In brief
The rise of GLP‑1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro has driven rapid weight loss in millions, but can also leave users with loose skin around the face and neck. L’Oreal, the world’s biggest beauty company, reports a 7.7% rise in sales for the three months ending September, citing the drug trend as a key factor. The company’s brands SkinCeuticals and Kiehl’s have launched formulas aimed at firming skin and improving elasticity, while L’Oreal’s increased stake in dermatology firm Galderma is intended to meet growing demand for aesthetic treatments. In investor calls, L’Oreal’s head highlighted the need for skincare that complements weight‑loss therapy, and the firm has begun clinical trials targeting users of GLP‑1s. Experts warn that the cosmetic market must adapt to changing consumer needs as weight‑loss drugs become mainstream.
L’Oreal says the surge in GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications is reshaping its beauty strategy.
The rapid rise in people using GLP‑1 drugs—drugs originally designed for diabetes that also curb appetite—has led to a wave of sudden weight loss. That shift is on the radar of the world’s biggest beauty company, which has reported a 7.7% increase in sales for the three months to September.
Head Nicolas Hieronimus told investors that the drug trend is a “very important phenomenon” for the beauty market and that it is directly influencing how consumers approach skin care. “It has an impact on beauty consumption and skin care consumption in particular,” he said.
To respond, L’Oreal has opened a new line of products that target the common side‑effect of rapid weight loss: loose, sagging skin in the face and neck. The SkinCeuticals and Kiehl’s brands have released moisturisers and firm‑up serums that work alongside GLP‑1 therapy, aiming to smoothness and restore elasticity.
The company is also tightening its ties to the aesthetic sector by boosting its stake in dermatology firm Galderma to 20%. Together, they are running clinical trials that test treatments such as Sculptra and Restylane on GLP‑1 users who worry about loose skin.
Industry observers note that as weight‑loss drugs become mainstream, the cosmetic market must evolve to meet new consumer expectations. L’Oreal’s moves suggest that beauty brands are ready to merge medical science with everyday skin care to address the after‑effects of rapid weight loss.
