At CES® 2026, L’Oréal Groupe introduced two breakthrough beauty technologies that use light to deliver better hair and skin results. Read along to know more about the innovations.
The Light Straight + Multi-styler and the LED Face Mask were both named CES® 2026 Innovation Award Honourees, highlighting L’Oréal’s leadership in beauty tech and science-led innovation.
Light Straight + Multi-styler
For decades, hair straighteners have relied on high heat. Many traditional tools reach temperatures of 400°F or more. This level of heat can damage hair by weakening the cuticle, causing breakage and dullness. According to a 2024 U.S. consumer study by L’Oréal, 58% of women believe heat is the main reason for their hair damage.
Developed by L’Oréal Research & Innovation, the Light Straight + Multi-styler uses patented infrared light technology* to deliver high-performance styling at lower temperatures. Its glass plates never exceed 320°F, helping protect hair health while achieving smooth results.
Instrumental tests by L’Oréal show that the device works three times faster and leaves hair twice as smooth compared to leading premium stylers. The secret lies in near-infrared light. This light penetrates deep into the hair fibre and reshapes internal hydrogen bonds that control hair texture and shape. As a result, hair stays smoother, shinier, and stronger during styling.
With this launch, L’Oréal now offers a full infrared-based styling routine, alongside Airlight Pro, which was unveiled at CES 2024. Research and development of the Light Straight + Multi-styler will be completed by the end of 2027, with global launch details to be announced later.
Key Features and Benefits
The Light Straight + Multi-styler is designed for both performance and ease of use. Its key benefits include:
- Its patented infrared light module ensures consistent and durable results.
- The device is highly versatile. It can be used to straighten, smooth, or curl hair with precision.
- For a more personalised experience, the tool includes smart internal sensors powered by proprietary algorithms and machine learning. These sensors adapt to the user’s movements, helping deliver optimal results for different hair types and styling techniques.
LED Face Mask
L’Oréal also unveiled the development of its LED Face Mask, another CES® 2026 Innovation Award honouree. Currently in prototype form, the ultra-thin mask is made from flexible silicone and delivers light directly to the skin.
Developed in partnership with I-Smart Developments, the mask uses red light (630 nm) as well as near-infrared light (830 nm). These wavelengths are believed to visibly reduce fine lines, sagging, and uneven skin tone. Each session lasts just 10 minutes and is also automatically timed for convenience.
The mask’s effectiveness lies in its transparent support and integrated skin-safe microcircuit. This advanced design allows precise control of light delivery while remaining lightweight, non-invasive, and easy to use in daily skincare routines.
From the leadership desk
Guive Balooch, Global Vice President of Augmented Beauty and Open Innovation at L’Oréal Groupe:
“Light Straight + Multi-styler moves hairstyling beyond correction into prevention. Limiting cumulative heat exposure to help preserve the integrity of natural hair from the start, we’re enabling consumers to protect their hair now and for the future. We believe this innovation sets a new standard in precision styling, not just upgrading, but redefining the entire hairstyling category.”
Barbara Lavernos, Deputy CEO in charge of Research, Innovation and Technology at L’Oréal Groupe:
“At L’Oréal, we’ve always believed that beauty is deeply connected to scientific discovery, a belief that has been central to our company since its inception over 115 years ago. Today, we tirelessly combine the latest scientific and technological breakthroughs with our creativity to craft innovative beauty experiences that are more effective and tailored to individual needs. This year, our pioneering advancements in light technologies at CES 2026 once again demonstrate our commitment to pushing the boundaries of new beauty solutions.”
