Avon - The Company for Women - Corporate Responsibility

Cosmetics Safety Evaluation

At our state-of-the-art research and development facility in Suffern, New York, Global Product Safety and Integrity submits every beauty product and ingredient to a thorough safety evaluation. Through this process, we can determine the safest and most effective concentrations of every ingredient we use.

The safety evaluation process includes the following steps:

  • Every ingredient must undergo a thorough review of all available safety information, including scientific literature, by our toxicologists before it is considered for use in a product formulation.
  • A review of ingredients used in previously approved products is also conducted. We maintain a comprehensive database of product information to assist with this process.
  • All products are carefully formulated (e.g., through the use of effective preservative systems) to ensure that they present no risk of contamination by microorganisms. Each production batch must be tested and must meet our stringent product specifications as part of routine manufacturing quality assurance procedures.
  • Product safety substantiation includes assessment of skin compatibility, including determination that the final product formulation will not cause irritation.
  • Clinical testing is conducted to confirm skin compatibility (mildness) and to substantiate product clinical claims.
  • All finished products must comply with applicable cosmetic and/or other (e.g., drug) regulations, including those governing product composition (e.g., ingredient restrictions, volatile organic compound (VOC) content, etc.) and special packaging requirements (e.g., child-resistant packaging for certain products containing low-viscosity hydrocarbons).
  • Our scientists participate in industry-wide and professional scientific organizations in order to access and evaluate the latest information to ensure the continued safe use of individual ingredients.
  • In addition to our internal safety reviews, we consult with independent, recognized experts in relevant scientific fields on specific questions related to ingredient and product safety.