L’Oreal Groupe’s $160M Research & Innovation Center Strengthens New Jersey Innovation Ecosystem

欧莱雅 Groupe has officially inaugurated its new North America Research & Innovation (R&I) Center in Clark, New Jersey, marking a monumental milestone in its seven-decade history in the United States.

Representing a $160 million investment, this cutting-edge 250,000-square-foot facility is the company’s largest R&I hub outside of France. The launch underscores L’Oréal’s deep commitment to scientific advancement, sustainable beauty solutions, and workforce development, while simultaneously fueling New Jersey’s growing reputation as an epicenter for innovation.

A New Era of Beauty Innovation

The grand opening event featured key figures, including Nicolas HIERONIMUS , CEO of L’Oréal Groupe; Barbara Lavernos , Deputy CEO of L’Oréal Groupe in charge of Research, Innovation, and Technology; David Greenberg , CEO of L’Oréal USA and President of the North America Zone; and New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way . Their presence highlighted the significance of this investment in both the beauty industry and the regional economy.

“The U.S. plays a defining role in shaping the future of beauty,” said Lavernos. “With its diverse and demanding consumers and world-leading innovation ecosystem, it is the ideal environment to drive our vision forward. This Center embodies L’Oréal’s uniquely end-to-end innovation model, from upstream advanced research on new breakthrough ingredients to the downstream development of high-performance, safe, and responsible beauty solutions.”

The R&I Center is set to be a powerhouse of scientific research, housing over 600 top-tier scientists, engineers, and researchers. This elite team will work on pioneering new beauty formulations, sustainable ingredients, and innovative products that cater to diverse global consumers, particularly in the U.S. market.

Driving Economic Growth in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy lauded L’Oréal’s investment in the Garden State, emphasizing its role in advancing economic growth and job creation. “I am excited that L’Oréal has chosen to continue investing in the future of New Jersey,” he said. “This grand opening strengthens our state’s position as a hub for innovation and technology while creating jobs that will boost our economy.”

New Jersey has long been recognized as a premier destination for research, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. The state’s proximity to world-renowned universities, a highly skilled workforce, and a robust infrastructure have made it a magnet for global corporations seeking to harness cutting-edge research and development capabilities.

L’Oréal’s presence in New Jersey enhances this growing ecosystem, reinforcing the state’s standing alongside other major industry players in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and clean energy. The company’s collaborations with academic institutions and emerging biotech startups will further accelerate innovation in the region.

A Hub for Sustainable Beauty Science

Sustainability is a key pillar of L’Oréal’s mission, and the North America R&I Center exemplifies this commitment. The facility incorporates advanced eco-friendly technologies, including 10,000 solar panels, which generate 70% of the site’s energy needs. Additionally, an eco-retention pond manages stormwater runoff, while employee-led initiatives like gardening and composting contribute to a green and sustainable workplace.

“This investment will enable us to pioneer groundbreaking product innovations for American consumers that anticipate global market needs,” said David Greenberg. “And we’re not simply creating products; we’re building a prosperous future of economic growth, powered by American talent.”

Strengthening L’Oréal’s Presence in the U.S.

L’Oréal’s new R&I Center will play a critical role in advancing the company’s portfolio of iconic American brands such as Maybelline, CeraVe, Redken, and Kiehl’s. The facility features a 26,000-square-foot modular laboratory, a consumer co-creation center capable of hosting up to 400 consumers daily for product testing, and an on-site mini factory to refine formulations before full-scale production.

This strategic expansion reinforces L’Oréal’s long-standing commitment to the U.S. market, where it generates over $11 billion in sales annually. The company operates across all distribution channels, including salons, department stores, e-commerce platforms, and pharmacies, making beauty products accessible to a diverse consumer base.

New Jersey’s Innovation Ecosystem: A Perfect Fit

New Jersey’s reputation for being a thriving innovation ecosystem is well-earned, thanks to its top research institutions, high concentration of STEM talent, and strong public-private partnerships. The state is home to some of the most advanced research laboratories in the country, attracting global leaders in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and consumer goods.

L’Oréal’s decision to establish its flagship R&I Center in New Jersey aligns perfectly with the state’s efforts to foster a dynamic innovation ecosystem. The facility will benefit from collaborations with local universities and biotech startups, further positioning New Jersey as a destination for groundbreaking scientific discovery.

Looking Ahead

With full operations commencing in February 2025, L’Oréal’s North America R&I Center is set to become a cornerstone of beauty innovation. By harnessing cutting-edge science, sustainable practices, and strategic industry partnerships, L’Oréal is redefining the beauty industry and also playing a vital role in New Jersey’s ongoing economic and technological transformation.

As L’Oréal continues to expand its footprint in the U.S., the Clark-based R&I Center stands as a beacon of scientific excellence, innovation, and sustainability—setting the stage for a new era in beauty research.