L'Oréal reports 7.7% sales increase from skincare addressing GLP-1 effects

L’Oréal said on Thursday that the surge in use of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs is reshaping its beauty and skincare sales, prompting the company to develop products that address the skin‑sagging side effects of rapid weight loss. Chief executive Nicolas Hieronimus told investors that the phenomenon is “very important for us” and that the market remains resilient despite broader economic headwinds.

The comment comes as drugs originally created for diabetes – such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro – have become popular off‑label weight‑loss solutions. Their appetite‑suppressing action can produce swift weight loss, which in turn can leave some users with loose skin, especially around the face. That visible change has sparked a new demand for skin‑tightening and anti‑aging treatments, a niche the beauty sector is only beginning to explore.

L’Oréal reported a 7.7 % rise in sales for the three months to September, beating analyst forecasts. Hieronimus said the uptick reflects heightened consumption of skincare products linked to GLP‑1 use. The group’s SkinCeuticals and Kiehl’s lines now include formulas designed to complement the drugs and mitigate skin sagging. L’Oréal also deepened its stake in dermatology firm Galderma to 20 % last December, positioning itself in the clinical aesthetic space. Galderma, which markets injectables such as Sculptra and Restylane, has run separate trials on GLP‑1 users worried about facial laxity and published a survey showing most participants noticed changes to their appearance after taking the drugs.

Analysts expect the trend to accelerate as more people adopt GLP‑1 treatments for weight loss. L’Oréal’s move signals a broader shift in the beauty industry toward medically‑oriented products that address the side effects of new health therapies. The company plans to expand its clinical‑aesthetic portfolio and roll out more targeted skincare solutions, a strategy that could reshape how beauty brands respond to emerging health‑driven consumer needs.