Estée Lauder's Breast Cancer Campaign: A Global Crusade for Health

ELC's Breast Cancer Campaign: Destigmatizing disease and championing early detection to save lives.

Thirty years ago, Evelyn Lauder transformed her breast cancer diagnosis into a global call to action with the launch of Estée Lauder's Breast Cancer Campaign. Today, this initiative is a significant contribution towards combating this pervasive disease.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (ELC) is a titan in the global prestige beauty industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and luxury. With a portfolio of over 20 esteemed brands, ELC manufactures, markets, and sells a wide array of skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products. Prominent brands under the Estée Lauder umbrella include Clinique, MAC, La Mer, and Jo Malone London, each known for their unique identity and loyal consumer base. Founded in 1946 by Estée Lauder, the company has expanded its reach to over 150 countries, providing beauty enthusiasts worldwide with premium products that cater to a diverse range of beauty needs and preferences. With net sales reaching $15.91 billion in Fiscal Year 2023, ELC continues to dominate the beauty sector, driving trends and setting standards for luxury and prestige worldwide.

A Legacy of Awareness and Advocacy

In 1992, inspired by her own battle with breast cancer, Evelyn Lauder co-created the now-iconic pink ribbon with Self Magazine, symbolising breast cancer awareness. This marked the beginning of the Breast Cancer Campaign, which has since grown into Estée Lauder Companies' (ELC) most extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort. Evelyn's vision was clear: to destigmatise the disease and promote early detection to save lives.

Estee Lauder Companies has contributed more than $131 million to lifesaving research, educational efforts, and medical services globally.

Funding Lifesaving Research and Education

Through the Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, the campaign has mobilised resources significantly. More than $131 million has been directed towards lifesaving research, educational efforts, and medical services globally. In partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF), over $103 million has been specifically allocated to medical research to advance the most promising studies to eradicate breast cancer.

Global Illuminations and Engagements

Each October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ELC illuminates landmarks worldwide in pink—from the Empire State Building in New York to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Nanpu Bridge in Shanghai. This spectacle not only raises awareness but also unites communities across the globe in support of the cause. Additionally, ELC's top-selling products, like the Advanced Night Repair Serum, are specially packaged in pink to further drive campaign visibility and funding.

Estée Lauder's Breast Cancer Campaign demonstrates the powerful role that corporate social responsibility can play in making a meaningful and enduring difference in global health.