A peek on Avon’s research facility in New York

Beauty has always been associated with youthfulness, and women are known to slather on all sorts of potions and endure pain in the name of youthful beauty. From cosmetic surgeons to anti-aging creams, there’s a huge industry dedicated to banishing and preventing wrinkles, age spots and fine lines.

As a global leader in skin care, Avon continues to set new standards in product innovation by delivering advanced, revolutionary technologies and exceptional value to respond to women’s skin care needs. Standing as a testament to this unwavering commitment is the Avon Global Research and Development Center. Rebuilt in the same spot where the company started, this multimillion-dollar laboratory assures women all over the globe that there is indeed a science to skincare, and the company is on top of it.

In the 90s, Avon became the first company to mass-market an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) product-the breakthrough Anew Perfecting Complex – to combat skin aging. The Anew brand has since expanded to several lines, each specializing in the diverse needs to various types of maturing skin: Anew Retroactive+for preventing and correcting early wrinkles among women in their mid-20s; Anew Force Extra to lift, firm up and smoothen skin in its 30s; Anew Clinical for dermatological results; and Anew Alternative for the combined effects of herbal and pharmaceutical technology.

High-tech think tank

Looking at the $100-million, 225,000 sqm structure, it’s obvious that Avon means business – the big business of beauty backed up by years of scientific research.

"This is one of the most advanced, high-tech research and development centers in the industry," declares Janice Teal, Avon Suffern’s chief scientific officer. "It is a place where innovation, creativity, and true collaboration have no limits."

Completed in 2005, the center uses advanced skin testing methods that detect the smallest results, enabling Avon scientists to create safe and effective anti-aging products. There are also climate-controlled testing rooms to assure the highest quality.

With this facility, Avon remains the home of some of the world’s best anti-aging and skincare discoveries. And come March 2007, women can look forward to having another item from their skin care wish list answered when Avon unveils yet another skin care breakthrough from its Anew line.

The Suffern heritage

There may be more cosmopolitan cities around Suffern, but Avon’s think tank stays put where David McConnell and a dozen employees came up with Avon’s first products, in honor of the man’s legacy.

"Our strength has been and will continue to be our brilliant and creative technical team," shares Teal, "Our people work passionately every day, just as their predecessors did, fulfilling a promise to our representatives and customers in more than 100 countries."

One will find over 300 specialists – from biochemistry and bacteriology to product packaging – working at the Suffern center. Every Avon product displayed on the catalogue has been a labor of love by more than 300 speacialists – from biochemistry to bacteriology. Add to that advanced manufacturing facility and women know that they can expect the best skincare products from Avon for years to come.