All Avon products are now officially cruelty free globally. As part of its partnership with Cruelty Free International, Avon has been given the stamp of approval through its Leaping Bunny programme, the globally recognised gold standard which goes above and beyond legal requirements. As the first global cosmetics company to end animal testing of its products in all of its operating countries, Avon has been working for acceptance of non-animal methods for three decades.
Avon is proud to announce that it has received approval, for all products, including cosmetics and personal care, under Cruelty Free International’s Leaping Bunny Programme. The programme is the globally recognised gold standard for cruelty-free products, and global beauty brand Avon’s approval comes as part of its partnership with Cruelty Free International which was first announced in July 2023.
Avon was the first global cosmetics company to end animal testing[i] of its products in all of its operating countries. The first Avon products, including Fragrance, Avon Care, and Anew, received Leaping Bunny approval in summer 2023, with work ongoing to include all categories. The scope of work was huge, involving screening over 8,000 raw materials, and engaging suppliers for over 4,000 raw materials, which is why Avon took a phased approach.
With all Avon product ranges now approved, Avon is proud to continue demonstrating its commitment to deliver products which exceed customers’ expectations, without compromising on animal welfare, safety standards or regulatory requirements.
Leaping Bunny Programme
Cruelty Free International’s global Leaping Bunny Programme requires cruelty-free standards that go above-and-beyond legal requirements. It is the gold standard for cosmetics, personal care, and household products.
The programme is the best assurance that a brand has made a genuine commitment to help end animal testing. Before being approved, and therefore being authorised to display the Leaping Bunny logo, brands must meet rigorous criteria. The programme requires the brand to implement a supplier monitoring system, and supply chain checking right down to ingredient manufacturer level, as well as receiving independent audits to ensure ongoing compliance. More information on Leaping Bunny requirements can be found here.
Whilst 80 percent of the world still allows animals to be used in tests for cosmetics[ii], Leaping Bunny has seen a 111 percent increase in brands enquiring about approval in recent years, demonstrating that global consumer demand for cruelty-free brands is driving change.
Michelle Thew, Cruelty Free International CEO, comments: “It’s been an amazing journey for Avon to receive Leaping Bunny approval and I am delighted that its entire range of products are now confirmed as cruelty-free. It has been really exciting to work with Avon to help end animal testing, and to welcome such a global brand and household name fully into the Leaping Bunny family. I look forward to our continued partnership to help end animal testing.”
Kristof Neirynck, Avon CEO, adds: “After three decades of working toward ending animal testing for cosmetics, we’re proud to reach this milestone and become Leaping Bunny approved. This achievement reflects our belief that beauty should be cruelty-free across the board, and our long-standing commitment to make the world a better place for all.”
[i]Associated published global animal welfare policies and animal testing certification as of November 2019
[ii] https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/leaping-bunny-programme/what-leaping-bunny
