Clichy, France – September 9th, 2026– L’Oréal Groupe, the world’s leading beauty company, and Cosmax, a South Korean leading cosmetics research, development, and manufacturing (ODM) company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on next-generation beauty innovations. As one of only three business MOUs signed during the bilateral summit marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France, this agreement underscores the strategic role of the beauty sector in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between France and South Korea.
This MOU was signed on the afternoon of September 8th (local time) in Paris by Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO, L’Oréal, and Choi Kyoung, Vice Chairman of Cosmax, in the presence of Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness and Kim Jeong-kwan, South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.
L’Oréal has driven beauty innovation through close collaboration with South Korean partners for more than 30 years, ranging from ODMs and packaging pioneers to raw material suppliers. This latest partnership will leverage L’Oréal’s global beauty science, consumer insights, and extensive brand portfolio alongside Cosmax’s science-based product development and agile R&D capabilities to shape the future of the global beauty market and drive next-generation innovation.
The collaboration will focus primarily on three key areas:
- Global Product Development: Joint research and development of K-beauty-inspired products for global expansion, powered by L’Oréal’s beauty science and consumer insights.
- Innovative Ingredients: Exploration and development of innovative cosmetic raw materials and active ingredients
- Sensory Innovation: Creation of novel sensory signatures and product formats inspired by South Korean beauty trends and consumer preferences.
The two companies expect this MOU to serve as a vital milestone, uniting the strengths of both nations to accelerate next-generation beauty innovations globally.
Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO, L’Oréal, shared:” Beauty serves as a vibrant bridge between our cultures and a strategic industry for both countries. As we celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea, I am proud to deepen our partnership with Cosmax. By working closely together and combining our strengths, we will join forces to shape the future of beauty and create exceptional new experiences for consumers worldwide.”
More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom
