David H. McConnell founded the California Perfume Company in New York in 1886. McConnell developed a direct-sales model, employing women as independent sales representatives to sell fragrance and beauty products directly to consumers. The company was renamed Avon Products in 1939, inspired by Stratford-upon-Avon in England.
Throughout the 20th century, Avon expanded internationally, establishing operations across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and other regions. The company became one of the world's largest beauty companies. Avon went public in 1946 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company became known for its "Avon Calling" advertising campaigns and its model of empowering women through sales representative opportunities.
Avon faced increasing competition and operational challenges in the 2010s. In January 2020, Natura &Co, a Brazilian beauty conglomerate, completed its acquisition of Avon for approximately $3.7 billion. Under Natura's ownership, Avon was integrated into a portfolio that also included The Body Shop and Aesop.
In August 2024, Avon Products Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The filing was driven by significant liabilities from talc-related lawsuits alleging that Avon's talcum powder products caused cancer due to asbestos contamination. Natura &Co served as the stalking horse bidder with a credit bid of $125 million. The bankruptcy court confirmed Avon's Chapter 11 plan on September 24, 2025, and the plan became effective on October 7, 2025, approximately one year after the initial filing. Avon emerged from bankruptcy with its talc liabilities resolved through the plan.