Sustainable ingredients and low-carbon processes for cosmetics
L’Oréal R&I and Genopole looked for startups with alternative carbon sources, bio-circular ingredients and greener processes to transform the cosmetic industry.
- Sector
- Cosmetics & green sciences
- TRL
- Not specified
- Deadline
- Closed
A tripartite incubation programme
To accelerate its revolution and play a key role in the transformation of the cosmetic industry, the L’Oréal Green Sciences Incubator develops a tripartite incubation programme between L’Oréal R&I, Genopole and your startup.
L’Oréal brings research teams from advanced research to development, formulation and evaluation, with further collaboration possible after the programme: collaboration, co-development or investment. Genopole, the first biocluster created in France, stimulates the growth of biotechnology startups in health and environment with its Upscale Bio support programme.
What are we looking for?
Partners providing plant-based solutions that safeguard nature and actively restore ecosystems, as well as circular and low-carbon technologies for cosmetics.
Alternative carbon sources
Sustainable ingredients replacing compounds found in castor, soy, palm and coco, or reinventing cosmetic functionalities.
Bio-circularity
Ingredients from agricultural, food and wood co-products or waste, carbon capture and utilisation, and non-valorised industrial side streams.
Low-carbon transformation processes
Innovative fermentation processes (e.g. hyper-fermentation) and emerging green chemistry, such as new non-ecotoxic solvents, mechanochemistry and electrochemistry.
Hybrid technical solutions
Hybrid technical solutions that revolutionise performance and cost.
This opportunity is for you if
Plant-based ingredients should be produced in conditions that restore ecosystems, build climate resilience, enrich biodiversity and optimise resources.
Developing for cosmetics
You are developing an innovative solution for cosmetics, or would like to transpose your solution in development to the cosmetics industry.
Looking for support
You are looking for unique lab facilities, business support or technological platforms to bring your solution to the next level.
Ecosystem restoration
Production that favours reforestation and soil health.
Climate resilience
Ingredients from crops naturally adapted to climate evolution, resilient to heat waves, pests and water scarcity.
Biodiversity and resources
Production models that foster local ecosystem health, with a low-carbon profile and minimal water requirements.
What will you benefit from?
The collaboration is tailored to your startup’s needs, combining L’Oréal’s expertise with privileged access to a selection of Genopole’s support and platforms.
Co-innovative mindset
Share a common project, team and space.
A common team
Collaborate with a wide range of L’Oréal experts.
Tailored programme
L’Oréal and Genopole assess the selected startups and offer a six-month to one-year programme based on your solution, technology maturity and challenges.
Technological platforms
GATEX and Protopia, plus preferential access to 21 other platforms such as mass spectrometry, imaging and cytometry.
Upscale Bio expert support
Fully tailored support including fundraising, communication strategy, market access and technology development.
Labs and ecosystem
Laboratory space (First Lab), BSL-1 and 2 labs and shared services, in an ecosystem of 78 certified companies and 16 academic laboratories, partnering with Evry Paris-Saclay University.
A programme by
L’Oréal R&I
Leader in the beauty sector, with research teams from advanced research to development, formulation and evaluation.
Genopole
A biocluster mostly funded by the French government and the Île-de-France Regional Council to stimulate the growth of biotechnology startups.
Your questions about the startup call
Any other question? Contact our project lead, Aziz Amri (ahmedaziz.amri@hello-tomorrow.org).
Which ingredients are you looking to replace?
For example ricinoleic acid, sebacate, castor seed oil or wax, polysaccharides with high potential for functionalisation, triglycerides with high melting point, lauric, myristic, palmitic or caprylic acid mixtures and their alcohol derivatives, betaines, glycerin, lecithin and soy-derived ingredients.
Who is the programme for?
Startups developing an innovative solution for cosmetics, or wanting to transpose a solution in development to the cosmetics industry, and looking for lab facilities, business support or technological platforms.
How long does the programme last?
Six months to one year, based on your solution, technology maturity and identified challenges.
What does Genopole offer?
Access to the GATEX and Protopia platforms and 21 other technological platforms, Upscale Bio expert support, fully equipped biotech labs and a unique ecosystem.
Is further collaboration possible with L’Oréal?
Yes. After the programme, further collaboration, co-development or investment is possible.
Who can I contact for more information?
Our project lead, Aziz Amri (ahmedaziz.amri@hello-tomorrow.org).
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Applications are closed
The 2026 call looked for sustainable ingredients and low-carbon processes for cosmetics. Discover our open calls or contact us to hear about the next ones.