Summary of Key Points
L'Oréal, as the first global beauty company to participate in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), has played a differentiated card by emphasizing "AI for beauty" amidst the competition among tech giants in terms of computational power and algorithms. The core of their AI strategy is not to reduce costs, but rather to use a balance of "mathematics (technology)" and "magic (humanity)" to transform AI into a tool that creates personalized and heartfelt beauty. Through various databases and technologies such as AI makeup trials and formula simulations, they aim to alleviate concerns about appearance and achieve large-scale implementation of their beauty philosophy for everyone. L'Oréal is also deeply rooted in China's AI ecosystem, collaborating with local tech companies and training employees to integrate AI closely with the brand's values, turning AI-powered beauty products into a long-term "Odyssey," rather than a short-term sprint.
1. AI Is Not a Tool for Cutting Costs, but a Brush for Creating Beauty
Many companies use AI first to consider how they can hire fewer people and save money, but L'Oréal takes a different approach: for them, AI is a tool for creating beauty in the future. For example, they have invested heavily in building a database of 25,000 images representing different skin tones and hair types, not to be lazy, but so that AI can understand that there is no standard definition of beauty. Using AI to simulate hair formulas allows them to test products three times faster, in order to find the right ones for different individuals, rather than reducing the number of laboratory staff. Dr. Andria repeatedly emphasizes that AI is a long-term strategy, meaning that these investments should be made where they can enhance the brand's understanding of consumers and add more warmth to its offerings, rather than focusing on short-term savings.
2. "Mathematics + Magic": How Can AI and Beauty Coexist?
L'Oréal compares AI to "mathematics" (rigorous algorithms and data) and beauty to "magic" (human emotions and imagination). A balance between the two is essential:
- Mathematics is indispensable: For instance, their longevity AI analyzes over 260 biomarkers to predict skin issues early on, shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive one. The intelligent advisor offered by 3CE can quickly recommend suitable products because AI has learned a lot about the brand.
- Magic is equally important: If AI only pursues perfection in appearance, it can create anxiety. Therefore, L'Oréal intentionally diversifies their training data to prevent everyone from looking the same. For example, their PPD magic mirror allows users to try different looks, not to mimic influencers, but to help them find a style that suits them—this is the warmth of "magic," making AI more approachable.
3. China Has Become a Testing Ground for AI-Powered Beauty
L'Oréal is thriving in China because of the favorable conditions:
- Fast external ecosystem: Chinese AI companies are evolving rapidly, consumers are willing to try new things, and there is cooperation among governments, universities, and businesses (such as joint innovation discussions). L'Oréal collaborates with local tech companies like Volcano Engine and Tongyi Qianwen to address content creation and consumer experience issues, as well as with international giants like IBM and NVIDIA to maintain a global perspective.
- Internal talent keeps up: They provide AI training tools for frontline sales staff, enabling them to customize solutions for customers more efficiently. Chinese employees have undergone 15,000 hours of AI training, which is equivalent to nearly two years of daily study—all to ensure that everyone can use technology to serve customers.
4. The New Moat in the Beauty Industry: From "Telling Stories" to "Data + Humanity"
In the past, the beauty industry focused on who told the best stories. Now, with the decline of channel advantages and intense marketing competition, a new approach is needed:
- Data that understands people: Using AI to analyze consumer skin data to accurately recommend products based on their type (oil-prone or aging skin), rather than relying on mass advertising.
- Humanity to retain customers: Instead of promoting a uniform aesthetic, L'Oréal helps each person discover their own beauty, making them feel that the brand understands them. By combining "data capabilities" with "humanistic care," they create a competitive advantage that others cannot easily replicate. After all, technology can be purchased, but the commitment to creating beauty for people requires long-term dedication.
5. AI-Powered Beauty Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Dr. Andria describes AI-powered beauty as an "Odyssey"—there may be tedious moments along the way, but there's no need to rush. For example, L'Oréal avoids following trends in homogeneous AI face transformations and makeup trials; instead, they focus on building diverse databases and training employees. The logic behind this is that technology evolves, but the goal of creating beauty for people remains unchanged. Current investments and trial-and-error efforts are part of writing a new epic for the beauty industry—not just to follow trends, but to ensure that AI truly helps everyone who wants to look better.
In conclusion, L'Oréal's presence at WAIC highlights a gentle message: no matter how technology develops, there will always be people who maintain curiosity and commitment to beauty. This is perhaps the wisdom of traditional beauty giants in the age of AI.