BUSINESS

L’Oréal’s China Sales Growth Accelerates in First Quarter

Published: Apr. 28, 2026 7:00 p.m. GMT+8

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L’Oreal’s accelerating growth momentum highlights a steady recovery in China’s beauty sector, where evolving consumer preferences and the rapid adoption of AI are pushing international brands to adjust their strategies. Photo: VCG

L’Oreal SA’s sales growth in China accelerated to the “mid-to-high single digits” in the first quarter of 2026, outpacing the broader market.

The accelerating momentum highlights a steady recovery in the country’s beauty sector, where evolving consumer preferences and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence are pushing international brands to adjust their strategies.

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L’Oréal China sales hit mid-to-high single digits in Q1 2026, up from 2024 decline to 5% in H2 2025; topped market at 1.1T yuan.
Luxury 30% share; dermatological beauty +19%; 70% consumers use AI; new R&D (94 patents), AI investments, LAN minority stake.
Targets 150M consumers by 2030; 150 new stores, lower-tier growth.

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Who’s Who

L'Oréal S.A.: L'Oréal SA's China sales grew mid-to-high single digits in Q1 2026, outpacing the market. Rebounded from 2024 decline to 5% expansion in H2 2025, retaining top position. Luxury division: 30% share; dermatological beauty: 19% growth. Announced minority investment in LAN skincare; targets 150M consumers by 2030 via AI, R&D, and lower-tier expansion.

Shanghai Meicifang Investment Co. Ltd.: Shanghai Meicifang Investment Co. Ltd. is L’Oréal’s venture arm. In November 2025, it announced a minority investment in Chinese skincare brand LAN, specializing in oil-based products and dominating domestic facial oil sales for two years. This was the fund’s first investment in a domestic skincare label.

LAN: L’Oréal announced a minority investment in Chinese skincare brand LAN in November 2025 via Shanghai Meicifang Investment Co. Ltd., its venture arm's first in a domestic label. LAN specializes in oil-based skincare and has dominated domestic facial oil sales for two consecutive years.

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