Beauty giant L'Oreal has confirmed it is actively testing its products on users of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. This move comes as the widespread adoption of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy leads to noticeable changes in users' skin and facial volume, prompting a new focus for the cosmetics industry.
Addressing "Ozempic Face" and Rapid Weight Loss Effects
Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, L'Oreal's chief innovation and prospective officer, stated that testing products on GLP-1 users in separate studies is crucial, given the growing number of people worldwide using these medications. The phenomenon, colloquially known as "Ozempic face," refers to the facial sagging, hollowness, and loss of firmness that can accompany rapid weight reduction.
Research indicates a significant market shift. Approximately 53 percent of aesthetics clinics in the US anticipate an influx of new patients due to the effects of weight-loss drugs, with 43 percent specifically expecting demand for treatments addressing medication-induced facial changes. While the term "Ozempic face" is widely used, experts clarify that the loss of facial volume is generally linked to rapid weight loss itself, rather than a direct pharmacological effect of GLP-1 drugs.
Industry Innovates for New Beauty Needs
L'Oreal is not alone in recognizing these emerging GLP-1 beauty needs. Galderma, a company 20% owned by L'Oreal and known for products like Sculptra and Restylane, has also conducted studies on how its offerings interact with skin changes observed in GLP-1 users. Concerns include sagginess, loss of firmness, hollowness, and dullness.
Manuel Krauss, chief innovation and R&D officer at Natura, another beauty company, echoed this sentiment, noting that GLP-1s are creating new beauty demands at an unprecedented speed. He suggested that future innovation will likely combine traditional creams with supplements and other ingestible formats to provide comprehensive solutions.
L'Oreal's brand SkinCeuticals has already seen success with its A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum, which was clinically tested to meet the needs of GLP-1 patients, contributing to double-digit growth, particularly in North Asia.
Understanding the Multifactorial Causes
The changes in skin and facial volume among GLP-1 users are often multifactorial. Analysts from the US health policy organization KFF highlight that GLP-1 drugs are most widely used by adults aged 50 to 64. This age group is already experiencing natural declines in collagen and, for menopausal women, estrogen production, which can exacerbate the effects of rapid weight loss.
Additionally, some healthcare professionals, like physician associate Heidi Young, point out that certain GLP-1 users may not maintain a consistently nutritious diet, which can further impact skin health. The interplay of age, hormonal changes, nutrition, and rapid weight loss contributes to the complex challenges the beauty industry is now striving to address with tailored product development and testing strategies.