Medical aesthetic products. L’Oréal USA ushers in own impact labeling system

THE WHAT? In the absence of a consensus on environmental impact labeling, L’Oréal USA is going it alone. The French beauty giant’s US arm has announced that it is following in the footsteps of its French counterpart and ushering in a ranking on product labels, which will score products on a scale from A to E based on their planetary impact.

THE DETAILS The scoring system will help consumers evaluate each product relative to other L’Oréal products in the same category. The scale takes into account factors such as greenhouse emissions, water scarcity, ocean acidification and biodiversity, measured at every stage of a product’s life cycle.

Alongside the announcement, L’Oreal unveiled the findings of a new study conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, which surveyed 2,000 American adults and found that more than half expect to find information about sustainability on company websites, and nearly 60 percent believe they have become more sustainable in the last 12 months.  

THE WHY? Marissa Pagnani McGowan, Chief Sustainability Officer for North America, comments, “L’Oréal’s Product Impact Labeling system is a core component of the L’Oréal for the Future program, which outlines our sustainability commitments for 2030. Its rollout in the United States has the power to help change consumer behavior and, therefore, accelerate the beauty industry’s progress toward greater sustainability. This comes at a time when sustainability is increasingly becoming a focus for more American consumers. Using principles of environmental science, this tool will empower consumers, support more informed purchasing decisions and foster a culture of greater brand transparency.”

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.