The big companies that dominate the Beauty Biz are frequent topics of discussion here at the Beauty Brains. As we’ve pointed out before, these companies tend to have greater resources and therefore their products, in general, are better researched and more thoroughly tested. But, these big companies are also more closely watched by the government and consumer groups. So when they screw up (which they often do), it makes the news - big time.
Case in point, this story about French mega-giant L’Oreal. As you know if you read our post on Who’s Who In the Cosmetic Industry, L’Oreal makes brands such as Garnier, Kerastaste, Lancome, Matrix, and Redken. They’re in the news because they were found guilty of excluding non-white women from their TV advertising. In addition to a $40,000 fine, one of their senior executives was given a 3 month suspended sentence. (That always looks good on a resume.) You can read the whole sordid story here.
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Daisy Says:
Actually, I believe they were discriminating against women who were supposed to sell the product in stores (”hostesses”). And not only did they discriminate based on race, they had guidelines based on age and size. Saleswomen were to be age 18-22 and (French) size 38-42; I’m not sure what that translates to in US sizes, but I’m sure it’s small. Thank you for making us all aware of this issue!
Daisy Says:
Here’s a much longer article on the subject http://www.guardian.co.uk/france/story/0,,2120789,00.html
It is very disturbing.
bobanokis Says:
Im sorry to be a cynic, but $40K is a laughable amount for a massive cosmetic conglomerate. A three month suspended sentence? Meaning dont do it again for three months, or else you may go to jail. Im not in any way advocating the generally more litigious US approach to discrimination suits (or maybe I am, at least for equal protection issues), but I think it would be more appropriate to have the slap on the wrist sting just a little bit more.
Blonde #1 Says:
I think it’s funny when beauty companies are found guilty of activities that impact their core consumers. Sexual harassment, in particular, always strikes me as odd!
Teri Says:
I am really disgusted by it all. It is almost hard to believe, that this giant company, that should revel in their customers own beauty - every color, size, sex - choose to go to such lengths to discriminate. This is awful, really awful!
Daisy Says:
bobanokis, you’re not a cynic - that punishment will not make a dent in the company or change the way it’s run. the exec who got a suspended sentence could probably find $40k in his couch cushions.