NOTE: I've received a number of contacts asking about other companies that they feel should be in this list. I found the top ten companies through Forbes, and while the article is from 2006, they have not updated it and I cannot find newer information. If you know of any updated information that is different from what is listed here, as far as the top ten cosmetics companies, please feel free to contact me and let me know.
Most of you probably don't remember the post I wrote in early May on personal care products because the site was still very new. I finally got the nerve to go through my own personal care products and look them up on Skin Deep to discover that I am very disappointed. The company that makes my mascara (L'Oreal) tests on animals, as does the company that makes my eyeliner (Cover Girl), and my under eye concealer (made by Physician's Formula) contains parabens. I'm tossing all of these, and am waiting on a shipment from Zosimos Botanicals for new eyeliner and under eye concealer (and I ordered a sample of their facial cleanser). Their products are not tested on animals, and are low hazard based on Skin Deep's testing scores. I am also waiting on my new mascara, Honey Bee Gardens Natural Mascara in Black Magic. It ranked a little higher on the hazard score than I like (a 3), but it does not contain the top four ingredients to avoid, and they do not test on animals.
So, on to the point of this post. I wanted to post the info on the world's top ten cosmetics companies. The hazard score range is based on all the products listed on Skin Deep, with 10 being the most hazardous, and 0 being the least. Products with the lowest hazard are those with a score of 0-2, and the number in parentheses is that product's score. Click the product to view its report on Skin Deep. To view individual product scores not listed here, go there and search the product name. Some of the companies listed encompass other brands (such as Estée Lauder, which also makes MAC, for example), but I am only listing products with the company's brand name here. We will begin with numero uno, Maybelline.
Maybelline
World market share: 7.4%
Test on animals: yes
Hazard score range: 1-9
Lowest hazard: Maybelline Expert Eyes Moisturizing Mascara Remover (1), Maybelline Brush/Blush I Blush, Berry Sorbet (2)
Highest hazard: Maybelline Roller Color Eyeshadow (9)
Avon
World market share: 5.4%
Test on animals: no
Hazard score range: 0-10
Lowest hazard: Avon mark. Wonderfleur hair & body mist (0), Avon mark. Glam-A-Go-Go eyeshadow frost (1)
Highest hazard: Avon ANEW ULTIMATE Skin Transforming Cream (10), Avon beComing BOOST ME UP skin immunity hydrator with Lumin8TM (10), Avon TRUE COLOR Eyeshadow Duo (10)
L'Oréal Paris
World market share: 5.3%
Test on animals: yes
Hazard score range: 1-10
Lowest hazard: L'Oréal Studio Line Mega Glue for Mega Hold (1), L'Oréal Le Kohl Pencil Smooth Defining Eyeliner 290 Carbon Black (2), L'Oréal Bare Naturale Concealer, Light 478 (2), L'oréal Bare Naturale Concealer, Medium 482 (2), L'Oréal Quick Stick Instant Foundation (2)
Highest hazard: L'Oréal Hi-Light Styliste Brush-On Highlights H60 Creamy Caramel (10), L'Oréal SUBLIME GLOW For Face Daily Moisturizer Fair Skin Tones (10), L'Oréal Dermo-Expertise Hydra-Renewal Daily Dry Skin Cream (10), L'Oréal Superior Preference Les Blondissimes - LB02 Extra Light Natural Blonde (10), L'Oréal Superior Preference True Brunettes - UL51 Ultra Light Natural Brown (10), L'Oréal Superior Preference True Brunettes - UL63 Ultra Light Gold Brown (10)
Lancôme
World market share: 4%
Test on animals: yes
Hazard score range: 4-10
Lowest hazard: Lancôme Flextencils Full Extension Curving Mascara (4), Lancôme Definicils High Definition Mascara (4), Lancôme Hydra Zen Yeux, Destressing Eye Treatment (4), Lancôme Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara (4), Lancôme Amplicils Panamoric Volume Mascara (4)
Highest hazard: Lancôme Soleil Instant Cooling Sun Spritz (10)
Clinique
World market share: 3.6%
Test on animals: no
Hazard score range: 2-7
Lowest hazard: Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent (2)
Highest hazard: Clinique Sun-Care UV-Response Face Cream, SPF 30 (2005 formulation) (7)
Revlon
World market share: 3.3%
Test on animals: no
Hazard score range: 1-10
Lowest hazard: Revlon Liquid Quick Dry (1), Revlon Nail Whitener Pencil (1), Revlon Professional Double Twist Base and Top Coat (2), Revlon Double Twist Base & Top Coat (2), Revlon Double Twist Fast Drying Base & Top Coat (2)
Highest hazard: Revlon Love Pat Moisturizing Powder (10)
Estée Lauder
World market share: 2.9%
Test on animals: no
Hazard score range: 2-10
Lowest hazard: Estée Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (2), Estée Lauder Whitelight Ex Extra Brightening Cleansing Foam (2), Estée Lauder Youth Dew Dusting Powder (2)
Highest hazard: Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Hand Cream (10)
Max Factor
World market share: 2.8%
Test on animals: yes
Hazard score range: 2-7
Lowest hazard: Max Factor Lipfinity Top Coat Moisturizing Lip Gloss, Clear (2)
Highest hazard: Max Factor Natural Brush-On Satin Blush, Subtle Amber (7), Max Factor Natural Brush-On Satin Blush, Mulberry (7), Max Factor Natural Brush-On Satin Blush, Plumberry (7), Max Factor Powdered Foundation (7), Max Factor Stretch & Separate Stretch and Separate Mascara (7), Max Factor 2M Cal Mascara Black Straight (7), Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara (7), Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara (7), Max Factor Lash Enhancer Mascara (7), Max Factor Pan Cake Makeup, Natural No #2 (7), Max Factor Whipped Cream Whipped Cream Makeup (7)
Cover Girl
World market share: 2.7%
Test on animals: yes
Hazard score range: 2-8
Lowest hazard: CoverGirl Outlast Moisturizing Top Coat (2), Cover Girl Smoothers Concealer (2), CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer 730 Neutralizer (2), Cover Girl Smoothers Concealer, Light 710 (2), Cover Girl CG Smoothers Concealer (2), CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer 705 Fair (2), CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer 710 Light (2)
Highest hazard: Cover Girl Believable Blush (8), CoverGirl Classic Color Blush 590 Soft Mink (Neutral) (8), CoverGirl Classic Color Blush 510 Iced Plum (Cool) (8), CoverGirl Classic Color Blush 540 Rose Silk (Neutral) (8), CoverGirl Classic Color Blush 570 Natural Glow (Neutral) (8), Cover Girl Blush (8), Cover Girl Cheekers Blush (8)
Shiseido
World market share: 2.2%
Test on animals: unknown
Hazard score range: 6-7 (only 2 products listed on Skin Deep)
Lowest hazard: Shiseido Co. The Makeup- Concealer (6)
Highest hazard: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream, SPF 55 (7)
Market Share Source: Forbes
July 11th, 2008 at 1:30 am
I would have though Lorea'l Paris would have been the biggest. But i spose Maybelline is massive in the US, which probably is the biggest market. I can't see a big difference in the quality of the companies products either.
Sean
July 11th, 2008 at 3:09 am
Very informative. I'm happy I've been making the right choices in make up (based on your article) but will head on to Skin Deep to check if my other brands test on animals.
Thanks!
July 11th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Sean, I agree. There isn't much different, it's all pretty junky, really.
Jopie, I was upset to learn I had made wrong choices, but I've decided to no longer by personal care products without checking first (many say on the container that they are not tested on animals, which is helpful).
July 12th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Maybelline has been great selling brand of skin care and color cosmetics, It has the good reputation in worldwide markets.
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
They are all the same.. the only difference is the brand
August 2nd, 2008 at 4:33 am
You all don't know about "Artistry"
One of the famous cosmetic company i knew !
I am interest to see also the report about "Artistry"
August 5th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Raymond Caxton said:
Maybe, but they do test on animals.
Sacs, I wouldn't say they are all the same. They may all be large companies, but many of them use different ingredients.
view, I couldn't find if Artistry tests on animals, but here is the information on the risk levels of some of their products: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/brand.php?brand_id=4383
August 14th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
wow, thanks a lot! this is something i really need!
August 15th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
You're welcome, Vivien!
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I had no idea that Maybelline would be first on this list. One of the most bothersome areas of this post is how many of these companies test on animals. I am vehemently against animal testing and can't believe brands like Max Factor, Lancome and Cover Girl test on harmless animals.
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Cosmetology, it's upsetting, isn't it? I would think if some large companies and many small companies can make it without testing on animals, that more should be able to do it, too.
October 4th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I am very curious about this cosmetic companies and i am glad that you posted the exact information i need. Thank you for this!
October 15th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
It's a relief to know that many of these companies do not harm animals. It's a shame to know that some million dollar companies harm animals just so that women can beautify themselves. It seems really selfish to me.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
California, it's surprising to know how many companies still to test on animals... I've been learning of more and more, which is upsetting me.
November 17th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
This is a excellent site for it showcase that beauty need not to be harmful to a person's using it. This site as a good source of information to all women out there to choose the best cosmetic products that are harmless to them and make them look great.
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Mississippi, it also shows that it need not be harmful to animals, as well
March 29th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Where did you get your data from regarding Market Share percentages? I am doing a project with LOREAL and I need the Market share for Procter and Gamble and a few others.
Thanks,
Business Student
April 8th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I honestly cant believe that companies still test on animals. It is 2009, and they should have realized by now that it is not the right thing to do. To go along with the other great, non-animal testing make-up companies, i also found a fantastic cosmetics site that specializes in everyday low priced make-up and most importantly DOES NOT TEST ON ANIMALS. let me know what you think about this and if you have any other statistics. Thanks!
Michelle
May 13th, 2009 at 11:06 am
i have to agree that i was highly upset when i found out just how many defferent cosmetic companies used animal testing i honestly had no idea there was so many i am deffinatly goin to switch to organic bc i dnt want a animal to be tested on just because of my eye shadow or mascara or any other product alike or different i think animal testing should be band why cause pain to somthing if there is truely another option all together.
May 13th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
view said:
That make one more too. Since Artistry is in the top five world wide why was it not included?
May 26th, 2009 at 12:14 am
I am gratified to think that many companies are careful of animals problem.However I am frustrated to know that some culprit million dollar companies make animals destructive to great extent in order that women may make themselves nice. It is really ignoring animal'right
July 16th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I would like to know about ARTISTRY as well. I believe it should be on your list. As someone has already mentioned, it is in the top 5 selling cosmetic companies.
1) Clinique
2) Lancome
3) Chanel
4) ARTISTRY
5) Estee Lauder
Thank you.
July 21st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
You said you wanted to post on the worlds top cosmetics companies but some of the ones listed are not even sold worldwide. Only 1 on this list were actually on the top 5 in 2006. That would be Estee' Lauder. Most of the top 5 sellers worldwide are not listed here.
It is reported that some companies make other products. Estee' Lauder and Clinique are both made by Artistry, who is one of the top selling makeups in the world and also one of the most natural.
It was a good try. You just could have used some more and better information.
July 21st, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Regina said:
Hello Regina. I am a new IBO(Independant buisness Owner)who exclusively has access to selling Artistry. I can almost gaurantee that Clinique and Estee' Lauder are not made by Artistry. We believe our make-up is as good if not better....but not the same company. Take care.
July 21st, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Tony Merritt said:
Just got off the phone with Customer Support. And (no) Artistry does not make Clinique or Estee Lauder. Artistry is it's own Cosmetic Company. Hope this helped.
July 21st, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Stefanie said:
I called Customer Support for Artistry. They do (not) test on animals.
July 21st, 2009 at 9:23 pm
To everyone asking about Artistry and commenting about this article's accuracy, I used Forbes as a source (link at the bottom of article).