Phthalates

We are committed to offering safe and effective products in the more than 50 markets in which it does business around the world, and it is proud of its 135-year safety record.

Phthalates refers to a class of chemicals that are used as plasticizers and solvents in a wide variety of products. Two of these are diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). We have taken action regarding both of these.

We used DEP in the past in very small amounts as components of fragrance oils. Although DEP has been extensively studied and there is a large body of evidence to support its safe use in cosmetic products, we announced in 2005 that the company would no longer use DEP in the development of new fragrances.

We had used DBP in some of its nail polishes, but the vast majority of our nail product formulations never contained phthalates, including Avon Colour NailWear and Speed Dry. As per 2004 European Union (EU) regulatory requirements, we removed DBP from all of its products. It is important to understand that the European ban on DBP was not based on a specific risk assessment for cosmetic products.

This policy regarding phthalates is driven by a wish to allay public concern and does not reflect concern with the safe use of the ingredients. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Health Canada, various other scientific bodies in Europe and Japan as well as the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board have examined the use of phthalates in cosmetics and have not restricted their use.

Consumers can be assured that any cosmetic or personal care product that carries our name has undergone thorough safety evaluation and can be used with the utmost confidence.

Product ingredient information can be found at cosmeticsinfo.org