Mary Kay vs Avon: Products, Pay Plans and Key Differences
Mary Kay vs Avon compares two of the best-known beauty direct sellers. Both sell cosmetics and skincare through independent representatives, but their ownership, structure and recent histories differ. Avon went through a Chapter 11 reorganization of its U.S. holding company in 2024 to 2025, while Mary Kay remains privately held.
Key facts
- Mary Kay: founded September 13, 1963, by Mary Kay Ash; privately held
- Avon: founded in 1886; brand owned by Natura &Co until the sale of Avon International reported Jan 2026
- Avon bankruptcy: Avon Products, Inc. filed Chapter 11 on Aug 12, 2024; the holding company has not sold in the U.S. since 2016
- Revenue lists: Mary Kay does not appear on DSN’s 2026 list because reporting is voluntary
- Check: each company’s compensation plan and income disclosure for your market
Origins and Ownership
Mary Kay began as Beauty by Mary Kay on September 13, 1963, when founder Mary Kay Ash and her children launched the company with a Basic Treatment Set of skincare products. Learn more in our profile, Mary Kay Ash and the story behind the pink Cadillac. Avon is much older, founded in 1886, according to its bankruptcy counsel. Natura &Co acquired Avon in 2020. In August 2024 the non-operating U.S. holding company, Avon Products, Inc., filed Chapter 11 to address debt and talc-related legal liabilities; Avon’s operating businesses outside the U.S. were not part of the filing. Natura bought the international operations through a $125 million credit bid approved in December 2024. The court said in August 2025 it would confirm the plan, and in January 2026 Natura finalized the sale of Avon International to Regent LP, keeping Latin America.
Products and Selling Model
Both companies sell skincare, makeup and fragrance, with Avon also historically known for catalogs and a wider mix including fashion and home items. Mary Kay is known for its skincare sets and in-person demonstrations; Avon has long used brochures and online ordering. Both use independent representatives who earn on their own product sales, with different team bonuses. For compensation vocabulary read MLM compensation plans explained.
Business Opportunity and Costs
Costs differ by country and change over time. Typical items to compare are the starter kit price, any required minimum order, ongoing fees, and refund or buyback terms. Ask for the current income disclosure for your market and compare the share of representatives at each earnings level, using our guide to how to read an income disclosure statement. Our buyback policy explainer covers what happens if you quit with unsold stock.
Which Is Larger and What Do Rankings Show?
Revenue rankings are voluntary. Avon’s parent Natura &Co ranked fourth among product companies on DSN’s 2026 list at $4.4 billion, but that figure covers the Natura &Co group, not the Avon brand alone. Mary Kay is private and absent from the 2026 list. In the UK, Euromonitor reports Avon held a 13% share of direct selling in 2025. See the top 10 MLM companies and top 500 direct selling companies for context.
How to Choose Between Them
Decide using documents, not impressions. Read the current compensation plan, the income disclosure for your country, the refund and buyback terms, and independent complaints. Check news on ownership, since Avon’s structure has changed. If you are weighing other beauty sellers, see our Oriflame review and use the research steps in how to research an MLM company.
Key Takeaways
- Mary Kay is private and was founded in 1963; Avon dates to 1886.
- Avon’s U.S. holding company reorganized in Chapter 11, and Avon International changed owners.
- Rankings are voluntary and the Natura figure is not Avon alone.
- Compare income disclosures, costs and buyback terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avon still in business?
Yes. Avon’s operations outside the U.S. were not part of the 2024 Chapter 11 filing, and Natura &Co sold Avon International to Regent LP in a deal DSN reported in January 2026.
Is Mary Kay bigger than Avon?
Revenue rankings depend on voluntary reporting. Mary Kay is private and not on DSN’s 2026 list, and the Natura figure covers more than Avon, so a direct comparison is not reliable.
Which is cheaper to join, Mary Kay or Avon?
Costs vary by country and change. Compare the current starter kit, minimum orders and fees in your market, and ask about refunds and buybacks.
Are Mary Kay and Avon pyramid schemes?
Regulators look at whether pay depends on real retail sales rather than recruiting. See our MLM vs pyramid scheme guide for the criteria and check each company’s disclosures.
Sources
- Mary Kay: Our history
- Weil: Avon Chapter 11 plan confirmation decision
- PR Newswire: Avon Products, Inc. Chapter 11 announcement (Aug 12, 2024)
- Direct Selling News: Natura &Co finalizes sale of Avon International
- Direct Selling News: 2026 Global 100 list
QastMe does not endorse any company. Information is for education only and is not financial or legal advice. Earnings in direct selling vary widely, and most participants earn little or no money. Review each company’s income disclosure statement before deciding.
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