L’Oréal acquires Lactobio to ‘strengthen’ its microbiome research

By Amanda May | Published: 5-Dec-2023

The beauty conglomerate has bought the Danish research company, which specialises in precision probiotics, for an undisclosed sum

L'Oréal has acquired probiotic and microbiome research firm Lactobio for an undisclosed sum. 

The French beauty giant has bought the Copenhagen firm to “strengthen” and “accelerate” its microbiome research, which it has been conducting for the past 20 years.  

The conglomerate plans to combine its scientific knowledge and technological advancements with Lactobio’s formulations using living organisms. 

This includes leveraging Lactobio’s “expertise and significant IP portfolio” to develop safe, new cosmetic solutions using live bacteria. 

“The integration of Lactobio into our Advanced Research is highly complementary,” said Anne Colonna, Global Head of Advanced Research of L’Oréal Groupe. 

“In joining forces, we aim to develop a new generation of cosmetics that will use cutting-edge innovations in the formulation process.

“To provide science-based, precision probiotic and postbiotic products with new performance levels.” 

Lactobio was founded in 2017 by Søren Kjærulff and Charlotte Vedel. 

It creates probiotic and postbiotic private label skin care ingredients and operates its own probiotic skin care brand, Bak (pictured above). 

Kjærulff, the company’s Chief Scientific Officer, is “excited” for what the future holds as part of L’Oréal Groupe.

“Where together, we can apply microbiome research to new fields of beauty innovation for people all over the world,” he added. 

L’Oréal has expanded its reach this year with lots of new technological developments. 

From the launch of its first-ever in-store, multi-brand fragrance refill station, to signing a deal for ‘air only’ extracted natural fragrance ingredients.

The company has also streamlined its portfolio by selling green beauty brand Sanoflore to French investment fund Ekkio Capital.

Not to mention opening a new “purpose-built” headquarters in London as the company celebrates 90 years of being in the UK.

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