The use of drugs intended for weight reduction, known as GLP-1s, has gained increasing popularity in recent years. The beauty sector giant, L'Oréal, stated that this increase in medication consumption has negatively impacted the sales of beauty and skincare items.
In response to this trend, the company is investing in the development of new products focused on mitigating certain adverse effects resulting from rapid weight loss.
Nicolas Hieronimus, the company's CEO, assured that despite the globally challenging scenario, the beauty market has proven resilient. He described the use of GLP-1s as 'a very important phenomenon for us.' In dialogue with investors, Hieronimus detailed that the growth in the use of these medicines was generating an impact on the consumption of beauty products, especially skincare articles.
L'Oréal, which owns recognized brands such as Maybelline and La Roche-Posay, announced on Thursday, the 22nd, that its sales registered a 7.7% advance in the three months ending in September, surpassing analysts' projections.
The rise in the popularity of GLP-1s occurred after medications initially created for diabetes treatment, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, also demonstrated the ability to induce considerable weight loss through appetite suppression.
Although skin laxity is not a direct effect of the GLP-1 medications themselves, rapid weight loss can cause this condition in some people, including in the facial area.
Hieronimus mentioned that the brands SkinCeuticals and Kiehl's, both belonging to L'Oréal, have products designed to work synergistically with GLP-1s, complementing their effects in combating skin laxity and other issues related to rapid weight loss.
Additionally, L'Oréal expanded its presence in the field of clinical aesthetics, raising its stake in the dermatology company Galderma to 20% in December of the previous year.
According to the Reuters agency, the two corporations are conducting product tests in separate clinical trials involving GLP-1 users who are concerned about facial laxity. Galderma markets notable aesthetic products, such as Sculptra, an injectable used to stimulate collagen production, and Restylane, an injectable dermal filler.
Last year, the aesthetics company published a report addressing the increased use of GLP-1s and concerns related to changes in facial appearance. A survey conducted by the company itself among those using weight loss medications revealed that most had noticed changes in their facial appearance after using these treatments.