• Kao_EMEA_Web_Innovation_Images

  • Kao_EMEA_Web_Innovation_Images

  • Kao_EMEA_Web_Innovation_Images

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Research & Development

Driving innovation at the heart of our consumers’ needs

We work at the forefront of innovation and leverage the latest research and technology to
develop cutting edge formulas, products and packaging that provide tangible results to our
consumers.

At the Heart of the Business

We like to think of R&D as the heartbeat of our business. Kao was born from a spirit of technical innovation, and research and development have remained central to what we do ever since. Driven by a passion to always evolve and improve and develop cutting-edge products, our R&D teams work to shape the future of the beauty industry every day.

All our R&D activities are guided by our two main principles—Genba and Yoki-Monozukuri—which are rooted in our corporate philosophy, The Kao Way. Everything we do starts at the Genba, which means “actual spot” or “on site”. By talking to our consumers and experiencing firsthand how people use our products, we can uncover unmet needs with empathy and precision.

This is followed by what we call Yoki-Monozukuri, which at Kao describes an excellent creation process that benefits everyone and inspires us to continuously improve. Based on this, we develop products, brands, technologies, and solutions that uniquely answer the needs of our consumers and society, with the environment in mind.

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“Research and Development at Kao is founded on strong ethical principles and a commitment to creating value for society. Our diverse R&D departments collaborate to drive innovation and secure Kao’s future growth. A key example is our Basic Research Department, which is granted the freedom to explore a broad range of scientific fields without marketing constraints or time pressures—helping to foster long-term discovery and advance our innovation.”

Martin Uellner
Vice President, REO Beauty Research, Europe Research Laboratories

Our R&D Team in EMEA

In the EMEA region, our R&D work is centred around our European Research Laboratories, with its main hub located in Darmstadt, Germany. In Kao's Haircare Centre of Excellence, 150 researchers and scientists from 19 nations work across five specialized teams to deliver high-quality products that meet the needs of our consumers around the world.

At the Haircare Centre of Excellence we are committed to:

  • Interdisciplinary teamwork—from basic research and product development to packaging design, intellectual property, safety and regulatory affairs.

  • A truly international environment—where different perspectives spark new ideas.

  • Room to grow—whether through career development programs, collaboration with global teams, or by bringing your own ideas to life.

What unites us is a shared passion: creating innovation that makes beauty more sustainable, accessible, and inspiring—for people, society, and the planet.

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Our Global R&D Network

Globally, Kao scientists work across 15 research centres, driving innovation across all business fields, from consumer goods to sustainable chemistry.

With different competencies, strengths and expertise, we work together to develop products and services designed to transform the future of our business and improve the lives of our consumers.

Unlike many other companies, Kao is not only investing in product development but also in base research—enabling us to create products that truly transform the future of our industry as well as solutions that contribute to society.

What sets Kao apart is not size, but mindset: Our teams go the extra mile—not only to shape the future of our industry, but to create solutions that serve society and the environment.

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  1. 1
    Kao Americas, Research Laboratories
  2. 2
    Kao Specialties Americas LLC, Research Laboratories
  3. 3
    Kao Chemicals Europe, S.L., Research Laboratories (Mexico)
  4. 4
    Molton Brown Research Laboratories (UK)
  5. 5
    Kao Chemicals Europe, S.L., Research Laboratories (Germany)
  6. 6
    Kao Europe, Research Laboratories
  7. 7
    Kao Chemicals Europe, S.L., Research Laboratories (Spain)
  8. 8
    Kao Corporation, Research Laboratories
  9. 9
    Kao (China), Research & Development Center. Co., Ltd.
  10. 10
    Kao Chemical Corporation, Shanghai, Laboratories
  11. 11
    Kao (Taiwan),  Corporation, Laboratories
  12. 12
    Kao Consumer Products, (Southeast Asia) Co., Ltd., Production Application Center
  13. 13
    Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Laboratories
  14. 14
    Kao Oleochemical, (Malaysia), Laboratories
  15. 15
    P.T. Kao Indonesia Chemicals, Laboratories

Innovation That Matters—and Makes a Difference

Innovation is a way of thinking. Our openness to new ideas has advanced our business since the days of our founder. Whether it is steady improvements, breakthrough technologies, or new ways of doing business and communicating the uniqueness of what we offer, we are committed to growth and change. Here are some of our recent innovation stories—from more sustainable packaging to smart solutions for better handling, from new hair colors that you have never seen before to hair care that goes beyond our stylists' expectations.

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