L'Oreal reported a rise in first-quarter sales on Thursday, beating expectations for slower growth, as strong demand for its creams and perfume in Europe helped counter challenging conditions in the United States.

L'Oreal's first-quarter sales exceeded expectations with a 3.5% rise, driven by strong European demand for creams and perfumes, offsetting challenges in the U.S. market. Despite a North American sales decline,

L’Oréal Chief Executive Nicolas Hieronimus told analysts the beauty market is now more likely to grow this year at the lower end of the 4% to 4.5% range he predicted in February.