Cosmetics are among the safest of all consumer products. Their continued safety is ensured by ongoing industry voluntary programs, as well as by ample FDA authority to regulate.

Q: Why won't The Estée Lauder Companies sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics?

A: The Estée Lauder Companies has been producing safe products for more than 55 years. All of our formulas are continuously reviewed and measured against the most current peer-reviewed and scientifically sound body of knowledge.

By signing the Compact, cosmetic companies are giving the activists groups - who often do not rely on sound, peer-reviewed science in their reports - the authority to define "safe." Since our Company's standards are often higher than most regulatory boards, we would never relinquish the responsibility for determining the safety of our ingredients. The Estée Lauder Companies does not need a compact to ensure that consumers are receiving the safest, most up-to-date products based on the latest peer review, scientific knowledge. The Compact does not account for the complexities of global safety standards that the Company must adhere to.

Q: Why is the cosmetics industry fighting the legislation that has been proposed to ensure that toxic chemicals are not used in cosmetics?

A: Finished cosmetic products and their ingredients are already subject to considerable scrutiny worldwide. In the US, cosmetics manufacturers are required by law to establish the safety of both finished products and their ingredients. In California, Proposition 65 sets limits and prohibitions about ingredients that have been shown to be potentially harmful to human health. In Europe and Asia, ingredients that may be problematic are reviewed by a variety of governmental and non-governmental groups. Bills that have been opposed by the Cosmetics Industry have not been carefully drafted and would not make good law.

Q: I've recently read that some lipsticks contain lead and that lead is cancer-causing. Is this true?

A: The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures and markets high-quality products that meet regulatory standards. You can be certain that all of our products undergo extensive safety evaluation and testing before being marketed.

Lead is not part of the formula for any of our lipsticks. However, since lead is naturally occurring at trace levels in air, water, and soil, there can be extremely small amounts in cosmetics, just as there are in food. The trace amount of lead that may be present in lipstick is extremely small when comparing to the amount people are exposed to when breathing, eating, and drinking water.

In July 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported on recent tests it conducted on a wide range of lipsticks. The agency reiterated that it found the lead levels present to be safe and well below limits recommended by international regulatory and public health authorities. The average lead level in the lipsticks tested by the FDA was less than 1 ppm. The FDA also noted that the lead levels in most lipsticks are lower than limits recommended by other public health authorities for lead in cosmetics, including the California’s Proposition 65 level of 5 ppm and the Canadian guidance of 10 ppm.

For more information on the FDA study:
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm137224.htm

Or visit:
www.cosmeticsinfo.org

Q: Do ingredients in cosmetics cause birth defects? Is The Estée Lauder Companies concerned about the studies which link ingredients used in cosmetics with birth defects in boys?

A: The ingredients used in cosmetics have been tested and found to be completely safe when used as intended. Parabens and Phthalates, two ingredients accused of causing birth defects, have been continuously tested and found safe. The considerable test data relating to these ingredients has been reviewed by Governmental Health authorities world wide. Proof of presence does not necessarily indicate proof of cause or harm.

Parabens are a class of preservative that has a long history of safety as a preservative both for cosmetics and for use in foods we consume. DEP, the only phthalate used in our products, has been tested and approved for use by many governments and scientists around the world.

The Estée Lauder Companies places great importance on the safety of its consumers and takes an extremely conservative view of the ingredients it uses in its products. The Company uses a stringent system of ingredient review, evaluation and testing to ensure that consumers are protected.

Q: How do you reconcile your work for breast cancer research and the allegations that your products could, in fact, cause breast cancer?

A: To suggest that we would knowingly sell products that cause any serious health problems is offensive. Moreover, to date there have been no scientifically sound peer reviewed studies which indicate any harm when cosmetics are used as intended.