964, L’Oréal acquired the renowned beauty brand Lancôme, expanding its portfolio and market presence in the beauty industry.
1965
L’Oréal acquires Garnier
In 1965, L’Oréal acquired Garnier, a popular brand known for its hair care and skincare products, further strengthening its position in the beauty market.
1966
Récital at-home hair dye kits introduced
In 1966, Récital at-home hair dye kits were introduced.
1967
Shu Uemura
Shu Uemura, a renowned makeup artist, launched his brand in 1967.
1970
L'Oréal acquires Biotherm
In 1970, L'Oréal acquired Biotherm.
1973
Introduction of 'Because I'm Worth It' slogan
The iconic slogan 'Because I'm Worth It' was introduced in 1973, becoming a powerful statement of self-worth and empowerment in L'Oréal's marketing campaigns.
1974
Creation of Gesparal holding company
In 1974, the Gesparal holding company was established by L'Oréal's major shareholders, the Bettencourt family and Nestlé, consolidating their control and influence in the company.
1975
Armani
Armani, a well-known fashion house, was established in 1975.
1978
Ralph Lauren Fragrances
Ralph Lauren Fragrances, a line of perfumes, was introduced in 1978.
1979
L'Oréal begins in vitro tissue testing
In 1979, L'Oréal started in vitro tissue testing and has not tested any products or ingredients on animals since 1989, which was well ahead of regulatory requirements.
1982
Patent of Mexoryl SX molecule
In 1982, the Mexoryl SX molecule was patented, marking a significant advancement in sun protection technology.
1984
Charles Zviak appointed as CEO
Charles Zviak was named CEO in 1984, bringing his leadership and expertise to guide the company forward.
1985
L’Oréal acquires Ralph Lauren beauty license
In 1985, L’Oréal acquired the beauty license for Ralph Lauren, expanding its portfolio in the beauty industry.
1987
Le Club des Créateurs de Beauté founded
In 1987, Le Club des Créateurs de Beauté was founded as a joint venture between L’Oréal and 3 Suisses International, aiming to bring innovative beauty products to the market.
1988
Lindsay Owen-Jones named chairman and CEO
In 1988, Lindsay Owen-Jones was appointed as the chairman and CEO of L’Oréal, leading the company through a significant period of growth and success.
1989
Acquisition of La Roche-Posay
In 1989, La Roche-Posay was acquired by a company or entity. La Roche-Posay is a well-known skincare brand known for its dermatological expertise.
1990
Launch of Lancôme Trésor
In 1990, Lancôme introduced the fragrance Trésor to the market. Trésor is a popular perfume known for its elegant and romantic scent.
1991
L'Oréal's German Headquarters Controversy
L'Oréal had its German headquarters on land confiscated from a Jewish family during World War II. The family, including Holocaust survivors, has been battling for restitution. The company claims it is not responsible for the actions before 1961.
1992
Mugler
Mugler, a fashion and fragrance house, was founded in 1992.
1993
L’Oréal acquires Redken
In 1993, L’Oréal acquired the brand Redken.
1994
L’Oréal introduces first pigmented reconstructed skin
In 1994, L’Oréal introduced the first pigmented reconstructed skin product.
1995
L'Oréal Acquires Maybelline
In 1995, L'Oréal acquired Maybelline, becoming one of the top cosmetics producers in the United States.
1996
L'Oréal Groupe Scholarship Program Launch with INSEAD
25 years ago, the L'Oréal Groupe initiated a partnership with INSEAD to establish a scholarship program aimed at supporting youth.
1998
L’Oréal acquires SoftSheen
In 1998, L’Oréal acquired the brand SoftSheen.
1999
Synthélabo merges with Sanofi to form Sanofi-Synthélabo
In 1999, Synthélabo merged with Sanofi to create Sanofi-Synthélabo. L’Oréal and Elf-Aquitaine collectively held a controlling interest in the new entity.
2000
L'Oréal's Expansion and Innovation
In the year 2000, L'Oréal accelerated its expansion to new markets, segments, and distribution channels. The company also embraced sustainability challenges and introduced L'Oréal Men Expert, the first mass-market anti-aging line for men. Additionally, L'Oréal embraced digital opportunities early on, staying innovative to meet consumers' evolving lifestyles and needs.
2001
L’Oréal sells Lanvin and its stake in Marie Claire Group
In 2001, L’Oréal divested itself of Lanvin and its stake in the Marie Claire Group, reshaping its portfolio of brands.
2002
L'Oréal and Nestlé create Laboratoires Innéov
In 2002, L'Oréal and Nestlé collaborated to establish Laboratoires Innéov, a joint venture focusing on nutritional supplements for skin and hair health.
2003
L'Oréal's Institute for Ethnic Hair and Skin Research opens in Chicago
In 2003, L'Oréal inaugurated the Institute for Ethnic Hair and Skin Research in Chicago, dedicated to studying and developing products for diverse hair and skin types.
2004
Sanofi-Synthélabo merged with Aventis
In 2004, Sanofi-Synthélabo merged with Aventis to become Sanofi-Aventis.
2005-08-11
Discrimination lawsuit against L'Oréal
In August 2005, the Supreme Court of California ruled in favor of former L'Oréal sales manager Elyse Yanowitz in a discrimination case, highlighting issues of retaliatory termination and racial discrimination within the company.
2006-03-17
L'Oréal purchased The Body Shop
On March 17, 2006, L'Oréal acquired cosmetics company The Body Shop for £562 million.
2007
Passing of Anita Roddick and Shu Uemura
In 2007, Anita Roddick and Shu Uemura, notable figures in the beauty industry, pass away.
2008-03
L'Oréal acquired Le Club des Créateurs de Beauté
In March 2008, L'Oréal took full control of Le Club des Créateurs de Beauté, a mail-order sales company for cosmetic products.
2008-05
L'Oréal acquired YSL Beauté
In May 2008, L'Oréal bought YSL Beauté for $1.8 billion.
2009
L'Oréal Declares Intention to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In 2009, L'Oréal declared their intention to cut greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and waste by 50% over the period 2005-2015, using methods like solar panels and biogas.
2011
Opening of Predictive Evaluation Center in Lyon, France
In 2011, L'Oréal opened the Predictive Evaluation Center in Lyon, France, dedicated to assessing product quality without animal testing.
2012-03
Opening of L'Oreal Global Hair Research Centre in Paris Saint-Ouen
The L'Oreal Global Hair Research Centre was inaugurated in March 2012 in Paris Saint-Ouen, serving as the hub for international departments focusing on hair color, care, and styling.
2012-11
Inauguration of L'Oréal's Largest Factory in Indonesia
In November 2012, L'Oréal opened its largest factory in Jababeka Industrial Park, Cikarang, Indonesia, with a $100 million investment. The factory aimed to produce for both domestic and export markets.
2013
L'Oréal calls for more research on alternatives to animal testing
In 2013, L'Oréal was part of a consortium urging the EU to invest in research on alternatives to animal testing.
2014-07-31
Boycott Calls Against Garnier and L'Oréal
During Operation Protective Edge, Garnier Israel donated care packages to IDF soldiers, leading to calls for a boycott against Garnier and L'Oréal worldwide. Garnier disavowed the giveaway, stating it promotes peace and harmony.
2015-05
Partnership with Organovo for Human Skin 3D Printing
In May 2015, L'Oréal partnered with Organovo to explore 3D printing of living human skin for testing product toxicity and efficacy, marking a significant advancement in beauty technology.
2016-03-19
L'Oréal Share Value and Operating Profit
By 19 March 2016, L'Oréal had a share value of 89,542 million euros, distributed in 562,983,348 shares. The reported operating profit in 2016 was €4.54 billion based on revenue of €25.8 billion.
2017-09-21
Passing of Liliane Bettencourt
Liliane Bettencourt, the sole heir to L'Oréal and one of the richest women in the world, passed away at the age of 94.
2018-03-16
Acquisition of Modiface by L'Oréal
On 16 March 2018, L'Oréal acquired Modiface, a beauty tech company specializing in augmented reality for makeup and hairstyle simulations, showcasing L'Oréal's commitment to innovation.
2020-09-22
A brief history of L'Oréal: A cosmetics dynasty with far-right origins
On September 22, 2020, a feature was published discussing the history of L'Oréal, a cosmetics company with controversial far-right origins. The article delves into the background of the company and its historical ties.
2021-06-26
Arrival of #AC75 Racing Ship in Barcelona
The new #AC75 racing ship, constructed in France, arrived in Barcelona on a Saturday. This marks a significant achievement for the Orient Express Racing Team, enabling them to practice with the boat they will use in the upcoming #AmericasCup in September.
2022-03-04
L'Oréal €1 million donation for Ukrainian relief support
L'Oréal announced a €1 million donation for relief support of Ukrainians affected by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
2022-04-05
Kiehl's Single-Use Reflections Sculpture by Benjamin Von Wong
Kiehl's showcases the importance of refills as an alternative to single-use plastics through the 'Single-Use Reflections' sculpture by Benjamin Von Wong on the High Line in New York City.
2023-03
L'Oréal Invests in Genomatica for Biotechnology-Based Alternatives
In March 2023, L'Oréal announced its investment in Genomatica (Geno), a biotechnology company, to develop and manufacture 'biotechnology-based alternatives' for cosmetic, personal care, and cleaning products.
2023-04
L'Oréal purchased Aesop
In April 2023, L'Oréal bought Australian luxury cosmetics brand Aesop for US$2.53 billion.
2023-12
L'Oréal acquired Lactobio
In December 2023, L'Oréal announced its acquisition of the Danish research company Lactobio.
2024-01
L'Oréal acquired Gjosa
In January 2024, L'Oréal announced the acquisition of Gjosa, a Swiss Pioneering Water Conservation Tech Startup.
2024-02
L'Oréal signed licensing agreement with Miu Miu
In February 2024, L'Oréal signed a long-term global licensing agreement with the Italian brand Miu Miu for luxury beauty products.
2030
Kiehl's Commitment to Sustainability
Kiehl's pledges to eliminate single-use plastic by 2030 by ensuring all products are designed to be re-used, refilled, or made of recycled materials.
End of the Timeline
L'Oréal

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L'Oréal

French cosmetics company
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