Cruelty Free & Ingredients
Cruelty Free
Consumer safety is of paramount importance to Revlon and we have adopted policies that are designed to ensure that we meet the regulatory requirements for safety around the world, for all of our brands. The Company has not tested on animals since 1989 and believes that animal testing is not necessary to establish the safety of our products or ingredients. Today, there are alternative non-animal scientific methods available that can be used to validate product safety. Revlon supports research to validate these alternative testing methods and organizations like the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) which broadly promotes their global use. There are, however, a limited number of countries that have not yet adopted these alternative scientific methods. While Revlon complies with the requirements for safety in all of these countries, we continue to collaborate with other companies to advocate that these governmental authorities adopt alternative testing methods and eliminate animal testing everywhere around the world.
Ingredients
All of the ingredients used by Revlon in the formulation of our cosmetic products have been reviewed for safety using rigorous safety assessments and research protocols to ensure human health and safety at the intended levels of use. Many of these raw materials have also been reviewed by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the E.U. Commission and Health Canada and have been determined as safe for their intended use by scientific panels, such as the U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR) and the E.U. Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
We have provided below information about some ingredients in the news and the facts surrounding their safety and use in cosmetic and personal care products. Additional information about the safety of ingredients and raw materials that may be used in cosmetic and personal care products can be found at cosmeticsinfo.org.
Antiperspirant
Like most antiperspirant manufacturers, Revlon uses a variety of FDA-approved active antiperspirant ingredients in its products, including aluminum compounds that are determined as safe for their intended use by the FDA and other safety authorities. The FDA and other authorities have found that these materials are safe when used as intended. For more information, see cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/16.
BHA/BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant added to many foods to ensure freshness over time. Revlon does not use BHA in its products. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which is often confused with BHA because of their similar names, is a widely used preservative in the food and cosmetics industry. It is generally recognized as safe by the FDA (GRAS). Like many other manufacturers, Revlon uses BHT in a variety of products including eye makeup, lip products, face makeup, skin care, hair masks, body oils, and fragrances.
Carbon Black
Carbon Black is a colorant that is recognized and approved by the FDA and the E.U. authorities as safe for use in a bound, liquid form. Revlon uses Carbon Black in some liquid mascaras, eye liners and nail enamels.
Cocamide DEA
Cocamide DEA is a chemically modified form of coconut oil that is sometimes used as a foaming agent, emulsifier, and viscosity-controlling material. Revlon does not use Cocamide DEA in any of its products.
Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP
Revlon products do not contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate. For additional information relating to formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, see “Preservatives” below.
Fragrance Allergens
Revlon's fragrances comply with the safety standards of the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and all government regulations related to their labeling and disclosure.
In 2005, the E.U. adopted a labeling system for perfume ingredients that provides sensitive consumers with the information they need to avoid ingredients to which they may be allergic. Revlon voluntarily identifies the presence of any of the 26 identified fragrance allergens on its products sold globally, in compliance with E.U. cosmetic regulations.
Hair Dyes
Hair dyes are among the most extensively researched cosmetic products with a substantial body of safety evidence and data. All hair dyes used by Revlon have been extensively studied and determined to be safe and effective for consumer use by both the CIR and the E.U. SCCS. The weight of scientific evidence shows that hair dye is safe for use as intended. Hair dyes, however, have long been known to contain ingredients such as Resorcinol and p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) that, while safe, can cause allergic reactions in a small number of individuals. For this reason, instructions are provided on each box instructing consumers how to conduct a pre-test to detect any possible allergies before use. We strongly encourage all consumers to follow these allergy test instructions prior to using our products. For more information, see cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/hair-dye-ingredients-0.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin lightening ingredient used in pharmaceutical products in some countries to lighten skin and/or age spots. Revlon uses some hydroquinone derivatives in some of its curable nail products.
Lead
Revlon does not use lead as an ingredient in any of its products. Lead, however, is found in the environment and there may be insignificant trace amounts in some of the raw materials used in formulating cosmetics. In 2010, the FDA conducted testing of various lipsticks (including Revlon products) and has confirmed that there is no safety concern over the amount of lead generally found in lipsticks. See fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm137224.htm; http://cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/31.
Mica
Although Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, and the other brands in our company’s portfolio use limited quantities of mica sourced from India, the complex socio-economic challenges related to this supply chain are of great concern to us. As such we have joined the Responsible Mica Initiative (www.responsible-mica-initiative.com), a multi-stakeholder collaboration focused on solutions to improve mica sourcing conditions in India.
Microbeads
Revlon is committed to the highest levels of safety for human and environmental health. Revlon does not use plastic microbeads, which are defined by U.S. Federal Law as “any solid plastic particle that is less than five millimeters in size and is intended to be used to exfoliate or cleanse,” in any of its cosmetic or personal care products, anywhere around the world.
Palm Oil
Although Revlon and its portfolio of brands are low-volume users of Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil derivatives, we are aware of the environmental and human rights challenges in the supply chain and committed to improving the traceability of our source material and procuring from suppliers that can demonstrate responsible sourcing practices.
Petrolatum
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations. Revlon also uses it as an ingredient in hair styling waxes and perms. Petrolatum is generally regarded as safe (GRAS). Revlon only uses the highest-quality petrolatum in its hair and skin care products that conforms to the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Quality standard.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and personal care products such as nail polish, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, and perfumes. Historically, the phthalates used in cosmetic products have been dibutyl phthalate (DBP), used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes to reduce cracking by making them less brittle; dimethyl phthalate (DMP), used in hair sprays to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair; and diethyl phthalate (DEP), used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. DEP can also function as an alcohol denaturant, rendering alcoholic products unfit for oral consumption. Revlon does not use phthalates in any of its cosmetic or personal care products except for the limited use of Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) in a few of its Professional products, which will be reformulated by 2Q 2018.
Polyacrylamide
Polyacrylamide is used in the cosmetics industry as a binder, film former, and hair fixative. The safety of this ingredient has been evaluated by the FDA and the E.U. SCCS, and was found to be safe when used at the appropriate acrylamide purity levels (below 0.1 mg acryamide per kg of leave-on cosmetic product according to E.U. Regulation). Revlon uses this ingredient in skin care and foundation products.
Preservatives
Preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and help preserve a product’s freshness, efficacy, and quality. All preservatives used in Revlon products are safe and effective ingredients and meet government regulations to protect the overall safety and efficacy of our products for their intended use. Below is additional information on certain preservatives:
Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
There is a class of preservatives often called “formaldehyde-releasing preservatives” that release small amounts of formaldehyde over time as the product ages to ensure the microbiological protection. Revlon uses some of these preservatives in certain shampoos and conditioners where other methods of preservation are not possible.
This class of preservatives have undergone very rigorous evaluation of their safety in cosmetic products by various international scientific expert committees, who have defined the conditions for use of the preservatives in cosmetic products. Revlon only uses those preservatives which have been determined as safe for use by the U.S. CIR and the E.U. Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
Parabens
Parabens are a family of ingredients widely used as preservatives to ensure the protection of food, medicines, and cosmetics and personal care products from microbiological contamination. The parabens used in cosmetic products are of synthetic origin, but they also exist naturally in certain foods, plants, and in the human body.
Further, parabens are very useful for ensuring the protection of numerous categories of cosmetic products, since they are very effective at low concentrations against bacteria and fungi, are heat-stable, and are synergistic with other preservative types.
Methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl paraben have been assigned safe levels of use in all product categories by the SCCS in April 2015. As part of that same assessment, the European Commission amended Annex II of the E.U. Cosmetic Regulation, adding five parabens to the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products. They are: isopropylparaben; isobutylparaben; phenylparaben; benzylparaben; and pentylparaben. Revlon does not use any of these preservatives.
Why are Revlon products containing parabens safe?
The scientific experts of the various international regulatory health authorities very recently reviewed all the toxicological data available on the 4 parabens (ethyl, methyl, propyl, and butyl parabens) used in cosmetic products and confirmed that they could be used safely by consumers, while adjusting the concentrations for use of each of the parabens.
Parabens have been used for several decades in certain categories of our cosmetic products and only when indispensable to ensure effective microbiological protection.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and its chemical cousin Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are commonly used surfactants (wetting agents) and detergents, often used in diluted form in personal care products like shampoos and body washes. Revlon uses these ingredients in its shampoos. The current science confirms these ingredients are safe for their intended use. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all rated these ingredients as non-carcinogenic.
Sunscreens
To help fight the unwanted and avoidable negative effects of sun exposure, many Revlon products contain sunscreen, which allows our consumers to get SPF protection in a convenient form. All the sunscreens in Revlon products are safe and effective when used as directed. These include primarily:
Micronized Titanium Dioxide
Micronized Titanium Dioxide (also called “nano”) has been used in sunscreens for many years. The nano form enables the sunscreens to be applied as a clear film preferred by consumers over the old-fashioned white opaque lotions. It is used as an active ingredient in sunscreen products and has been approved for use by the FDA since 1999. It is among the list of sun filters approved by the E.U.: cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/1. Revlon uses nano Titanium Dioxide safely in bound form (liquids, pressed powders, etc.) and avoids its use in products that might lead to inhalation (sprays, etc.).
Octinoxate
Octinoxate (also known as Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) is a highly effective UVB sunscreen used in many sunscreens throughout the world. This popular sunscreen ingredient has been approved for use by the FDA as safe and effective and is included in the list of approved E.U. filters. Revlon uses this ingredient in hair care products, body mists, fragrances, foundation, concealer, and other color cosmetics for the face.
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone (also known as Benzophenone-3) is a widely used, effective sunscreen approved for use by the FDA on children over 6 months old and is included in the positive list of E.U. filters (both as a UV filter or to protect product formulation). The American Academy of Dermatology has approved Oxybenzone. Revlon uses this ingredient in nail enamel, nail enamel remover, skin care, hair care, and lip products.
Revlon uses other FDA-approved sunscreens and UV filters that are safe and effective when used as directed, including Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole), Benzophenone-4, and Homosalate.
Talc
Talc is a mineral substance used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products from baby powders to eye shadows. It is added to absorb moisture, smooth or soften products, prevent caking, and make makeup opaque. Talc has been reviewed by the U.S. CIR and determined to be safe for use in cosmetics. Revlon uses talc in some of its Consumer & Professional products, and only uses talc that has been certified as free of asbestos.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium Dioxide a white, opaque and naturally occurring mineral that is used as a sunscreen (see above) and as a color additive in its non-nano form in many of Revlon’s color cosmetic, hair care, and hair color products. All color additives used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics in the U.S. must be approved by FDA and listed in the Code of Federal Regulations. The FDA and the E.U. have deemed Titanium Dioxide safe for use in coloring products, including cosmetics and personal care products applied to the lips, and the area of the eye, provided it meets certain specifications. All titanium dioxide used by Revlon meets the FDA’s and E.U.'s strict specifications and is safe when used as intended.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It may be found in products such as clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys and certain antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and cosmetics. In 2016, the FDA issued a rule banning the use of triclosan, triclocarban, and 17 other chemicals in hand and body washes. Revlon does not use triclosan in any of its products.
1,4 Dioxane
The compound 1,4-dioxane itself is not used as an intentionally added ingredient in cosmetic or personal care products. It is a manufacturing byproduct that may be present in extremely low levels in some cosmetic and personal care product ingredients. These ingredients include certain cleansing materials (i.e., detergents), foaming agents, emulsifiers, and solvents identifiable by the prefix, word, or syllables "PEG," "Polyethylene," "Polyethylene glycol," "Polyoxyethylene," "-eth-," or "-oxynol” on product ingredient labels.
The FDA has stated that the small, residual amounts of 1,4-dioxane that it has detected in cosmetics do not present a hazard to consumers. For more information, see: cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/14-dioxane .