L’Oréal plans major growth in India, expanding production and brand investments

Global cosmetics giant L’Oréal aims to double its business in India over the next few years, while also strengthening its local production capacity. “India is a very strategic market for L’Oréal,” said Nicolas Hieronimus, the group’s CEO, during a meeting with journalists held during the official visit to France by Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, according to the Press Trust of India.

“We intend to more than double our business in the coming years, expand our factories—which already produce 95% of what we sell in India—and increase our exports to the broader region,” the executive stated.

L’Oréal currently manufactures approximately 500 million units annually in India, with a significant share destined for export. According to India Retailing, these exports primarily consist of hair and skincare products sent to Gulf countries.
“This is just the beginning of a great adventure,” said Nicolas Hieronimus, referencing plans to boost industrial capacity in the years ahead.

L’Oréal India, which has operated in the country since 1994 through its wholly owned subsidiary, manages a brand portfolio that includes products from its Consumer division, such as L’Oréal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York, and NYX Professional Makeup, as well as luxury brands including Kiehl’s, Lancôme, and Yves Saint Laurent Beauté.

India remains a key market for the group, which invested in two local brands in March: Deconstruct (skincare) and Arata (hair care). Both investments were made through Bold, L’Oréal’s fund dedicated to minority stakes in innovative beauty startups.

Propelled by a growing middle class, the Indian beauty market is projected to reach $30 billion (€28.8 billion) by 2027.