On May 20, 2025, at the Maison de l'Amérique Latine in Paris, six finalists selected from 94 applications from 21 countries defended their projects before an exceptional jury made up of representatives of major brands, research laboratories and international institutions.
In the Academic Research category, Muriel Priault (IBGC - CNRS Bordeaux) won over the jury with her project entitled "L'instabilité naturelle des protéines comme biomarqueur du vieillissement".
The CNRS team is exploring an innovative approach to measuring the impact of the exposome on skin aging. Specializing in the spontaneous degradation of proteins due to chemical reactions altering their structure and function, the researchers aim to demonstrate that this phenomenon could serve as a precise indicator for assessing the effects of the environment on the skin. The identification of specific proteins as new biomarkers of aging could pave the way for better prevention and adapted cosmetic solutions.
In the Industrial Innovation category, Arthur Dervillez, representing Chartres-based Loretta, took the prize.
Loretta's project aims to create a Digital Skin Twin based on skin nanotexture, combining high-speed AFM and AI for ultra-precise analysis. Supported by a partnership between a company, a university and international dermatologists, it will exploit a diverse panel of samples. The aim is to link the nanometric characteristics of skin to its chemical composition, to revolutionize dermatological and cosmetic studies on a global scale.
Organized by Cosmetic Valley since 2015, "The Cosmetic Victories" annually rewards the most promising innovations in the fields of scientific research and industrial development in perfumery and cosmetics.
At a time when the cosmetics industry is constantly seeking performance, sustainability and new models, the competition is a trend-setter and a springboard for emerging talent. It is open to young companies, research centers and academic laboratories in France and abroad.
A veritable barometer of innovation, each year "The Cosmetic Victories" identifies initiatives capable of sustainably transforming the value chain, from organic sourcing of ingredients to formulation, efficacy testing, manufacturing and product recycling.
For its 10th anniversary, the competition has mobilized a panel of world-class experts from industry, public research, innovation financing, professional media, innovation and higher education: Cosmetic Valley, Essec Ventures, Laurence Dorlhac, Bpifrance, CNRS, Société Française De Cosmétologie, Caudalie, Chanel, Estée Lauder, La French Beauty, Groupe Rocher, Hermès, Les Secrets de Loly, L'Oréal, LVMH Recherche, Puig, Sisley, Shiseido, Sothys, Tcel.
"This 10th anniversary edition of The Cosmetic Victories marks a symbolic milestone in our commitment to cosmetic innovation. In a particularly competitive global context, it is more essential than ever to continue to focus on research and scientific daring in order to remain at the cutting edge. This year's industrial category, made up entirely of French finalists, vividly illustrates the dynamism and capacity of our industry to offer cutting-edge solutions, combining performance, authenticity and made-in-France excellence. I would like to warmly congratulate the winners, whose projects brilliantly embody the values of innovation, rigor and creativity for which French cosmetics are internationally renowned".says Marc-Antoine Jamet, President of Cosmetic Valley and of the jury.
The two winners, recognized for their scientific excellence and industrial potential, will each receive a €10,000 prize and personalized support from Cosmetic Valley to accelerate the development of their innovation.
