In brief
Beauty powerhouse L'Oreal says the growing popularity of GLP‑1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy is impacting skin‑care sales, driving the firm to create products that mitigate the loose‑skin side effect of rapid weight loss. CEO Nicolas Hieronimus noted the trend’s significant effect on consumption, while the company posted a 7.7% sales rise to September. L'Oreal has increased its stake in Galderma, invested in clinical trials targeting GLP‑1 users, and is positioning its SkinCeuticals and Kiehl's brands to address facial sagging. A recent Galderma survey found most weight‑loss drug users report changes to their facial appearance, highlighting a niche market in need of targeted solutions.
Beauty giant L'Oreal says the rise of weight‑loss drugs is influencing its beauty and skin‑care market, prompting the company to tailor products around the side‑effects of rapid weight loss.
L'Oreal acknowledged that the use of GLP‑1 injectables such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, originally developed for diabetes, has become a major driver of weight loss through appetite suppression.
Chief Nicolas Hieronimus told investors that the trend is “a very important phenomenon for us” and provides a “significant impact on beauty consumption, especially skin‑care.”
The company posted a 7.7% rise in sales for the three months to September, beating analyst expectations.
While GLP‑1 drugs do not directly cause loose skin, rapid weight loss can leave some users with sagging or loose facial skin—a problem that L'Oreal’s SkinCeuticals and Kiehl's lines now target.
L'Oreal has strengthened its foothold in clinical aesthetics, raising its stake in Galderma to 20% and collaborating on trials with GLP‑1 users concerned about loose skin. Galderma’s fillers Sculptra and Restylane are part of this offering.
Last year Galderma released a survey revealing that the majority of weight‑loss drug users noticed changes to their facial appearance, underscoring the emerging market need for specialized skincare solutions.
