The Estée Lauder Companies, one of the world's leaders in luxury cosmetics, has been involved in the global campaign against breast cancer for over 30 years: it is the group's most important social impact programme.

In 2012, in France and in support of the Ruban Rose association, the Estée Lauder Companies Pink Ribbon Photo Award was launched, with the aim of raising public awareness of this cause through photography.

Since 2017, Paris Photo has welcomed the competition as a charity partner, hosting the awards ceremony as well as the exhibition of finalists and winners.