Is Neutrogena the same company as Johnson & Johnson?

Neutrogena was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1994, but Neutrogena is now ultimately owned by Kenvue Inc. Johnson & Johnson separated its consumer-health business into Kenvue in 2023.

Who makes Neutrogena products today?

Neutrogena products are made and marketed within Kenvue’s consumer-health business. The ownership chain is Neutrogena, Neutrogena Corporation, then Kenvue Inc.

What made Neutrogena famous?

Neutrogena became known for a mild clear soap formula marketed under the Neutrogena name. The brand later emphasized dermatologist relationships and used the advertising claim “Recommended by dermatologists.”

When did Neutrogena start selling skincare beyond soap?

Neutrogena expanded beyond its original soap over the years into sunscreens, wrinkle creams, acne treatments and lip glosses. Natone had already begun manufacturing and distributing cosmetics for the retail market in the 1940s.

Was Neutrogena sold to another company?

Neutrogena was sold to Johnson & Johnson in 1994 for approximately $924.1 million in cash. Neutrogena later moved into Kenvue when Johnson & Johnson spun off its consumer-health business in 2023.

Is Neutrogena a vegan or cruelty-free brand?

A product’s vegan or animal-testing status can depend on the specific formula, market and certification. The available information does not establish a single vegan or cruelty-free status for every Neutrogena product.

Who owns Neutrogena?

Neutrogena

Ultimate ownerUnited StatesKenvue Inc.

Brand origin: United States
Main production: Several countries, incl. France

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Ownership chain

BrandNeutrogenaUnited States
Neutrogena Corporation
Ultimate ownerKenvue Inc.United States

About Neutrogena

What is Neutrogena?

Neutrogena is a consumer brand that makes skincare, haircare and cosmetic products. The brand developed from Natone, a cosmetics company founded by Emanuel Stolaroff in Los Angeles in 1930. Neutrogena became known for a mild, clear cleansing bar and later expanded into products for sun protection, acne care, anti-ageing skincare and makeup. Neutrogena products are sold through the official website, neutrogena.com, and through retail markets in multiple countries. Neutrogena products were distributed in more than 70 countries when Johnson & Johnson acquired the company in 1994. Neutrogena built its identity around dermatology. Under Lloyd Cotsen, the company emphasized relationships with dermatologists and used the advertising claim “Recommended by dermatologists.” The brand later broadened its range beyond its original soap into sunscreens, wrinkle creams, acne treatments and lip glosses. Neutrogena is part of Kenvue’s skincare business alongside Aveeno. Circana retail data reported that Neutrogena and Aveeno together represented 23 percent of the United States skincare market in 2019 and less than 14 percent in 2023. Neutrogena spent $51 million on national television advertising in 2022, according to iSpotTV data.

Who owns Neutrogena?

Neutrogena is ultimately owned by Kenvue Inc., according to Made O’Meter’s ownership data verified on 13 September 2026. The ownership chain is Neutrogena, Neutrogena Corporation, then Kenvue Inc. Kenvue Inc. is headquartered in the United States and is a publicly listed company. Kenvue became Neutrogena’s ultimate owner after Johnson & Johnson separated its consumer-health business into Kenvue in 2023. Kenvue’s portfolio also includes Aveeno, Band-Aid, Johnson’s, Listerine and Tylenol. Before the 2023 separation, Neutrogena was part of Johnson & Johnson’s consumer-health business. Johnson & Johnson acquired Neutrogena in 1994, when Neutrogena was still an independent company. Johnson & Johnson paid approximately $924.1 million in cash, or $35.25 per share, for the acquisition. Neutrogena is operated through the corporate ownership structure associated with Neutrogena Corporation and Kenvue. Kenvue describes Neutrogena as one of its skincare brands.

Where does Neutrogena come from?

Neutrogena originated in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1930. Emanuel Stolaroff founded Natone, the predecessor of Neutrogena, as a small cosmetics company. Natone initially supplied specialty cosmetics to beauty salons associated with the Hollywood film industry. In the 1940s, Natone began manufacturing and distributing cosmetics for the retail market. In 1954, Emanuel Stolaroff acquired United States distribution rights for a patented mild clear soap formula developed by Belgian chemist Edmond Fromont. Natone marketed the soap under the Neutrogena name. The soap became the group brand in 1962. The company also changed its name to Neutrogena Corporation in 1962. Neutrogena remained independent until Johnson & Johnson acquired the company in 1994. Neutrogena later became part of Kenvue when Johnson & Johnson’s consumer-health business was spun off in 2023. The brand therefore has United States origins, a history that began in Los Angeles, and current ownership through a United States public company.

What products does Neutrogena make?

Neutrogena makes skincare, haircare, sun-care and cosmetic products. The product range grew from the original mild clear soap into several personal-care categories. Neutrogena’s skincare products include facial cleansers, moisturisers, acne treatments, wrinkle creams and other products for different skin needs. Neutrogena also makes sunscreens, including the Beach Defense, Cool Dry Sport, Invisible Daily Defense and Ultra Sheer lines. Neutrogena’s cosmetics have included lip glosses and makeup-removal products. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes are one example of the brand’s cleansing and makeup-removal products. The original Neutrogena soap remains central to the brand’s history. The product was based on the mild clear formula developed by Edmond Fromont and distributed in the United States after Emanuel Stolaroff acquired the rights in 1954. Neutrogena has expanded its product range over time rather than remaining a single-product soap company. Its products now cover cleansing, moisturising, acne care, sun protection, anti-ageing skincare, makeup removal, lip products and haircare.

Where is Neutrogena made?

Neutrogena products are made through the manufacturing and supply operations associated with Neutrogena Corporation and Kenvue. The available ownership and brand records identify Neutrogena’s historical headquarters in Los Angeles and Kenvue’s United States corporate headquarters in Skillman, New Jersey, but they do not establish one manufacturing location for every Neutrogena product. Different Neutrogena products can have different manufacturing locations because skincare, sunscreen, cosmetics and haircare products may be produced through separate facilities and suppliers. The manufacturing country for a particular product is stated on its packaging or product label. Neutrogena originated as a Los Angeles cosmetics business. Natone first supplied salons connected with Hollywood before moving into retail cosmetics manufacturing and distribution in the 1940s. Current production is part of the broader Kenvue operating structure.

Is Neutrogena an American brand?

Neutrogena is an American brand because it was founded in Los Angeles, United States, in 1930 and developed from the United States cosmetics company Natone. Emanuel Stolaroff founded Natone in Los Angeles. The company initially served beauty salons associated with the Hollywood film industry and later entered the retail cosmetics market. Neutrogena is also American in its current ownership structure. Kenvue Inc., the ultimate owner, is headquartered in the United States and is publicly listed. Neutrogena’s international distribution does not change its United States origin. The brand has operated internationally for decades. Neutrogena products were distributed in more than 70 countries when Johnson & Johnson acquired Neutrogena in 1994.

How did Neutrogena change owners?

Neutrogena changed from an independent company to a Johnson & Johnson company in 1994 and then became part of Kenvue in 2023. Emanuel Stolaroff founded Natone in 1930. Natone introduced the Neutrogena name after Stolaroff acquired United States distribution rights for Edmond Fromont’s mild clear soap formula in 1954. The company changed its name to Neutrogena Corporation in 1962. Neutrogena remained independent until Johnson & Johnson acquired it in 1994. Johnson & Johnson paid approximately $924.1 million in cash for the company, equivalent to $35.25 per share. In 2023, Johnson & Johnson separated its consumer-health business into Kenvue Inc. That transaction made Kenvue the ultimate owner of Neutrogena. Kenvue is publicly listed, so Neutrogena is now owned through a publicly listed parent rather than through an independent standalone Neutrogena company.

Has Neutrogena had product recalls?

Neutrogena has had product recalls, including an aerosol sunscreen recall in 2021 and a makeup-wipe recall in 2025. In 2021, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. voluntarily recalled all lots of five Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen product lines after internal testing found low levels of benzene in some samples. The affected lines included Neutrogena Beach Defense, Cool Dry Sport, Invisible Daily Defense and Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreens. The recall covered all lots of the named product lines. In 2025, Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes were recalled after one lot tested positive for Pluralibacter gergoviae. The recall involved 1,312 cases distributed in Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. A recall applies to specified products, lots or product lines. Consumers can identify affected products by checking the product name, lot information and regulator or company recall notice.

How large is Neutrogena and where are its products sold?

Neutrogena products were distributed in more than 70 countries when Johnson & Johnson acquired Neutrogena in 1994. Neutrogena operates as part of Kenvue’s global consumer-health portfolio. Kenvue markets Neutrogena alongside other international personal-care and healthcare brands. Neutrogena’s market position has changed over time. Circana retail data reported that Neutrogena and Aveeno together accounted for 23 percent of the United States skincare market in 2019 and less than 14 percent in 2023. Neutrogena spent $51 million on national television advertising in the United States in 2022, according to iSpotTV data. That figure covers national television advertising and is not Neutrogena’s total revenue. A separate Neutrogena annual revenue figure and employee count are not included here because the available company reporting does not provide those figures for the brand as a standalone business.

Subsidiaries: Johnson & Johnson GmbH

Frequently asked questions about Neutrogena

Is Neutrogena the same company as Johnson & Johnson?: Neutrogena was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1994, but Neutrogena is now ultimately owned by Kenvue Inc. Johnson & Johnson separated its consumer-health business into Kenvue in 2023.
Who makes Neutrogena products today?: Neutrogena products are made and marketed within Kenvue’s consumer-health business. The ownership chain is Neutrogena, Neutrogena Corporation, then Kenvue Inc.
What made Neutrogena famous?: Neutrogena became known for a mild clear soap formula marketed under the Neutrogena name. The brand later emphasized dermatologist relationships and used the advertising claim “Recommended by dermatologists.”
When did Neutrogena start selling skincare beyond soap?: Neutrogena expanded beyond its original soap over the years into sunscreens, wrinkle creams, acne treatments and lip glosses. Natone had already begun manufacturing and distributing cosmetics for the retail market in the 1940s.
Was Neutrogena sold to another company?: Neutrogena was sold to Johnson & Johnson in 1994 for approximately $924.1 million in cash. Neutrogena later moved into Kenvue when Johnson & Johnson spun off its consumer-health business in 2023.
Was Neutrogena sunscreen recalled?: Yes. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. voluntarily recalled all lots of five Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen product lines in 2021 after internal testing found low levels of benzene in some samples. The named lines included Beach Defense, Cool Dry Sport, Invisible Daily Defense and Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreens.
Was Neutrogena makeup remover recalled?: Yes. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes were recalled in 2025 after one lot tested positive for Pluralibacter gergoviae. The recall involved 1,312 cases distributed in Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Is Neutrogena a vegan or cruelty-free brand?: A product’s vegan or animal-testing status can depend on the specific formula, market and certification. The available information does not establish a single vegan or cruelty-free status for every Neutrogena product.