French cosmetics major L’Oréal has acknowledged that its recent performance in the Indian market has not met expectations despite achieving high single-digit sales growth in 2025.
Speaking during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call, global CEO Nicolas Hieronimus stated that L’Oréal had not gained market share in India during the year and that the company has revised its strategic plan for the country.
India currently accounts for approximately one percent of L’Oréal’s global turnover. According to the CEO, the market remains relatively small for the company and requires greater financial and organisational investment to accelerate growth.
L’Oréal has introduced a new leadership structure in India and expects performance to improve from 2026 onwards. The company believes strong macroeconomic fundamentals, rising disposable incomes and a growing millennial consumer base will continue to support expansion of the beauty market.
The company highlighted growth potential in segments such as dermatological beauty. Brands including CeraVe and La Roche-Posay have recently been introduced in the Indian market and are seeing early traction, although they currently represent a small share of the business.
L’Oréal already operates manufacturing facilities in Chakan (Maharashtra) and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh), along with research and innovation centres in Mumbai and Bengaluru.