Medical aesthetic products. L’Oréal steps into Web3 with investment in Digital Village

THE WHAT? L’Oréal’s venture capital fund, BOLD has announced a minority investment in Digital Village. The US-based start-up offers new, scalable technologies for the creation and interaction of digital identities and assets in virtual worlds. 

THE DETAILS The deal is the French beauty giant’s first venture capital investment in the metaverse and Web3 space and was co-led by the Venture Reality Fund.

“We are excited to be backed by BOLD and look forward to collaborating with L’Oréal to revolutionize the beauty industry through the creation of cutting-edge virtual experiences for L’Oréal’s renowned brands. Together, we are setting the bar for beauty in the metaverse and Web3, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting a new standard for the industry to follow,” said Evelyn MORA, Founder and CEO of Digital Village.

THE WHY? Camille Kroely, Chief Metaverse & Web3 Officer at L’Oréal, explains, “As L’Oréal continues to explore and define what beauty means in Web3, we seek to work with the most promising start-ups who adhere to the highest possible visual and technical standards. We are excited to be partnering with Digital Village, whose solutions will be powerful enablers for our brands and whose ideals of sustainability, accessibility, and interoperability in the metaverse or Web3 are ones we share.”

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.