FAQs | coty.com

FAQs

Leaping Bunny Certification for COVERGIRL and Coty’s partnership with Cruelty Free International

Cruelty Free International spearheads the campaign to end cosmetic animal testing globally. One of the world’s oldest and most respected animal protection organizations, Cruelty Free International’s mission is to create a world where no one wants to or believes we need to experiment on animals.

COVERGIRL is the biggest makeup brand to receive the Leaping Bunny certification by Cruelty Free International. This is a positive step forward as more people can afford, find and enjoy beautiful makeup with the assurance that they are cruelty free.

For more information on this topic please see the COVERGIRL website.

Who is Cruelty Free International and why did Coty choose to partner with this organization?
Cruelty Free International spearheads the campaign to end animal testing globally. One of the world’s oldest and most respected animal protection organizations, Cruelty Free International’s mission is to create a world where no one wants to or believes we need to experiment on animals.

Why did Coty choose the Leaping Bunny certification for COVERGIRL?
The Leaping Bunny cruelty free certification is considered the global gold standard for cosmetics and personal care products. It is the only internationally recognised certification that requires: (i) a supplier monitoring system to be implemented by the brand, (ii) checks for animal testing down to ingredient manufacturer level of the supply chain, (iii) adherence to a fixed cut-off date and (iv) regular independent supply chain audits to ensure compliance.

Why did Coty choose to pursue cruelty free certification for COVERGIRL?
We started our cruelty free certification journey with COVERGIRL, Coty’s largest cosmetics brand, to demonstrate our commitment to this issue and prove that achieving such an ambitious and rigorous certification can be done at scale. COVERGIRL is the largest cosmetics brand to receive the Leaping Bunny certification. This is a positive step forward as more people can afford, find and enjoy beautiful makeup products with the assurance that they are cruelty free.

In addition, we will use the knowledge we have gained about global supply chain certification through this process to help drive more responsible practices across our brand portfolio and the beauty industry.

Does Coty plan to certify other brands as cruelty free?
Absolutely. We are going to explore certifying other brands, and we are committed to at least one additional Coty brand becoming Leaping Bunny certified by 2020.

What else is Coty doing to end animal testing?
Through partnership and collaboration with Cruelty Free International, we are committed to play our part in ending all animal testing in the beauty industry. Given our size and scale, our focus is on the following areas:

Exploring Leaping Bunny certification of other brands. We have started this process with COVERGIRL, and we are committed to at least one additional Coty brand becoming Leaping Bunny certified by 2020. Using our role in industry associations and through engagement with diverse stakeholders to share the knowledge we have gained through this global supply chain certification process to promote cruelty free as an integral part of responsible beauty standards.
Advocating for regulatory change

What about the issue of China and the requirements it has for animal testing?
COVERGIRL is not sold in China. When it comes to other brands in our portfolio, we understand consumers’ concerns regarding animal testing in China. As a company, we do not test our products on animals and are committed to ending animal testing across our industry. We continue to be involved in dialogue with the Chinese authorities to find alternatives to their current approach. Our strategic partnership with Cruelty Free International, will also include working together to advocate for regulatory change to end animal testing globally.

Coty Inc. statement on animal testing

At Coty, we do not test our products on animals and are committed to ending animal testing across our industry.

All our products are safe and have been developed, manufactured and packaged in compliance with the laws, regulations and guidelines that are applicable in each country in which they are sold.

Coty’s human safety experts review our ingredients, as well as the finished products, by applying the best science, based on the use of recognized alternatives to animal testing, existing safety data and, increasingly, the sharing of such data with other parties and industries.

Some governments or agencies stipulate the testing of finished products on animals in accordance with local legal and regulatory requirements. An example is China, where we continue to be involved in the dialogue with the Chinese authorities, including through our active membership of industry groups, to find alternatives to their use of animal testing.

As part of our commitment to ending animal testing in the beauty industry, Coty has gone one step further than not testing on animals and formed a strategic partnership with Cruelty Free International (CFI), the leading organization working to end animal testing for cosmetics globally. Given our size and scale this partnership focuses on the following:

COVERGIRL is the largest makeup brand ever to receive the Leaping Bunny Certification, following a rigorous audit of the brand’s supply chain and ingredients. We are going to explore Leaping Bunny certification for other brands and certify at least one other brand to the Leaping Bunny standard by 2020.
We will use the knowledge we have gained about the global supply chain Leaping Bunny certification process to help drive more responsible practices across the beauty industry.
We will support Cruelty Free International in advocating for regulatory changes to end animal testing for cosmetics globally

UK tax strategy

The UK Finance Bill 2016 requires certain business in the UK to publish their tax strategy as it relates to or affects UK taxation. As a qualifying business, Coty is required to publish its tax strategy online as part of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs new tax transparency requirement. Coty’s UK Tax Strategy can be found here.

Gender balance and pay at Coty UK

Under the UK Government’s new Gender Pay Gap Regulations, all UK legal entities with over 250 employees are required to share details of their gender balance and pay. They are also required to give the percentage of men and women receiving a bonus and the proportions of men and women in each pay quartile of the workforce.

These results give a snapshot of the UK organisation taken on April 5th 2018.

The report covers the statutory requirements but also confirms Coty’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture, and outlines the next steps it will be taking on this journey.

The full report can be read here.

Coty and palm oil

Recognizing the impact of the palm oil supply chain on human rights, biodiversity and the environment, we have joined the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil and we have started to purchase palm oil derivatives from RSPO certified sources.

Coty’s ambition is to achieve RSPO Mass Balance certification for 100% of its palm oil and palm kernel oil derivatives used in its factories by the end of 2022.

Along with many in our industry we are working to play our part in greater transparency and traceability and we will work with all our suppliers in this regard.

Coty and mica

Mica is used as an ingredient in some cosmetics. It is the name given to a series of minerals based on silicates (substances made out of the elements silica and oxygen). Mica has unique physical properties because of its structure – it is formed, in nature, as layers that can be split into thin sheets. It can also be ground into a powder. It is added to powdered cosmetics, such as eyeshadows, as a filler because it has excellent smoothness and so makes the eyeshadow easy to apply and also gives sparkle. It is added to other cosmetic products - such as mascaras, lipsticks and nail products - because it provides a beautiful lustre and sheen. Mica can also provide further ‘depth’ to certain pigments, and it gives a highly pearlised effect. Mica can be found in a large variety of consumer goods and industry materials, from automotive to coating, electronic components and construction materials, to cosmetics.

Although most of Coty’s sourcing of mica comes from other regions, we have decided to become one of the founding members of the “Responsible Mica Initiative” focused on the complex issue of the mica supply chain in India and instances of child labor. We want to lend our voice and to work in partnership with our competitors and suppliers of raw materials, car, paint, electronic and beauty industries to improve the sourcing traceability, the education of children and their families on human rights and empower local communities to diversify their income. You can find out more about this initiative here.

For more information on Coty’s responsible supply chain activities please see our report to the United Nations Global Compact

Coty phases out plastic microbeads

We take the issue of plastic microbeads and the protection of the environment seriously. We have stopped producing any rinse off formulas using plastic microbeads*. There may be some stock containing plastic microbeads still available on shelf as these products continue to be legally sold in some countries.

*We follow the definition provided in the US Federal Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015: ‘Plastic microbead’ means any solid plastic particle that is less than five millimeters in size and is intended to be used to exfoliate or cleanse the human body or any part thereof.

Can I be added to your mailing list for deals or promotions?

Visit the Brand Page for links to our individual brand web sites. Many of these invite you to register for exclusive email offerings.

What is your privacy policy regarding my contact information?

Please see our Privacy Policy regarding your personal contact information.

Can you send me a catalog / coupons / poster / display item?

We invite you to visit the Brand Page which offers links to our individual brand web sites where you may find information about promotional programs. Sorry but we do not offer catalogues, and posters/display items are produced in limited quantities, and generally for in-store display purposes.

How should I store my personal care products?

To get the most out of your fragrance, cosmetics, skin, sun and personal care products, we recommend storing them in dry place, preferably away from light, and avoiding extreme temperatures. Remember to close all packages tightly after each use.

Can I use any of your products while pregnant or nursing?

All our products are safe and have been developed, manufactured and packaged in compliance with the laws, regulations and guidelines applicable in each country in which they are sold. If you are pregnant and have any concerns about cosmetic products or ingredients you should discuss these with your healthcare provider.

What is the proper way to apply fragrance?

Fragrances are meant to be applied to the skin. Applying to your pulse points, where the heartbeat is apparent, makes a fragrance blossom. Most fragrances contain alcohol, a commonly known solvent that may damage fabrics, leather, suede and finished surfaces. Make sure to let your fragrance dry completely on the skin before dressing.

Where can I get samples?

We do not have samples available for general distribution.

My favorite product is discontinued. Where can I get more of it?

We understand how frustrating this can be for you. Once a product is discontinued, our inventory of the item is completely depleted. Discontinued products are no longer distributed through authorized retailers.

Why do product shades look different on my computer?

We wish we could make the shades look perfect and the same on everyone’s monitor! Unfortunately, we have no control over monitor settings or the differences in how monitors and devices display colors.

I’m using an older version of IE and the layout looks different. What’s going on?

We tried our best to design for every web browser, platform, and device. We know there are IE6 users out there, but the numbers are getting smaller and smaller every day. By looking at our previous traffic reports, we know that a huge majority of our audience is using upgraded browsers.

The site is best viewed on the latest versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome with the latest Flash player installed so that you can experience and enjoy our videos.

Do you make vegan products?

There is no legal definition of a vegan or vegetarian cosmetic product, and we do not specialize in products without animal-derived ingredients. We encourage consumers to read package labels closely and see the full extent of ingredients. Specific information on what an ingredient is and how it is used, as well as safety information for approximately 90% of all ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products on the market today, is continually updated and publicly available on http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org.

Do your nail lacquers contain formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP?

Our nail lacquers are free of added formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.

I have a new idea for you. Where do I send this?

Unfortunately, we do not accept unsolicited package or product ideas. It’s not that we don’t want you to share your creativity with us. However, we do have precise policies on this. If you are interested in sharing your creativity with us as part of the Coty team, click here to learn more about career opportunities at Coty.

Is your packaging recyclable?

Post-consumer collection of recyclable packaging components is not available in all countries or areas. We encourage consumers to check with local authorities for this information. Individual plastic caps may be sorted into the plastic category and glass bottles into the glass category. For your safety, we urge you not to disassemble pump/reducer caps from bottles as this may pose a safety hazard. Folding cartons may be sorted into the paper category, although laminated cardboard is less frequently recycled.

What does it mean by “product made in” vs. “assembled in” on the package?

It means the product bulk was manufactured in one country and shipped to another for filling, packaging and/or assembly.

Can you recommend how to travel safely with my fragrance?

With current airline safety regulations, you don’t want to lose your favorite fragrance to an airport security checkpoint because it exceeds size restrictions. We recommend traveling with allowable forms of fragrance such as a small purse spray, fragrance roller ball, solid perfume, body lotion, body cream or after shave balm. If you must take a full sized bottle of fragrance, don’t risk a leaky suitcase! Liquid fragrances contain alcohol, a commonly known solvent that can damage fabrics and leather. Secure your fragrance (and all liquids) in re-sealable plastic bags before placing in your luggage or suitcase.

Do you make gluten free products?

We take very seriously our obligation to produce only safe, high quality and environmentally responsible products. The ingredients used in our products are safe and have been developed, manufactured and packaged in compliance with the strict guidelines and regulations set by each country in which they are sold.

Gluten in cosmetics is a common concern among consumers who suffer from gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat related grains, including barley, rye, and spelt. It is known to cause adverse health problems in those who suffer from celiac disease. In 2009, research showed between 0.5 and 1.0 percent of people in the US and UK are sensitive to gluten due to celiac disease.

There is currently no scientific evidence that gluten used in cosmetic products that are not ingested is harmful to individuals with celiac disease, including those with the skin form of celiac disease. Patients with celiac disease are often advised to avoid cosmetic products that are likely to be ingested, such as lipstick and lip gloss, if these contain ingredients like wheat germ or barley extract. However, up until recently the actual content of gluten in lipstick and other cosmetic products made using ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye had not been investigated.

In 2012, the US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics published a study under the heading "Gluten in Cosmetics: Is There a Reason for Concern?" that reportedly found no quantifiable gluten in lip products and lotions, each containing at least one ingredient derived from wheat, barley, rye, or oats. Based on the results, the authors concluded that there is no apparent reason for consumers with celiac disease to worry about cosmetic products applied to the skin, such as body lotion, sunscreen, shaving cream, deodorant, makeup and perfume, especially if hands are washed after use. As a consequence, it appears that consumers with celiac disease do not need to worry about products applied to the skin, such as body lotion, sunscreen, shaving cream, deodorant, makeup, and perfume, or products applied to the hair, such as shampoo and conditioner, especially if hands are washed after use.

Where can I find the ingredients in a product?

By law, all ingredients in a product formulation must be listed on the package. When the package size is too small, and where permitted by local regulations, they may be provided separately at the point of sale. Please visit the brand website for more information, and for authorized retailers in your area. For information about the function and purpose of most cosmetic product ingredients, click here.

Where do I send a donation request?

Coty is committed to supporting many charitable organizations at the international, national, regional and local levels. We would like to be able to consider individual donation requests, but this is simply not possible.

Are your products safe?

COTY Inc. develops and markets only safe, effective products with safe ingredients. Our products and their formulas have been developed, manufactured and packaged in compliance with the strict guidelines and regulations for such products set by each country in which they are sold.

Any new legal requirements are incorporated during the product and formulation development process. We hope this information will help you to enjoy our many fine brands and product without concern.

Are you products Comedogenic?

Our products are not specifically tested for comedogenicity. Therefore, we cannot make this claim for our products.

We encourage consumers to read package labels closely and see the full extent of ingredients. Specific information on what an ingredient is and how it is used, as well as safety information for approximately 90% of all ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products on the market today, is continually updated and publicly available on http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org

Do your products contain Lead, Nickel and/on Mercury?

Heavy metals are never added to the product formulation. But sometimes traces of them might be present in a product as a consequence of colorants. These are unavoidable and pose no safety risk. All our products are rigorously safety tested before being placed on the market. If your question comes from a severe allergy or other medical condition, we urge you to consult your doctor before using this, or any product for the first time.

Do your products contain Parabens?

The ingredients used in our products have been developed, manufactured and packaged in compliance with the strict guidelines and regulations set by each country in which they are sold, including guidelines and regulations relating to the disclosure of the presence of parabens in such products.

An extensive body of scientific research supports the safety of specific parabens as currently used in cosmetics products. Our product formulations are developed according to this scientific research. Consumers can remain confident about using our cosmetics products given the oversight of worldwide regulatory agencies, the extensive research on their safety, and the long history of safe use. We continue to monitor all new regulations to ensure that our products remain in full compliance, taking any new actions as necessary.

Consumers with known sensitivities to a specific ingredient are encouraged to review the ingredient listing present on a product’s package, as required by law, prior to use.

What is the shelf life of my product?

Recommended shelf life is how long a product stays fresh after its made. Shelf life varies by product type. Fragrances should be used within 3 years to enjoy the freshest scent. Other products, like skin cream or mascara, have a PERIOD AFTER OPENING symbol on the package: a small jar with a number inside followed by the letter M. This refers to the number of months, after opening, that product can be used safely. Expiration dates only appear on products with active ingredients, like antiperspirants or sunscreens. The expiration date is the date after which the active ingredient is no longer considered effective.