Global Operations
Global Operations
Our multi-region technical laboratories enable us to access scientific and cultural strengths across regions and leverage novel ideas from local thought leaders, universities, and innovators. Our multicultural teams bring varied problem-solving approaches to their work. Because innovation isn’t “one-size-fits-all,” this diversity of thinking is critical in developing locally relevant products and experiences for the most discerning consumers, regardless of age, ethnicity, culture, or geography.
Our R&I sites work both independently and interdependently, combining science and creativity to identify impactful ingredients, craft formulations, develop meaningful claims, and create transformative products that delight our consumers. R&I teams at these sites also partner closely with our value chain teams at our manufacturing sites around the world. These value chain teams play a critical role in managing our end-to-end ecosystem – forecasting consumer demand, procuring the right ingredients and materials, manufacturing our products at scale, and working with transportation providers to get it into our consumers hands, all while ensuring quality and safety.
New York, USA
Opened in 1968 on Long Island, our Melville, New York campus marked the beginning of our in-house research and manufacturing capabilities, laying the foundation for our global commitment to innovation and quality. Located about 35 miles from our global headquarters in New York City, Melville has brought research, technical expertise, and manufacturing together in one place, enabling products to move from idea to creation at speed. Today, the campus remains a key hub where scientists, engineers, and manufacturing teams work side by side to develop and produce high-quality beauty products, supporting brands across our portfolio.
Shanghai, China
Our state-of-the-art China Innovation Center brings together expertise across science, technology, and creativity and leverages its proximity to Chinese and other Asian consumers to accelerate breakthrough innovation in prestige beauty. Reflecting both modern and traditional Chinese design elements, the dynamic 12,000-square-meter center houses leading technology, formulation and clinical labs, collaborative workspaces, interactive testing facilities, packaging prototype labs, and a pilot plant. The Center also serves as the company’s Men’s Skin Care Center of Excellence, enabling significant advancements in men’s skin care science, product and package development, and clinical testing for the Asian male consumer.
Toronto, Canada
Home to DECIEM’s in-house laboratories, our R&I site in Toronto brings teams of scientists and product developers to create effective, ingredient-focused skincare from start to finish. This integrated approach allows ideas to move quickly from research to product, supporting brands like The Ordinary and NIOD and ensuring each formula is rooted in real scientific insight and powerful performance.
Minnesota, USA
Our R&I and manufacturing facility in Blaine, Minnesota, is a hub for hair care innovation. This facility has deep roots in nature-inspired formulations and prioritize sustainability across manufacturing. Here, our scientists and engineers are laser focused on creating high-performance hair and body products grounded in naturally-derived ingredients and mindful design. One example of how sustainability is embedded across our operations: The campus uses 100% renewable electricity through an onsite 3.6 acre, 900kW, wildlife friendly, ground-mounted solar array and a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with the Ponderosa wind farm in Oklahoma.
Paris, France
L’Atelier at La Maison des Parfums is a global innovation hub dedicated to world-class fragrance expertise, advanced technologies and cutting-edge capabilities, including development of an AI-enabled creation process combining olfactive and neuroscience modeling. Rooted in the legacy of Mrs. Estée Lauder’s pioneering vision and her lifelong passion for fragrance, the Atelier highlights the company’s commitment to fragrance excellence and craftsmanship.
