Because Mary Kay Inc. performs or supervises every step of the product cycle from inspiration to formulation to distribution, each new product must pass through a series of stringent research and consumer testing procedures. Mary Kay scientists bring their innovative insight to study new ingredients and formulas, and test them for safety, quality, stability, purity, skin efficacy, product usage, performance and, of course, consumer acceptance.

Scientific experts assess every individual ingredient and every finished product.
This rigorous testing, and retesting, is performed or supervised by members of the Mary Kay Research & Development laboratories, including Ph.D.s and other advanced-degreed scientists in such areas as toxicology, pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry and biochemistry.

Every product decision is based on scientific fact, not opinion.
Mary Kay Inc. relies on proven scientific research utilizing the most advanced technologies available, and the Company will not use any ingredient until our testing has proven it safe and effective for use.

Independent board-certified dermatologists and other medical experts play a vital role in product testing.
Clinical testing is conducted in independent laboratories where volunteers use Mary Kay® products under strict supervision and evaluation by board-certified dermatologists and ophthalmologists. Mary Kay Inc. also conducts extensive laboratory testing to ensure against skin irritancy and allergy and uses state-of-the-art methods to evaluate all products to be used in the eye area.

All skin care and cosmetic products are regulated by governmental health and safety authorities.
Before any product is allowed on the market, it must pass stringent government safety requirements. As a matter of principle, Mary Kay Inc. regularly goes beyond what is required by law when it comes to product safety.

For more information about:

Clinical and Consumer Evaluation

A Message from the Vice President of Research & Development

Corporate Values and Awards