Ok you got me, this isn’t a new OPI color, rather a statement on the fact that OPI was bought out by Coty, Inc. this week for $1 billion bucks.
It’s really a huge bummer for me because as you may or may not know, I have decided to go cruelty-free with my cosmetics. Because Coty, Inc. does animal testing, I will not support any company that they own, which now includes OPI, Nicole by OPI and (I assume) Sephora by OPI. OPI still states they will not do animal testing, which is similar to what Essie stated when they were bought by L’Oreal, but the fact remains that money will be going towards a company that does test on animals.
It’s a really sad state of affairs that people seem to care more about money and looking nice than animal welfare in this country. As I mentioned in my article about animal testing, the European Union is banning all animal testing in cosmetics by 2013. I really wish we could be that advanced here in the US.
On a positive note, it does seem like a lot of people are upset by this and don’t support these “big, bad testing companies” so maybe one day enough people will stop buying their products to make them realize it’s wrong, and bad for their bottom dollar. A girl can dream.
But for now, they have lost my support!
Official press release:
COTY INC. TO ACQUIRE OPI PRODUCTS INC.
Coty Adds OPI Nail Lacquers and Nicole by OPI to Its Growing Color Portfolio
NEW YORK, November 29, 2010 — Coty Inc., a leading global beauty company, and OPI Products Inc., a leader in professional nail salon products, today announced that Coty has entered into an agreement to acquire OPI.
The acquisition will enhance Coty’s color cosmetic portfolio, through the addition of over 200 fashion forward colors of OPI Nail Lacquer’s chip-resistant formula, which has been an international success.
“We view the acquisition of OPI as complementary to Coty and a natural extension of our strategy to offer a unique portfolio of brands that produce some of the best known consumer products around the world,” said Bernd Beetz, CEO, Coty Inc. “OPI is both dynamic and high quality and has earned its place as a leading provider to professional nail care salons. This acquisition will allow Coty to expand our presence in the nail care category via an important new channel of distribution: professional salons, and importantly will offer an even greater selection of products and choice to consumers.”
“We are very excited about having OPI join the Coty family. OPI has gained a place in consumer’s minds in the US and internationally,” said Renato Semerari, President, Coty Beauty. “It is one of THE fashion brands in Nail Color for salons and that is a very unique position to be in. OPI’s success is the result of a very focused and high quality effort by the OPI team over the past decades. We are very excited to join forces with such a talented team to strengthen OPI even further in the future.”
“It’s time for a new era at OPI, and together with Coty we can begin this new journey,” said George Schaeffer, President and CEO of OPI Products Inc. “For almost 30 years, we have built a solid foundation of innovation and excellence. We are confident that by joining Coty, this legacy will continue and be strengthened. We are all excited about the next phase of opportunity for OPI. Our management team will continue on with the company and OPI’s business strategy will remain focused on the salon professional.”
“OPI has a reputation for creating fashion-forward products that make women feel beautiful and Coty is a well-established trend setter in the beauty industry,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, the Executive VP & Artistic Director of OPI Products, Inc. “Together we will continue to push the envelope in beauty, color and trends.”
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is also subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Moelis & Company served as financial advisor to Coty in connection with the transaction. Lazard Freres & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to OPI. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor to Coty in the transaction. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal advisor to OPI.
About Coty Inc.
Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.
Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.
The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloé, Chopard, Davidoff, Jennifer Lopez, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, La Voce by Renee Fleming , Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nikos, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Wolfgang Joop.
The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, ASTOR, Baby Phat, Beyoncé Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Esprit, Exclamation, Faith Hill, GUESS, Halle Berry, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Lady Gaga, Miss Sporty, Nautica, N.Y.C. New York Color, Pierre Cardin1 , Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Stetson, Tim McGraw, and Tonino Lamborghini.
Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.A. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, Prada, Paco Rabanne, and Antonio Banderas in the United States and Canada.
For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.
(1) Not available in North America
About OPI Products Inc.
OPI Products Inc., one of the world’s leaders in professional nail care since 1981, has revolutionized the beauty industry by combining leading-edge innovation with trendsetting, fashion-forward colors. Under the leadership of OPI President & CEO George Schaeffer and Executive VP & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, beautifully manicured nails are now seen as the essential fashion accessory.
Preferred by salon professionals and favored by red-carpet celebrities, OPI Nail Lacquer is currently available in 200+ shades. OPI Nail Lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature a patented Lacquer bottle, ergonomic cap, and ProWide® Brush designed for flawless application.
In addition to Nail Lacquer, OPI also offers an entire range of state-of-the-art quality products for hands, feet, and nails – with more than 30 Patents for the company’s innovative product ideas.
OPI has had a number of successful partnerships, including CW Network, DELL, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Kristi Yamaguchi, Serena Williams, Sony Pictures Screen Gems, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Walt Disney Pictures, and Warner Home Video.
For more information, call 800.341.9999 or visit www.opi.com.
-VV
43 comments
Did it all for the $$ money $$. Makes me sick and saddens me. I’m sure when dreaming of creating OPI it went something like this…. “I’ll create a fabulous nail and hand product company and have massive success; upon reaching this success I’ll sell it all for a huge amount of money!” Disappointed they sold the company, but it’s even more disgusting that it’s to a company who tests on animals. I agree the US is incredibly behind on things compared to the EU and we need to step it up! We could learn a few things from the policies enacted in the EU (not just with animal testing, but also with things such as the food industry)!
The European Union will bann all companies testing on animals? I live in Germany, but I never heard about that. What do you mean with “bann”? Do you think they will stop L’oreal and the other selling their products all over the European Union? I can’t imagine this… it’s not like we’re that far in such things… maybe your view of “us” is a little too good 😉
Stephanie
Stephanie´s last post…Wolkenseifen Blogwoche Seife mit Joghurt & Wolkenseifen Parfums
Hi Stephanie,
You can Google the topic and it comes up a lot. Here is one article about it: http://www.bornfreeusa.org/articles.php?p=449&more=1
Yes, after your article I went reading a little bit – but NO, their not going to stop selling L’oreal and the other brands in germany which are testing on animals. german drugstores would be rather empty if they would stop them selling…
Stephanie´s last post…Wolkenseifen Blogwoche Seife mit Joghurt & Wolkenseifen Parfums
Sorry…fingers were to fast in clicking.. 😉
They only stopped the import and sale with the ingredients tested on animals, so the products themselves still are available in our drugstores.They are produced somewhere else, shipped to germany,packed in germany and sold in germany.
Most countries are good in walking around laws in creative ways I guess…
But thanks a lot for posting this article.
Stephanie´s last post…Wolkenseifen Blogwoche Seife mit Joghurt & Wolkenseifen Parfums
When I asked my OPI rep, she told me they don’t handle the Sephora by OPI line. I’m not sure what that means exactly, but that ‘s what she said.
Smoochiefrog´s last post…Wordless Wednesday-Corresponding Fortune Cookie Style
Hi Smoochiefrog,
Yeah I am not sure exactly how they are affiliated with OPI. I think maybe it’s a Sephora brand nail polish slapped with an OPI label. Trying to find out though.
I really hope that someone finds out!
Zara´s last post…VERY Brief Hiatus
nooooooooooooo. 🙁 why do they feel the necessity to test make up on animals? it’s so unnecessary. So many other companies do fine without animal testing (one obvious example, The Body Shop).
I loved OPI. It probably comprises about 90% of my collection (somewhere around 80). I guess I’ll be turning towards color club and china glaze more often.
It’s sad that money can overpower an entire company’s supposed moral code.
Hi Arielle,
Yes but The Body Shop is now owned by L’Oreal, so I don’t support them either since $$ that goes to them goes to L’Oreal. Sigh.
This news is so upsetting. I definitely won’t be buying OPI anymore (which is quite sad— because I really did love it). I’m having a hard time figuring out what, if any, cruelty free polish brands are left. Please let us know as soon as you find out about Sephora by OPI (I’ll keep my fingers crossed…)
Oh, and new header is lovely!
I know for sure that China Glaze and Zoya are cruelty free, and they’re both pretty widely available, especially China Glaze. Piggy Paint and Piggy Polish are, too, and though I don’t know of any physical store where you can purchase Piggy Paint, Piggy Polish is at Ulta. Hope this helps!
Zara´s last post…VERY Brief Hiatus
Thanks =) I’ve never Zoya before, and only have 1 China glaze… but I guess I can start somewhere, right?
“It’s a really sad state of affairs that people seem to care more about money and looking nice than animal welfare in this country.” Actually, it’s a really sad state of affairs that people seem to care more about money and looking nice than ANYTHING else.
As for Animal Testing…I’m not for or against…I wonder what would they test on if not animals? Humans? Who’d sign up? obviously people who would need the pittance they’d pay for the testing session and they’d have to sign away their rights to any health care in the future. I’m not sure going no animal testing it the right solution…but I agree it is inhumane to do so.
This doesn’t change anything between OPI and I…I didn’t much care for their stuff anyway.
Hi Elizabeth,
Actually they can test on synthetic re-created skin now, which is what they should be doing!
I didn’t know that! That’s fantastic…but only tells you damage to skin…not other body parts…
Yeah maybe they have come up with synthetic eyeballs, lashes and lips by now also. Ick but would be a good idea 🙂
Coty actually DOES NOT test on animals, and they say so on their webpage:
“We share our consumers’ respect for life, and therefore are committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of human safety while eliminating the need for testing on animals. Coty’s safety testing policy requires that we meet or exceed all governmental safety laws in each of the 90+ markets in which our products are sold.”
http://www.coty.com/#/citizenship/product_safety
I love your blog, but I’m disappointed you didn’t do some research on this before spreading false information. I understand the animal testing rumor is EVERYWHERE, but a few minutes on Coty’s site turned up the above info. Please correct this.
Hi Kate B.,
Yep they do say that and yet they are owned by Del Laboratories who do test on animals (from research I have done online). And the problem with totally believing what the company statement is, is that it can be very misleading. When Essie was bought by L’Oreal I was in contact with a L’Oreal Rep who told me they don’t test on animals and she sent me the statement from their website. It said they didn’t test on ‘finished products’. So when I emailed her and asked her what exactly it meant, and did that mean they tested on individual ingredients that went into the ‘finished product’, she never responded. Since she was so eager to answer my other questions and didn’t respond to that, I took it as a yes.
You can find tons of info online about whether a company tests or doesn’t test, but from what I have found and read, it’s my belief that they do test, so my position stands, sorry!
Kelly, thank you for taking the time to respond, I appreciate your thoughtful take on this issue. The lists of companies that use animal testing that I’ve been able to find seem very outdated. I was not aware they were owned by Del Labs, and the implication that may very well mean they do test on animals. It’s incredibly frustrating when you can’t even trust a company’s statement that they don’t test on animals. Who knows if they’re being honest? Sigh. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see on this issue. It’ll definitely put OPI into my maybe list. But again, thank you for the deeper information. I really appreciate the thought you put into this. 🙂
Sure! I know it’s really hard trying to decipher through all the websites and figure out who has the most current and correct information out there. But alas, I work at a Biotech company that tests on animals for cancer or other drugs and I know how underground they keep these things. No one really even knows where the buildings are they do this in here, so I take any company statement with a heavy grain of salt…
I don’t understand why OPI did this…but I hope they come to regret their decision. Sadly I don’t think they will. I couldn’t believe all the ignorant comments on the fan page. One girl said… “How do they test it on animals? Do they paint their nails with polish?” Some people on there may not care about testing but they don’t need to bash those that do. No polish brand is so important to me that I would disregard such cruelty. Here is some hopeful news:
http://www.livingcrueltyfree.com/2007/06/01/loreal-is-going-cruelty-free/
I really wish animal testing was not an issue anymore…so many studies have shown its not even needed! Why continue to harm innocent animals?
@Kate B – I’m no lawyer, but even I can tell you that nowhere in that paragraph does it explicitly state that Coty does not test on animals. They are working to eliminate the need for testing on animals. Not the same thing.
Jamie, I’m also no lawyer, but you are totally correct, it’s VERY evasively worded. 🙂 I did find a statement on a blog that does explicitly state that Coty does not test on animals (http://lazybeautiful.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/rimmel-london-coty-inc-animal-testing-statement/). However, Kelly raises an excellent point below that they are owned by a larger company that does test on animals. It’s regrettable that this is an issue that is so unclear, especially since so many people feel so strongly about it.
I actually went to Coty’s website and used their “contact us” form to ask them if they do animal testing or not. I doubt that I will get a clear answer, but I had to try!
Zara´s last post…VERY Brief Hiatus
At this point, I think at this point we all know not to paint our skin with nail polish or put it in ours eyes, because of this I cannot support cosmetic testing on animals. Ingredients used to make polish have been tested for ages, it’s just unnecessary to keep testing, bordering on sadistic. I love Sephora x OPI but I won’t be buying it anymore. I can live without spending money to support people who harm animals just because they can.
Brigitte´s last post…Mondo Guerra Shirt
Thank god I live in Europe. I can’t wait till 2013!
Silva´s last post…Gosh Golden Dragon
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! I’m glad I’m not the only one worried about this.
GRRRR!!!!!!! Damnit, OPI!
Skulda´s last post…Bye Bye- OPI
So, if you don’t use products that have been tested on animals, does that mean that you won’t have a drink next time you go out with your friends to a restaurant or bar (since mice and other animals have been given alcohol to determine LD50s and long-term effects)? That you won’t drink green tea because the anti-cancer effects of EGCG (the main antioxidant in tea) were determined first in mice? That you read every food label and refuse to eat all artificial colors and flavors because they were tested on animals (yes, that includes Sweet-n-Low, Equal, and all those precious artificial sweeteners)? That you won’t take Tylenol the next time you get a headache? That you won’t take an allergy pill the next time your seasonal allergies kick up? That if you get cancer you won’t accept any chemo drugs or even radiation (both are tested on animals)?
Look, I am not a proponent of animal research, but it kinda irks me when people say they won’t use anything tested on animals but then they go on and do all of the things listed above and more … your life is what it is because of animals at this point.
I do think finding in vitro test systems that function properly is EXTREMELY important (and the “synthetic skin” you describe does NOT function exactly like human skin – if it did, we’d have a solution for seriously burned patients who need new skin, and obviously we don’t… take this from someone who works in the tissue engineering field ) and I do agree that animal testing of vanity products (yes, that’s cosmetics) is especially nasty….but I also think spreading information that is not scientifically accurate all over the Internet is pretty nasty too, so I had to chime in here and rectify the situation.
Hi Sarojini,
No it doesn’t mean any of those things. If you read my original article on the issue you would understand my point more. I never said I wasn’t using any product ever that was tested on animals. Because this is a beauty blog, I am focusing on not supporting beauty companies specifically.
This is sad. How else will we get our nail polish?
I am so disappointed with how people are reacting to other polish fanatics’ reactions to this. One person will say they’re no longer going to buy OPI, and other people will look down on them or make rude comments or, like one further upthread here, criticize you for not laying out every single personal choice that you make throughout your daily life- as if you somehow have to justify your decision not to support beauty companies who do animal testing. It really irritates me how quickly people turn on each other online and how often it happens.
It would be damn near impossible to boycott every single thing in this world that has been tested on animals. That doesn’t mean that boycotting animal testing in a certain industry is somehow half-assed or insincere. We all choose how to make a stand in the ways that are best for us personally, ways that work for us while still getting our point across. I will no longer support OPI but that doesn’t mean I have to go vegan and volunteer for PETA. I am uncomfortable with beauty companies doing animal testing and I avoid them. No justification needed. I’m with you on this one, Kelly.
That’s all well and good, but you left out that many people that are now against OPI are looking down on those who still want to buy it. It’s a two-way street. The earlier poster was a bit forceful, but they’re just pointing out that it seems hypocritical to them.
Goodbye OPI. I like having nice and fun nail polish colors but I love all animals more. My father has a beagle who was rescued from a lab. He has a numeric tattoo on the inside of one ear and he’s been debarked. His name is rudy and he has a ton of health issues but still loved people with his entire being. I think some people must assume that the animals being tested on are rats (which I still wouldn’t be cool with). But dogs, specifically beagles, have been tested on by the cosmetics industry for years.
Luckily for us there are some really great products out there that remain cruelty free; RBL, nubar, china glaze, orly, etc.
VV – thanks for sticking to what you believe in on this topic and for handling the comments with such grace. I love being able to come to your blog and know that whatever is reviewed I can buy with a clear conscience. A clear and empty wallet as well but that’s more my thing than yours…
I’m a scientist with 17 years of experience in medical research (my research doesn’t involve animals, BTW). I’d like to clarify what some companies are referring to when they say that the “finished product” is not tested on animals. What they mean is just that: the product, in the form that the consumer uses it, was not tested on animals. But NO company in the WORLD can say that the individual ingredients that comprise their products have not been tested on animals. The fact is that every cosmetic-grade ingredient that is approved in the US by the FDA for use has, at one time or another, been tested on animals. Some really common ingredients, such as mineral oil or talc, have been in use for so long that their track records of safety and/or efficacy is so well-established that further testing isn’t ever necessary. But occasionally, even common ingredients are mixed with something new and they want to make sure there isn’t a reaction. This doesn’t happen often, however. Synthetic skin is not the answer at this point. It just doesn’t function the same as real skin, and I personally wouldn’t ever want to rely on tests done on synthetics to assure me that a product is safe. Product research and development is where it’s at in the cosmetics industry. All of the companies are in constant competition with each other to come up with the latest and greatest in skincare ingredients, and that means that new synthetic chemicals are always being developed. There are unfortunately no good ways to ensure these ingredients are safe that don’t put humans and/or animals at risk. Cosmetics companies that claim they don’t test on animals might be telling the truth. But somewhere up the food chain, all those long chemical names in the ingredient lists have been tested on animals somewhere. I’m not sure how far the EU is planning to take their ban on animal testing, but I’m interested in how the law is going to be worded regarding ingredients vs. finished products. The thought of precious animals being tortured is very painful to me, but I’m not sure what the answer is at this point. It’s not as simple a solution as some people think. Trust me.
I think that it is up to us to individually decide where we draw the line on supporting, or not supporting, companies that continue to test on animals. We all have our own convictions, and attacking or accusing others gets us nowhere. Kelly has decided to take a stand for something she believes in, I for one respect her fully for this. While it is a fact that animal testing has proved helpful and perhaps necessary in many areas, I’m not sure our cosmetics are a place that this kind of testing is needed. In refusing to support cosmetic companies that do animal testing a message can be sent that we, the consumers with all the money which, let’s face it, is their bottom line, will not spend our dollars when animal testing is involved and perhaps we can make a difference. The only way to know if you can make a difference is to try.
It didn’t seem to me like anyone was “attacking” anyone else. Some just believe that cosmetics is a rather convenient place to “draw the line.” Others also seem to conveniently forget that any cosmetics product that is now “cruelty free” wouldn’t exist without past animal testing.
I don’t think anyone was trying to be mean or say they didn’t respect someone else as a person, they just disagree on this point and this is the point that’s being discussed.
Ok, what can we do collectively to get this nonsense of testing on animals stopped? I would prefer to pay $2 more for something so that they could pay a human to test it! At least then, the choice would be made by someone, not forced on an animal with no voice of their own! I look at my babies and can’t imagine someone testing a product that is only for the vanity of society! Kelly – can’t you start a petition or something? Your voice is big! People read and listen to you! I’ll be the first to sign! Count me in…
Hi Di,
If I had a clone or another 24 hours in the day I would, but I just don’t have the bandwidth right now. 🙁
@Mich, I really don’t see how it’s anyone else’s business to begin with, and that goes BOTH ways. If people want to continue to buy OPI, good. If people are uncomfortable and want to stop, that’s their right as well. To go around criticizing people’s personal policies that don’t affect you in the slightest? That strikes me as a little ridiculous, and I take more issue with the policing of other people’s personal life decisions than I do with someone supposedly being “hypocritical.”
I’ll say it again. People make their own decisions on what to boycott and what not to boycott by what is best for THEM as individuals. That’s all there is to it.
It’s their business if you post it on a public website that encourages discussion. I NEVER said it wasn’t someone’s right to stop buying, and I NEVER criticized anyone’s personal policies. How on earth was I “policing” anyone’s personal life decisions?
I very clearly said that I did NOT judge anyone or not respect anyone because our opinions differed in one area. I never said they weren’t entitled to have their own opinion, just like I am entitled to have mine, and I stated my opinion in a very nice way. It’s too bad some people can’t do the same.
That’s great that you’re taking a stand so passionately, and I respect you for doing that! I love your blog and I’m an avid reader – but wait, didn’t you just swatch the Estee Lauder holiday polishes? They test on animals too, no? :O
Hi Nikki,
No they don’t.