CHINA. The Estée Lauder Companies has opened a new research facility, The Estée Lauder Companies Innovation Institute, in Shanghai, China.
The Institute, which was named by Leonard Lauder, will focus on biological and physical sciences. Its scientists will study the safety and efficacy of topical botanical and synthetic materials and explore the genetic basis for differences in the response of human skin to environmental stressors.
Harvey Gedeon, Executive Vice President of Research & Development, and Cedric Prouvé, Group President of the International Division, travelled to Shanghai to attend the official inauguration.
“We are a global company that understands the importance of acting locally,” stated Estée Lauder Companies President and Chief Executive Officer William Lauder.
“With eight of our brands (Estée Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Aramis, Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries and Donna Karan) in at least 25 locations in China, investing in market-specific R&D was the next logical step for us.”
In addition to scientific research, the Institute will focus on marketing and consumer research, as well as raw material development. The project comes at a time when the Lauder Group is looking to substantially enhance its capability to tailor its global products to meet the needs of Asian markets and consumers.
In its day-to-day operations, the Institute will work on:
– Teaming up with dermatologists and other bio-chemistry research institutes on cutting edge research projects;
– Setting up clinical studies with research laboratories and hospitals to assess product safety and efficacy;
– Developing local unique raw materials inspired by traditional Chinese medicine;
– Working closely with the company’s global R&D group to achieve tailor made, high quality products for the Asian consumer markets; and
– Conducting market research in order to better understand and meet Asian consumers’ needs.
The new research facility is the seventh in the group’s history and the second largest in Asia. Initially, the Southern Yangtze University will serve as one of the training sites. The Shanghai-based group will also work with their counterparts at the other R&D centres.
Covering 857sq m, the Institute includes four laboratories — Biology Research Lab, Treatment Lab, Makeup Lab and Packaging Testing Lab.
The Estée Lauder Companies has also established the Chinese Dermatologist Expert Panel, which includes representatives from the country’s top hospital, China Medical University, as well as others from institutions like the Beijing University Hospital to advise the group regarding research and innovation.
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