L’OrĂ©al has acquired a stake in PAM2L Biotechnologies, a Chinese firm specializing in AI-powered biomaterials development, through its venture arm BOLD. This acquisition strengthens the cosmetics leader’s push into bio-actives, including Augmented Colanic Acid, which already appears in L’OrĂ©al Paris’ Age Perfect Collagen Royal Series. PAM2L earned top honors in L’OrĂ©al’s Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program last year, marking the first collaboration between the two companies.
The transaction, executed via Shanghai Meicifang Investment Co, merges L’OrĂ©al’s expertise in beauty formulations with PAM2L’s AI-driven synthetic biology platform. Together, they will accelerate the creation of bio-based ingredients targeting longevity and anti-aging applications. Barbara Lavernos, L’OrĂ©al’s Deputy CEO for Research, Innovation, and Technology, described the partnership as a key step in harnessing China’s AI-focused biotech capabilities.
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Zhong Chao, a researcher affiliated with the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, PAM2L combines high-throughput synthetic biology with artificial intelligence to produce novel biomaterials. Beyond L’OrĂ©al’s investment, the company has secured funding from Walgreens Boots Alliance and Guangxin Group for its parent entity, Shenzhen Boyin Biotechnology, in a separate financing round.
PAM2L’s founder, Dr. Zhong Chao, noted L’OrĂ©al’s leadership in beauty technology and its potential to commercialize advanced biomaterials. The partnership aims to develop next-generation materials for longevity-focused beauty and wellness products, building on PAM2L’s AI-driven synthetic biology platform.
