L’Oreal says it’s working on a form of bioprinted skin that can actually ‘feel’

Biotech
Thursday, May 30th, 2024 4:34 pm EDT

Key Points

  • L’Oreal is developing synthetic skin through bioprinting technology to replicate human skin, with the ultimate goal of creating skin that can “feel” like real skin.
  • The company showcased its bioprinting technology at the Viva Technology conference, demonstrating its ability to mimic the diversity of human skin, including various conditions like eczema and acne, as well as capabilities such as tanning and healing from injury.
  • In addition to advancing bioprinting, L’Oreal is collaborating with startups and research institutions to develop sensory capabilities for the synthetic skin, envisioning a future where it can provide feedback on product efficacy and sensory experiences.

L’Oreal is pioneering the development of synthetic skin that aims to mimic the sensation of human touch, presenting a groundbreaking application of bioprinting technology. Demonstrated at the Viva Technology conference in Paris, the company showcased its advancements in 3D printing humanlike skin, emphasizing its use for testing cosmetics without resorting to animal trials. Having ceased animal testing in 1989, L’Oreal has long prioritized ethical practices, and bioprinting aligns with its commitment to cruelty-free product development. Guive Balooch, head of L’Oreal’s tech incubator, describes bioprinting as a means to reconstruct skin in diverse, personalized ways, replicating various skin conditions and responses like tanning and healing. This technological leap is positioned to revolutionize cosmetic testing by providing a more inclusive and accurate representation of human skin.

Beyond replicating physical attributes, L’Oreal aims to imbue its synthetic skin with sensory capabilities, enabling it to perceive and respond to stimuli like real skin. Collaborating with startups and research institutions, the company envisions a future where bioprinted skin not only resembles human skin but also offers sensory feedback, enhancing product testing efficacy. Balooch envisions integrating sensors into the synthetic skin to assess not just product effectiveness but also sensory experiences, reflecting how cosmetics interact with human skin in real-world scenarios.

In tandem with its advancements in dermatological technology, L’Oreal showcased its foray into artificial intelligence (AI) at the Viva Technology conference. Presenting the “BeautyGenius” app, powered by generative AI akin to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the company demonstrated how AI can analyze facial features and provide personalized skincare recommendations. This AI-driven approach extends to marketing through CREAITECH, L’Oreal’s AI marketing lab, which develops brand-compliant, AI-generated content for its extensive portfolio of beauty brands. By integrating AI into product development, personalized skincare recommendations, and marketing strategies, L’Oreal underscores its commitment to innovation and consumer-centric approaches across its diverse beauty brands.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/30/loreal-says-its-working-on-a-form-of-bioprinted-skin-that-can-feel.html