Sephora launched Project Hearts Not Hate, its global initiative to combat appearance-based hate, with an evening event in partnership with Vogue Business. The Shangri-La Paris hosted an evening of conversations, cocktails, and dinner to celebrate the launch.

“I wouldn’t call it a project. I think it’s more than a project — it’s really an initiative, a commitment,” said Guillaume Motte, Sephora’s president and global CEO, in his opening remarks. “This is actually the first time that Sephora has chosen to champion a cause globally across our 37 markets.”

The executive continued: “People experience hate because of their appearance, and we want to fight back and help change those perceptions. With humility, we hope to achieve this together. While we don’t expect to change the world overnight, every individual can make an impact. As a beauty leader, we want to shape not only our industry, but also how we live and respect one another’s differences.”

Sephora partnered with Right To Be, a US-based non-profit dedicated to tackling appearance-based hate, to develop the Sephora H.E.A.R.T.S Training, a comprehensive method to prevent, intervene in, and follow up on incidents where someone experiences hate because of how they look. To kick things off, Sephora will make a donation for every Sephora Collection product sold on October 9 and 10. The funds will support the rollout of the Sephora H.E.A.R.T.S training.

“We want to express our purpose through our actions, not just advertising, as an organization,” said Deborah Yeh, Sephora’s global chief marketing officer, during a panel discussion.

Sephora commissioned Ipsos BVA to carry out a global survey to better understand the scale and impact of appearance-based hate. The study, which surveyed more than 20,000 adults aged 18 and above across 10 markets — Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Mexico, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and the US — revealed that 7 in 10 adults have experienced some form of appearance-based discrimination, and almost one in two over the last 12 months.

“It’s a very widespread phenomenon,” said Adélaïde Zulfikarpasic, CEO of the society division at Ipsos BVA. On the impact, she noted that 76% reported changing or restricting their daily lives as a result of appearance-based hate, while 59% believe it affects their self-confidence. “The consequences of appearance-based hate are anything but neutral.”

Zulfikarpasic went on to share two surprising figures: in 42% of cases, the person responsible is someone the individual knows personally, while in 88% of cases, the incident occurs offline, on the street, or even at home.

Also on the panel was Emily May, co-founder and President of Right To Be, who explained that there is a spectrum of appearance-based hate. She elaborated: “It’s hate based simply on what you look like,” she said. “It could be your skin tone, your hair texture, being too tall or too short, too fat or too skinny. It could be a visible disability or a facial difference.”

According to the Ipsos BVA survey, the top three factors people reported were: weight, origin or ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

Ultimately, May argued that building a strong sense of community can serve as a form of protection. “Community is the immunity,” she said. When people feel safe, loved, included, and accepted, they develop a stronger sense of belonging. This support can help them cope with appearance-based hate without questioning their own lovability.

The survey also shows that people want to help, but don’t always know how. There’s a gap between awareness and action: 57% of respondents have witnessed a situation wherWhen someone has been judged, bullied, or excluded because of their appearance, 81% of people believe that others do not act because they are unsure how to react to the situation. People expect brands and companies to help them: 74% believe that brands in general can help, and more specifically, three-quarters suggest that beauty brands have a role to play through their influence on beauty standards and representation. Harold James.

Photo: Cesare Piaser

On the Sephora H.E.A.R.T.S Training program, Yeh said: “It is designed to help allies and bystanders prevent, intervene in, and address appearance-based hate. We can use it for our employees and also invite the public to participate.” Sephora has already begun enrolling employees in training on appearance-based hate and plans to fully launch its Sephora H.E.A.R.T.S. Training program in 2027. Sephora plans to expand and tailor the program more broadly across each of its markets. “We have a lot of work ahead,” Yeh concluded. Guests including singer Camélia Jordana, actress Aïssa Maïga, global makeup artist Harold James, Olympic-winning judoka Romane Dicko, Haute Couture designer Julien Fournié, and creators Nikki Lilly and Louise Parent continued the evening on the terrace, with the sparkling Eiffel Tower as the backdrop.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Inside Sephora Vogue Business Global Cause Launch

Beginner Questions

What is Inside Sephora
Its Sephoras internal news and information platform where employees can read company updates stories and announcements

What is Vogue Business
Its a publication from Vogue that covers the business side of fashion beauty and luxury industries

What did Sephora and Vogue Business launch together
They partnered on a global causean initiative to drive positive change in the beauty industry announced at an evening event

When and where did the launch happen
It was announced at an evening event hosted by the two brands

What is the cause about
It focuses on making the beauty industry more inclusive sustainable and responsible Full details are in the official announcement

Who can get involved
Sephora employees brand partners industry professionals and consumers can all take part

Is this a onetime event or an ongoing effort
Its an ongoing global initiative not just a single evening

Why did Sephora and Vogue Business team up
Sephora brings retail reach and beauty expertise Vogue Business brings industry influence and storytelling Together they can push change faster

Intermediate Questions

What are the main goals of the initiative
To raise industry standards support underrepresented voices and promote more sustainable practices in beauty

How is this different from other beauty industry campaigns
Its a global crossbrand effort backed by two major industry players rather than a single companys campaign

What benefits does it offer to participating brands
Greater visibility alignment with a respected cause and access to a global platform through Sephora and Vogue Business

How can my brand or company join
Reach out through Sephoras or Vogue Businesss official partnership channels Details are usually in the launch press release

What does global cause actually mean here
It means the initiative operates across multiple countries and markets not just one region

How will progress be measured
Through published goals timelines and impact reports Check the official announcement for specific metrics

Will there be events beyond the launch evening
Yesthe launch is just the start Expect followup programs campaigns and reporting