Global Network

Kao European Research Laboratories (EuRL), located in Darmstadt, Germany, is a major hub for Kao’s global hair care business. It is the Hair Care Centre of Excellence for Kao’s global salon brands Goldwell, Kerasilk and KMS Hair as well as for the hair care brands of its Consumer Care Business, including John Frieda and Guhl. Additionally, EuRL contributes significantly to advancing Kao’s Molton Brown business headquartered in London.
EuRL develops a wide range of products — from hair colorants and perm treatments to shampoos, conditioners and styling items — alongside basic research and technology development, advancing the understanding of hair science and creating new solutions for diverse hair needs. Guided by insights from professional hair stylists and consumers, EuRL fosters innovation for today’s fast-paced hair care industry.
As a hub enhancing the competitiveness of Kao’s hair care brands, EuRL pursues innovations that deliver new value to people around the world, while emphasizing consideration for the environment and society throughout its research and development activities.

Kao Americas Research Laboratories (AmRL), located in Cincinnati, Ohio, supports the product development of Kao USA Inc.’s core brands — including Jergens, Ban, Bioré, Curel, and Bondi Sands — and delivers innovative products to markets across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and beyond. AmRL is a highly collaborative environment where diverse areas of expertise come together — from research on diverse skin types and formulation development for skincare products, to safety assessments and fragrance creation, to packaging design and clinical testing. With a mission to empower people to experience true beauty in their daily lives, AmRL strives to create products that not only deliver proven performance but also inspire delight and emotional connection, bringing joy, protection, and care to consumers around the world.

Located in Shanghai, the Kao China Research & Development Center (KCRC) serves as an important innovation hub in Asia. KCRC’s research areas include Beauty Care (skincare and haircare), Healthcare, and Sanitary Products. By creating value in close connection with the lives and needs of Chinese consumers, KCRC efficiently develops high value-added products and extends these achievements across Asia.
KCRC leverages its broad networks with China’s research community to contribute to better living for people in China and across Asia. In addition, KCRC continues research into Traditional Chinese Medicine, integrating it with Kao’s holistic research to create new value inspired by China’s unique wisdom. Through these initiatives, KCRC will continue to deliver more beauty and well-being to people everywhere.

Kao Asia Research Laboratories (Taiwan)(ASRL(TW)), located in Hsinchu County, has been contributing to consumers’ lives in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other markets. Our research spans across skin and hair care, fabric and home care, and health care categories. We work closely with Japan’s R&D teams to identify the real needs of consumers and create technologies that bring those needs to life.
Our research has always been guided by the spirit of “Protect and Pursue Sustainable Coexistence with Society”. In recent years, we have focused on themes that address social issues, such as developing unique antiviral fabric care products and solutions that promote comfortable living with pets. We have also been recognized with multiple ESG awards from external organizations for our initiatives, including plastic and CO₂ emission reduction. ASRL(TW) is dedicated to delivering innovations that enrich daily life and help shape a more sustainable future.

Kao Asia Research Laboratories (ASEAN) (ASRL(ASEAN)) is the R&D center of Kao Consumer Products (Southeast Asia) Co., Ltd. (KCP), based in Bangkok, and serves as Kao’s innovation hub for the ASEAN region. Leveraging its location and consumer proximity, ASRL(ASEAN) conducts research that reflects diverse lifestyles and evolving needs in Southeast Asia.Focusing on the Health and Beauty Care business, ASRL(ASEAN) drives the development of leading brands such as Bioré, Men’s Bioré, and Feather. Researchers work closely with consumers to capture insights and translate them into products that address regional challenges such as not only culture, lifestyle, life habit and preference but also strong UV exposure, tropical climate conditions, and urban issues like air pollution.By combining Kao’s advanced technologies with local insights, ASRL(ASEAN) develops solutions that improve everyday life, offering products that delight consumers while aiming to create lasting value in the ASEAN market.

Kao Chemicals Europe (KCE) operates across seven sites, with research, manufacturing, and technical service activities centered around four plants near Barcelona and extending to Germany and Mexico. The company supplies solutions to a wide range of markets across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. KCE’s R&D focuses on four key pillars: Surface & Interface Surfactant Technologies, Oleochemicals, Aroma Chemicals, and Imaging Materials. These foundations support the development of a diverse product portfolio including surfactants, fatty amines, fragrance ingredients, polyester resins, toners, and inkjet inks — all designed to anticipate both industrial and consumer needs, delivering high added value. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and human well-being, KCE pursues eco-friendly products and processes that emphasize energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction. Empowered by its employees’ proactive engagement and collaboration with stakeholders, KCE strives to enhance customer value while contributing to the realization of a more sustainable society.

PT Kao Indonesia Chemicals (KIC) Research and Development, located in Karawang, Indonesia, serves a broad range of markets, including toiletries and agrochemicals, infrastructure, metals and resources, and specialty applications such as road materials and functional tires. KIC R&D organization transforms Kao’s advanced surfactant technologies into solutions tailored not only for Indonesia but also for the broader ASEAN region. We co-create with customers to develop and optimize formulations and evaluate performance under local conditions. By combining deep application expertise with Kao’s global R&D network, we deliver sustainable, high-quality products and provide technical support for both consumer and industrial markets.