L’Oréal posted sales acceleration for 2018 on February 7, its best year of growth since 2007, with a 7.1 percent increase for the year to $30.37 billion, bolstered by a strong fourth-quarter sales increase of 7.7 percent.Net profit after non-controlling interests was 3.89 billion euros, or $4.39 billion at current exchange rates, an increase of 8.8 percent.

All divisions are growing at the beauty multi-nationals, the company said, especially L’Oréal Luxe and Active Cosmetics, which both recorded double-digit growth. Star performers in L’Oréal Luxe Division were Lancôme, which surpassed the 3 billion Euro sales mark, or $3.38 billion, at current exchange rate. Active Cosmetics achieved its highest growth in more than 10 years, and the Consumer Products Division saw healthy gains for L’Oréal Paris and Maybelline New York. The Professional Products Division recorded a modest increase in sales, thanks to a significant acceleration in the final quarter. Another noteworthy happening in 2018 was L’Oréal’s announcement of the creation of BOLD, Business Opportunities for L’Oréal Development, a corporate venture capital fund that will take minority stakes in innovative startups with high growth potential. The fund will invest in new business models in marketing, Research & Innovation, digital, retail, communication, supply chain and packaging.

Here, some highlights from L’Oréal’s recent financial call.

Consumer Products

-Consumer Products posted fourth quarter growth of +2.8% like-for-like, and ended the year at +2.5% like-for-like and -0.7% reported.

-The division’s three major brands are growing. L’Oréal Paris and Maybelline New York are maintaining very good annual momentum. Garnier accelerated in the fourth quarter.

-Skin care is growing strong, with double-digit growth worldwide in facial skin care due to Revitalift Filler by L’Oréal Paris, Garnier tissue masks and Men Expert skin care.
-Makeup growth continues, driven by Maybelline New York and the global success of Superstay Matte Inkand Fit Me!.

-In hair care two very successful launches drove sales, Elseve Dream Lengths and Fructis Hair Food.

-The Division is facing ongoing difficulties in Western Europe, where the market remains sluggish, and in Brazil. It is winning market share in the United States and Eastern Europe, and continuing to accelerate sharply in Asia, thanks in particular to China and India.

-E-commerce continues to show strong growth.

L’Oréal Luxe

-L’Oréal Luxe sales grew by 14.4 percent like-for-like and 10.6 percent reported, with a second half at 15.1 percent like-for-like. The division outperformed the market; L’Oréal Luxe is winning market share in Asia Pacific, particularly in China where growth is double-digit.

-The Division’s four billionaire brands posted double-digit growth. Lancômeis being driven by skin care with the Génifique and Absolue franchises, and the success of La Vie est Belle. Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani had a very good year in fragrances, with Black Opium, Y, Sì Passione and Acqua di Giò. Kiehl’s is benefiting from the acceleration in skin care, from Line-Reducing Concentrate.

-The successful development of IT Cosmetics and Atelier Cologne is continuing.
The division performed well in dynamic markets in Travel Retail, Eastern Europe and Latin America. In Western Europe and Africa, Middle East, it is outperforming more difficult markets.

-The Division continues to accelerate in e-commerce.

Active Cosmetics

-Active Cosmetics maintained strong growth momentum in the fourth quarter, and ended the year up 11.9 percent like-for-like and up 9.2 percent reported. The division continues to win market share across all geographic Zones at a rapid pace, with growth remaining strong in North America and in Asia.

-All major brands are contributing to the Division’s growth. La Roche-Posay ended the year with double-digit growth, driven by its anti-wrinkle innovation Hyalu B5, and core franchises Anthelios and Effaclar, and is performing well across all zones.

-Growth at Vichy is bolstered by the success of Minéral 89, the star product of 2018.

-SkinCeuticals is posting very strong growth in all Zones, and is strengthening its number-one position in professional skin care in the United States. CeraVe is recording double-digit growth in North America, and has now been rolled out in more than 30 countries.

-E-commerce is accelerating sharply, and accounts for more than 13 percent of the division’s sales.