The description of L'Oreal's Research and Development and its commitment to green and sustainable  chemistry  are developed.

The latter is directly linked to a socially responsible business (1).

L'Oreal's “green methodology” is based on the basic principles of green chemistry as defined by P. Anastas and J. Warner (2).

To develop innovation, greater emphasis is placed on three main principles:

-        the use of renewable raw materials from plants,

-        the development of environmentally friendly processes,

-        and the manufacture of low ecotoxicity and biodegradable ingredients.

A high percentage of ingredients used by the company are from vegetable origin. Around 40% of ingredients  are sourced from renewable plants.

In order to specify the potential environmental impact of these ingredients, L'Oreal assessment involves their persistence, bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity.

To select and develop eco-efficient processes, green indicators such as E-factor (3) have also been introduced. Currently, the company assesses E-factors of its in-house products.

Greater emphasis is also placed on the development of new green technologies. L'Oreal has perfected an original green route to produce a new C-glycoside, Pro-Xylane, recently launched on the market (4). The new green route is discussed in comparison  with previous processes.

(1)   www.LOREAL.com /Our Company/Sustainable Development;

(2)   Anastas P., Warner J.C., Green Chemistry, Oxford University Press, New York, 1998, p. 30);

(3)   Sheldon R.A., Chem. & Ind., 1997, 12 ;1992, 903;

(4)   Lubineau A. et al., Chem. Commun., 2000, 2049-2050;

Dalko M., Breton L., WO 2002051828 (L'OREAL);

Philippe M., Semeria D., WO 2002051803 (L'OREAL).