#ProductAlert #UndefineBeauty #ParisPeachy @Coty hosts an expert panel to deconstruct beauty myths #UndefineBeauty
Coty (NYSE: COTY) (Paris: COTY), one of the world's largest beauty companies with an iconic portfolio of brands across fragrance, makeup, skincare, and body, hosted a panel discussion to discuss restrictive definitions of beauty. As part of the next chapter of the award-winning #UndefineBeauty campaign, the panel deconstructs beauty myths and incorporates perspectives from neuroscience, art, social media, sociology, and mental health, highlighting the need for collective action to shift mindsets.
"There is no single, universal standard of beauty; our perception of beauty is learned rather than innate," explains neuroscientist and psychologist John-Dylan Haynes, a professor at Charité University Medical School in Berlin.
“As a beauty company, we have a responsibility to reflect a diverse vision of beauty,” said Sue Nabi, Coty’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our long-term commitment to this campaign, including our recent panel discussion, underscores our commitment to creating beauty for all. Our goal is to help everyone feel good, beautiful, and fulfilled.”
Coty launched the #UndefineBeauty campaign in 2023 with an open letter to major English dictionary publishers, calling on them to update the current definition of the word “beauty.” The phrase “she was considered a great beauty in her youth” is often cited in dictionaries to illustrate this concept; the #UndefineBeauty campaign considers these examples to be limiting and exclusionary. To date, dictionary publishers have not responded, and Coty renews its call for the definition to evolve to better reflect today’s society.
The power of collective action
Coty invites everyone to join the #UndefineBeauty movement and contribute to change by signing the petition on change.org .
For more information about the #UndefineBeauty campaign and to sign the petition, visit coty.com/undefine-beauty .
About Coty Inc.
Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies, with a portfolio of iconic fragrance, skincare, and makeup brands. Coty distributes its prestige and mass-market products in more than 130 countries. Coty and its brands encourage everyone to express themselves freely, creating their own unique vision of beauty. We are committed to limiting our environmental impact on the planet. Learn more at coty.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About #UndefineBeauty
Launched in 2023, the #UndefineBeauty campaign recognizes that current definitions of the term “beauty” in the English language are outdated and no longer reflect the values of today’s society. Specifically, the examples cited in major English dictionary entries to define “beauty” are both limiting and exclusionary. “ She was a great beauty in her youth ” is the example often cited in major dictionaries to illustrate this concept, and whose exclusionary effects were highlighted in a social experiment involving 100 people from around the world .
Since its launch, the #UndefineBeauty campaign has reached over 350 million people worldwide, garnered widespread media attention, and been recognized with prestigious industry awards. Its online petition, calling on major English-language dictionaries to review outdated definitions of "beauty," has garnered thousands of signatures. High-profile figures such as Billy Porter, Coco Rocha, Marc Jacobs, Maya Jama, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Tom Daley, Vera Wang, and Wolfgang Joop have publicly expressed their support for the campaign.
Comments from the speakers
John-Dylan Haynes, neuroscientist and psychologist, professor at the Charité University Medical School in Berlin
“The criteria that influence our perception of beauty are largely acquired. It is therefore essential to break these chains and challenge the idea that there is a single, stereotypical definition of beauty.”
Anita Bhagwandas, award-winning journalist and author of UGLY : Giving Us Back Our Beauty Standards
“Since I was four years old, as I explain in my book, I have felt what it meant to feel 'ugly.' The word trapped me. I believe we need to be able to take back control of our beauty standards because it empowers and liberates us.”
Jessica Bondy, founder of Words Matter, a nonprofit dedicated to improving children's mental and physical health by combating verbal abuse from adults
“Words matter. They have the power to encourage and inspire, but also to crush and destroy. It is crucial to help young people build themselves up rather than putting them down.”
Denise Schindler, multi-medal Paralympic cyclist, three-time world champion
“If I had two legs, my life would have been completely different. I think it’s essential to have people around us who tell us, ‘You can do it.’ And that’s exactly what we can do with this campaign: encourage people to speak out and make a difference.”
Ewa Grzelakowska-Kostoglu, aka “Red Lipstick Monster”, beauty influencer
“We need to normalize that all expressions of beauty are valid, that all people and all bodies are accepted.”
Francisco Vidal, Portuguese-Angolan contemporary artist
“Beauty comes from within. We have a universe within us as vast as the one around us, and it is crucial to learn to balance the two. We must fight to be ourselves.”
Priya Srinivasan, Director of People and Engagement at Coty
“The lighter your skin, the more beautiful you are supposed to be. So, clearly, with my skin tone, I was automatically excluded from that equation.”
