Manufacturing & Product Compliance

Supplier Code of Conduct

Avon's manufacturing enterprise is committed to operating under the highest standards. The manufacturing processes are guided by a global Supplier Code of Conduct, which helps the company ensure that its own facilities and suppliers comply with applicable local and federal laws and regulations regarding environmental performance and human rights, as well as universal standards set by Avon. With input of a cross-functional management team, the Supplier Code of Conduct was revised and strengthened in 2010-2011, and new strategies were put in place for increased auditing of third-party manufacturers.

To read more about manufacturing, supply chain and auditing click here.

Product Safety Compliance

Avon conducts rigorous tests throughout its research and product development process to ensure the safety and quality of its ingredients and products. Avon also complies with regulatory requirements in the more than 100 countries where it maintains operations and continuously monitors products for safety.

If Avon determines through scientific inquiry that an ingredient can no longer be considered to be used safely, or if ever prohibited by law, the company would discontinue its use. Although Avon does not have a formal policy regarding the Precautionary Principle, the company's approach is designed to ensure it complies with all laws and, in some cases, goes beyond to ensure safety.  Avon will also take into account consumer preference and provide formulation options when safe and effective alternatives are available.

Examples:

• Because some consumers have a preference for products without parabens, starting in 2002, Avon began eliminating parabens from some products where there are safe alternatives. Today, many of Avon's products are paraben-free, including lip products, women's body care products, antiperspirants and deodorants, and children's products.
• Prior to 2004, Avon used dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in some of its nail polish product formulations. Following a 2004 change in European Union (EU) regulatory requirements, the company removed DBP from all of its beauty products, including those nail polishes that contained it, even though the ingredient was banned only in the EU and the action in the EU was not based on an assessment specific to cosmetic products safety.
• Although diethyl phthalate (DEP) has been extensively studied and evidence supports its safe use in cosmetic products, Avon announced in 2005 that the company would no longer use DEP in the development of new fragrances, as an effort to address consumer concern.

Avon's formal position on the use of these ingredients, among others, can be found here.