Avon's Response

As promised here is the e-mail response I received from Avon in regards to their animal testing policy!

Original e-mail Q:
Dear Avon,

What is your company's policy on animal testing? I cannot find anything on your website.



Avon A:
Hello Jessica,

Thank you for your patience. I apologize for any inconvenience our delay in responding to your message may have caused.

I have received your message regarding Avon's policy on animal testing. My name is Dave S., and I'm happy to help you.

Avon doesn't test any of its products on animals. The safety of our consumers is a primary concern at Avon. We're committed to selling only safe products. We use only safe ingredients in our cosmetics products, and comply with applicable regulations in every country where our products are sold.

Here are some other relevant facts:

- On June 2, 1989, Avon announced a permanent end to all animal testing of our products, including testing done in outside laboratories. We were the first major cosmetics company in the world to end animal testing.
   
- Our approach to safety evaluation uses data from in vitro (test tube/cell culture) or clinical tests (on human volunteers). We also reference existing animal-testing data. So, the Company doesn't conduct animal testing on any products or raw ingredients. In addition, we don't require suppliers of raw ingredients and finished products produced for Avon to conduct animal testing on our behalf.

- Avon will conduct animal testing only when required by law, at the request of government health or medical authorities. This will be done only after having first tried to persuade the requesting authority to accept non-animal test data. 

We've been at the forefront of the development and implementation of alternative test methods since the 1980s. Our efforts were recognized in 1993 at the World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences: Education, Research and Testing. In 1993, the Company was also presented with a Recognition Award from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing. We received this Award for our commitment and dedication to the principles of the 3 Rs (refinement, reduction, replacement), and the use of alternative tests for safety evaluation.

I hope I've helped you. Please keep an eye on our website. We're always trying to improve it for you.

Sincerely,
Dave S.
Avon Information Center


***NOTE*** I'm a little freaked out that they found out my name, I did not give it in my e-mail to the company.

Now, this sounds all well in good, but then why are they not listed on the PETA "do not test" list, maybe I will ask that next!