L’Oréal reveals anti-pigmentation breakthrough

After 18 years of research, French beauty multinational L’Oréal has introduced a new molecule Melasyl, which is now available to consumers in La Roche Posay’s Mela B3 franchise, including its MelaB3 serum and MelaB3 SPF30.

The business shared that L’Oréal Paris and Vichy will also follow in La Roche Posay’s footsteps with future product launches that also contain the new ingredient.

Addressing even the most persistent marks​

Melanin production increases after sun exposure to protect skin cells, but many factors can upset normal melanin production and lead to localised pigmentation issues, such as age spots and post-inflammatory marks.

L’Oréal said that formulations containing Melasyl will improve the appearance of existing dark spots with clinically demonstrated efficacy and safety, and that cosmetic products formulated with multi-patented Melasyl will “help provide a more even, natural skin tone, addressing even the most persistent marks.”

According to an epidemiological study on pigmentary disorders, which was conducted among 48,000 people in 34 countries and the largest survey of its kind, 50% of those quizzed said they suffered from pigmentary disorders, including dark spots, post-inflammatory marks such as post-acne marks and melasma. And 46% said it affected their quality of life.

These pigmentation issues concern all population worldwide, whatever their skin tone.

According to L’Oréal, this breakthrough is also a very concrete step in the field of longevity, as the ingredient goes beyond correction and intercepts the marks before they appear.

“With half of all people reporting skin pigmentation issues and a third of these experiencing lower quality of life as a result, the impact of visible spots or post-acne marks is clearly more than skin-deep,” shared Anne Colonna, global head of advanced research at L’Oréal Group.

“Melasyl is a first-of-its kind ingredient that helps to address localised skin pigmentation issues, with proven efficacy and wide accessibility that will enable more people to regain their self-confidence,” said Colonna.