LVMH inaugurates R&D hub

French luxury beauty giant LVMH has inaugurated its new Hélios perfumes and cosmetics research centre. Located at the new Parfums Christian Dior site in Saint-Jean-de-Braye, the new facility has been named Hélios in homage to the sun, which according to LVMH is an integral element in cosmetology research.

“The inauguration of the new Hélios research centre is an exciting development for our Perfumes and Cosmetics businesses,” said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of the LVMH Group. “This is an unparalleled platform for developing world-class products that meet the highest standards of quality.

This state of the art facility is emblematic of the Group’s strategy and our commitment to continually strengthening and expanding the savoir-faire that underpins all our businesses.”

The modern Hélios campus spans 18,000sqm and is dedicated entirely to research, creation and innovation across the luxury player’s various beauty and fragrance brands. The site is expected to serve as one of France’s largest cosmetics R&D centres, and as the place for R&D efforts across brands Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy and Fresh.

Hélios builds on the existing presence of LVMH Research in Cosmetic Valley, where it has signed a partnership agreement with the University of Orléans.