The Estée Lauder Companies Publishes Breakthrough Research Linking Sugar Exposure To Skin Cell Aging

Press Release, Apr 21, 2026

New York, NY – April 21, 2026 — In a breakthrough that may reshape the industry’s understanding of skin aging, scientists at The Estée Lauder Companies have uncovered a new mechanism linking elevated sugar exposure in skin cells to visible and biological signs of skin decline. Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences,¹ the peer-reviewed study shows that higher sugar commonly seen with aging and certain metabolic conditions can directly alter the behavior of skin cells. These insights in adaptation science will deepen our understanding of systemic cellular responses to new changes in skin and accelerate the creation of innovative beauty products that can help restore skin to a healthy, balanced state.

While glycation, the binding of sugar to structural proteins like collagen, has long been recognized for stiffening skin and reducing elasticity, this study reveals something new: glycation also occurs within the skin cells themselves. Using advanced in vitro models, researchers within the company’s Global Research & Innovation (R&I) group showed that sugar-induced glycation drives a harmful cycle of inflammation and cellular senescence. The affected cells grow more slowly, move less, and lose their ability to regenerate, undermining the skin’s ability to repair and accelerating aging. The findings suggest that approaches which reduce or help clear glycation may support healthier, more resilient skin.

“By identifying glycation as a cellular disruptor, this study opens the door to new strategies in adaptation science,” explains Dr. Claude Saliou, Senior Vice President, Advanced Technologies and Global Clinical and Consumer Sciences, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Through industry-leading research that helps us better understand the cellular and systemic mechanisms responsible for responding to external influences and stressors on skin, we are continuing to advance transformative skin care innovation and create high-performing products that meet the needs of our consumers around the world.” 

Ingredients like antioxidants and autophagy activators, already found in many of the company’s skin care products, work in alignment with this protective pathway. By understanding glycation’s role at the skin cell level, the company’s scientists will be able to identify new ingredients and design new breakthrough formulations that go beyond repair and address key causes of skin aging. This work will ultimately help deliver high-performance cosmetics across the company’s brand portfolio and reinforce the company’s leadership in science-driven skin care.

At The Estée Lauder Companies, scientists have multidisciplinary expertise ranging from basic science and advanced technologies to the intersections of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. The company’s R&I group has more than 75 years of formulation authority and is deeply integrated into the scientific community, regularly presenting at leading events and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

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About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

[1] Rella A et al. (2025) Fructose-induced glycation end products promote skin-aging phenotypes and senescence marker expression in human dermal fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci. 26:616