L’Oréal USA Announces Grant Advancing Inclusive Dermatology Research for Skin of Color

L’Oréal USA Announces Grant Advancing Inclusive Dermatology Research for Skin of Color

19th Annual SOCS Symposium in New Orleans to Reveal Grant Recipients on March 16th

New York, NY, March 9, 2023 – L’Oréal USA today announced its latest initiative to advance dermatology research for skin of color with a $100,000 research grant to the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), an organization that advocates for research and education on the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in individuals with skin of color. The grant is intended to assist five early-career dermatologists and scientists in furthering their academic careers and promoting the development of innovative ideas in clinical and translational research.

As per recent projections1, people with skin of color will become the majority population in the US by 2044. In the field of dermatology, it is evident that significant gaps exist in scientific and clinical knowledge regarding the underlying causes, manifestations, and treatment of dermatological issues in skin of color. These knowledge gaps can lead to poor quality of care, resulting in delayed or incorrect diagnoses and negative outcomes that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. The grant provided by L'Oréal USA aims to promote the continued emphasis on dermatology research for underserved populations.

"We at L’Oréal are committed to helping bridge the gap for people of color and the dermatological conditions that affect them, as they are often underrepresented in research and healthcare," said Sanford Browne, President of Research & Innovation, North America. "Through the dedicated work of our Research & Innovation team, we have been able to advance science and solutions that benefit diverse populations for many years. We are proud to support the mission of the Skin of Color Society and dermatologists dedicated to improving the lives of those with skin of color. We are optimistic about the impact of this funding on the field of dermatology and look forward to witnessing its results."

L’Oréal's Research & Innovation division is devoted to promoting inclusion and equity in dermatology research, addressing disparities in clinical trials, fostering diversity in the dermatological workforce, and conducting scientific research to develop safe and effective solutions for skin pathologies. The team’s work has yielded significant results, including demonstrating the clinical benefits and advancing the molecular and biological understanding of solar-induced pigmentary concerns, highlighting the critical need for effective photoprotection for skin of color 2 3. L’Oréal’s brands CeraVe and La Roche-Posay share this commitment and recently announced partnerships with Howard University's College of Medicine to expand their expertise in clinical trials and offer dermatology fellowships for underrepresented medical students.

"We are incredibly grateful for L'Oréal’s support in advancing skin of color dermatology research--a vital part of the Skin of Color Society's mission. This funding will provide crucial resources for young dermatologists to further their academic careers and improve the lives of those with skin of color through research and innovation,” said Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH, FAAD, President, Skin of Color Society. “We look forward to seeing the impact of this grant program in the field of dermatology and the skin of color community."

The SOCS Research Committee is responsible for reviewing grant applications, making funding recommendations, and monitoring the grant program. The committee will award five grants of $20,000 to eligible dermatologists and scientists who are SOCS members. The grants are intended for research in clinical,

translational, or basic science with clinical applications related to skin of color. Priority will be given to applicants within eight years of post-graduate training who have not received previous funding.

The grant recipients will be announced at the 19th Annual SOCS Symposium in New Orleans, LA, on Thursday, March 16, in conjunction with the 2023 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

About L'Oréal USA

L'Oréal USA is the largest subsidiary of the L'Oréal Group, the world’s leading beauty company. Through its management of over 35 iconic beauty brands, L’Oréal USA has generated more than $8 billion in sales annually. Products are available across all distribution channels including hair salons, department stores, mass market, pharmacies, medi-spas, e-commerce and more. L’Oréal USA’s commitment to growth is generated through sustainable innovation and driven by the company’s L’Oréal for the Future ambition which demonstrates sustainable development across the Group’s value chain. The company is headquartered in New York City, employs more than 11,000 people, and operates administrative, research, manufacturing and distribution facilities across 16 states.

About the Skin of Color Society:

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is an international professional dermatologic organization dedicated to achieving health equity and excellence in patient care through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. SOCS is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of dermatology to advance patient care. Established in 2004 by Susan C. Taylor, MD, SOCS has grown to include members from numerous countries around the world.

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