Neutrogena

Last updated
Neutrogena Corporation
Company type Subsidiary
IndustryCosmetics
Founded1930 (as Natone)
1962 (as Neutrogena)
FounderEmanuel Stolaroff
Headquarters Skillman, New Jersey,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Revenueless than US$ 4 billion (2020)
Parent Kenvue
Website Neutrogena.com
Neutrogena "Norwegian Formula" hand cream Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.jpg
Neutrogena "Norwegian Formula" hand cream

Neutrogena Corporation, [1] trading as Neutrogena, is an American company that produces cosmetics, skin care and hair care, is owned by parent company Kenvue and is headquartered in Skillman, New Jersey. [2] According to product advertising at their website, Neutrogena products are distributed in more than 70 countries. [3]

Contents

Neutrogena was founded in 1930 by Emanuel Stolaroff, and was originally a cosmetics company named Natone. Johnson & Johnson acquired the independent company in 1994. [4]

The company originally supplied to department stores and salons that catered for the Hollywood film industry. [5]

History

In 1930, Emanuel Stolaroff started a small company called Natone. [6] Stolaroff met Belgian chemist Edmond Fromont in 1954, and acquired the rights to distribute his patented formula of a mild clear soap that cleared the skin, without drying it, in the US. [2] By then, Lloyd Cotsen had entered the Stolaroff family by marrying his daughter Joanne Stolaroff. [5] In 1962, the company name was officially changed to Neutrogena Corporation; Cotsen became president in 1967. [7]

The company listed publicly on the NASDAQ in 1973, with a market value of $1.2 million. [8] Cotsen started marketing soap through two major channels: dermatologists and luxury hotels. [9] The company launched product lines in acne and anti-aging areas. [5] In 1982, profits reached US$3 million, and Cotsen was named the CEO. [5]

In 1994, Johnson & Johnson acquired Neutrogena for $924 million, at a price of $35.25 per share. [1] Johnson & Johnson's international network helped Neutrogena boost its sales and enter newer markets including India, South Africa, and China. Priced at a premium, Neutrogena products are distributed in over 70 countries. The company has major subsidiaries in Canada, United Kingdom, South Korea and India. [2]

In 2020, Neutrogena launched Skin360, a free-to-use web application which employs advanced algorithms to analyze various aspects of a user's skin, taking into account factors such as hydration levels, texture, and fine lines. [10] Additionally, it considers external elements like weather conditions and environmental changes, to provide a tailored assessment of the user’s skin, personalized skin care routine, and ongoing monitoring.[ citation needed ]

At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2023, Neutrogena announced a partnership with Nourished, a vitamin brand that 3D-prints customized gummy supplements using Skin360. [11]

Position on animal testing

As of 2023, Neutrogena is not certified by any major cruelty-free organizations such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Leaping Bunny, or Cruelty-Free International. This status indicates that Neutrogena products or the ingredients used in their products may be tested on animals, either by the company or its suppliers, or as required by law. [12]

The company has stated that it does not conduct animal testing on their cosmetic products or ingredients, except in rare situations where governments or laws require it. [13] For instance, Neutrogena sells products in China, whose regulators conduct animal testing on cosmetics to be sold within its territory.[ citation needed ]  

Neutrogena has explored alternative testing methods in response to the growing consumer demand for cruelty-free products. The brand has invested in and utilized in vitro methods to ensure product safety and efficacy without the use of animal testing where regulations permit. For instance, the company has been a participant in industry consortia like the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) since its inception in 2005. [14]

Products

The version of the pink grapefruit "Oil-Free Acne Wash" available in Quebec, Canada. Photo of Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Wash and Scrub.jpg
The version of the pink grapefruit "Oil-Free Acne Wash" available in Quebec, Canada.

Neutrogena has a multitude of product lines available in different countries. In the United States, Neutrogena has products in categories such as skin care (including sunscreen and acne treatments), makeup, and hair care. [15]

Neutrogena products are not the same globally. For example, in the United States, Neutrogena sells an "Oil Free Acne Wash with Salicylic Acid," while in the United Kingdom, they sell the "Clear & Defend 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash." [16] [17] Although both products contain 2% salicylic acid, they contain different inactive ingredients. Another example is the American "Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub" and the British "Clear & Radiant Daily Face Scrub." [18] [19] While both are face scrubs containing pink grapefruit, only the American version contains salicylic acid.[ citation needed ]

Neutrogena also promotes various causes through their products. For example, Johnson & Johnson lists them as one of their brands pioneering sustainable techniques in their industry by creating products such as plant-based compostable cleansing wipes. [20] They also have released limited edition packaging in partnership with Care With Pride, which is run by Johnson & Johnson in support of the LGBTQ community. [21]

Promotional Strategies

Prachi Desai at an event for Neutrogena Prachi Desai at Launch of Neutrogena's products (8).jpg
Prachi Desai at an event for Neutrogena

Neutrogena has used celebrity endorsements for years. In 2022, actress Jennifer Garner celebrated the 15th anniversary of her promotions with Neutrogena, with whom she has worked on various campaigns. [22] Other ambassadors for the brand include Chloe x Halle, Lana Condor, Prachi Desai, Jenna Ortega, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. [23] [24] [25] [26]

While the brand was under Cotsen's leadership, they started to work with dermatologists in the US. Products are often labeled as recommended by or developed with dermatologists. The brand lists this as helping to "drive the business to new heights." [27]

The Power of Light

In 2016, Neutrogena launched their first primarily digital campaign in the United States, The Power of Light, aligning with the launch of the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask. [28] This campaign primarily consisted of short video ads and partnerships with influencers and public figures, such as Nash Grier and Olivia Holt. The campaign aimed to make the product seem more “fun, youthful, and vibrant.” [28]

The campaign was successful, the growth in product awareness outperformed that of Johnson & Johnson's other campaigns by thirteen times. [28] Reportedly, executives from Johnson & Johnson started to lean more into digital campaigns following its success.[ citation needed ]

Amazon

To increase sales of their line of Hydro Boost products in India, Neutrogena used the Demand Side Platform of Amazon. [29] They created both video advertisements and display advertisements, linking viewers to the store. The project successfully drew consumers in, with a 9.8% conversion rate and a return on advertising spending of 4.8. [29]

Spotify Partnership

Neutrogena partnered with Spotify to promote the launch of Neutrogena's Stubborn Acne (AM) and Stubborn Marks (PM) product lines. [30] The target audience for Neutrogena's ads coincided with the majority of people who listened to Spotify ads, that is Spotify users without a premium subscription. They created audio and visual ads which successfully increased listeners brand awareness and intention to purpose by 12 and 13 points respectively. [30]

Recalls and Controversies

Sunscreen recall

In July 2021, parent company Johnson & Johnson recalled four Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen products and one Aveeno branded spray from stores in the United States after detecting the carcinogen benzene in some samples. [31] [32] The recalled products were the following:

- Neutrogena Beach Defense® aerosol

- Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol

- Neutrogena Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol

- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® aerosol

The independent lab that conducted the research specified that the contamination was found in a specific batch of product rather than in a specific brand. The company went on to state that benzene is not used in the manufacturing process of the sprays and said it began an investigation into the source of the contamination. [33] [34]

Light Therapy Masks Recall

In July 2019, Neutrogena issued a recall of its Light Therapy Masks, originally released in October 2016, as it was found to be a “theoretical risk of eye injury” for a small portion of the population with underlying eye conditions, as well as users taking medications that could enhance ocular photosensitivity. The brand specified that the product is safe to use for the general population, and that the recall was made out of an abundance of caution. [35] The blue lights in the masks reportedly caused mild and transient visual adverse events. [36]

Skin Lightening Products Discontinuation

In 2020, parent company Johnson & Johnson decided to remove Neutrogena and Clean&Clear's "dark spot reducers" products from the shelves in Asia and the Middle East. The product, advertised as a dark spot reducer, was mainly purchased by consumers to lighten their skin tone. Accused of claiming that fairness or white was better than other skin colours, the company decide to discontinue the product. They also released a statement saying that "This was never our intention - healthy skin is beautiful skin." The production and shipping of the product has since then been stopped. This controversy came in light of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, after backlash towards companies using racist imagery as a selling point started erupting. [37] [38] [39]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cosmetics</span> Substances applied to the body to change appearance or fragrance

Cosmetics are composed of mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes, including personal and skin care. They can also be used to conceal blemishes and enhance natural features. Makeup can also add colour to a person's face, enhance a person's features or change the appearance of the face entirely to resemble a different person, creature, or object.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunscreen</span> Topical skin product that helps protect against sunburn

Sunscreen, also known as sunblock, sun lotion or sun cream, is a photoprotective topical product for the skin that helps protect against sunburn and prevent skin cancer. Sunscreens come as lotions, sprays, gels, foams, sticks, powders and other topical products. Sunscreens are common supplements to clothing, particularly sunglasses, sunhats and special sun protective clothing, and other forms of photoprotection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moisturizer</span> Type of cosmetics

A moisturizer, or emollient, is a cosmetic preparation used for protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin. These functions are normally performed by sebum produced by healthy skin. The word "emollient" is derived from the Latin verb mollire, to soften.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trolamine salicylate</span> Chemical compound

Trolamine salicylate is an organic compound with the chemical formula [HN(CH2CH2OH)3]+C6H4(OH)(COO). It is a salt of triethanolamine and salicylic acid, i.e. the compound consists of protonated triethanolamine and the conjugate base of salicylic acid, salicate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Proactiv</span> Acne focused skincare products

Proactiv is an American brand of skin-care products developed by two American dermatologists, Katie Rodan and Kathy A. Fields, and launched in 1995 by Guthy-Renker, a California-based direct marketing company, that was endorsed by famous celebrities The range includes moisturizers, body washes and treatment products, but the brand is known for its three-step anti-acne Solutions 3-step routine consisting of a BPO cleanser, glycolic toner and treatment lotion. Proactiv+, a reformulation of the three-step kit, was introduced in 2013, and in 2017, ProactivMD launches powered by Adapalene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olay</span> American skin care brand owned by Procter & Gamble

Olay or Olaz, previously Oil of Olay, Oil of Olaz, Oil of Ulan, or Oil of Ulay, is an American skin care brand owned by Procter & Gamble. For the 2009 fiscal year, which ended on June 30, Olay accounted for an estimated $2.8 billion of P&G's revenue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azelaic acid</span> Organic chemical compound

Azelaic acid (AzA) is an organic compound with the formula HOOC(CH2)7COOH. This saturated dicarboxylic acid exists as a white powder. It is found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is a precursor to diverse industrial products including polymers and plasticizers, as well as being a component of a number of hair and skin conditioners. AzA inhibits tyrosinase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exfoliation (cosmetology)</span> Removal of dead skin cells from the epidermis

In cosmetology, exfoliation is the removal of the surface skin cells and built-up dirt from the skin's surface. The term comes from the Latin word exfoliare. This is a regular practice within the cosmetic industry, both for its outcome of promoting skin regeneration as well as providing a deep cleanse of the skin barrier. Being used in facials, this process can be achieved by mechanical or chemical means, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels. Exfoliants are advertised as treatments that enhance beauty and promote a youthful and healthy appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2-Ethylhexyl salicylate</span> Chemical compound

2-Ethylhexyl salicylate also known as octisalate or octyl salicylate, is an organic compound used as an ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics to absorb UVB (ultraviolet) rays from the sun. It is an ester formed by the condensation of salicylic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. It is a colorless oily liquid with a slight floral odor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skin care</span> Range of practices that support skin integrity

Skin care or skincare is a range of practices that support skin integrity, enhance its appearance, and relieve skin conditions. They can include nutrition, avoidance of excessive sun exposure, and appropriate use of emollients. Practices that enhance appearance include the use of cosmetics, botulinum, exfoliation, fillers, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, peels, retinol therapy, and ultrasonic skin treatment. Skin care is a routine daily procedure in many settings, such as skin that is either too dry or too moist, and prevention of dermatitis and prevention of skin injuries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rohto Pharmaceutical</span> Japanese consumer goods company

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a multinational corporation in fast-moving consumer goods and pharmaceutical corporation headquartered in Ikuno-ku, Osaka, Japan. with revenues steadily increasing from ¥95,619 million in 2006 to ¥120,292 million in 2011. Skin care contributes to 61.3% of the revenues, while Eye Care contributes to 21% of their sales.

Aveeno is an American brand of skin care and hair care products owned by American consumer health company Kenvue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clean & Clear</span>

Clean & Clear is an American brand of dermatology products owned by Kenvue.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare is an American medicals products company belonging to Kenvue consumer health group. It primarily sells fast-moving consumer goods such as over-the-counter drugs.

Personal care products are consumer products which are applied on various external parts of the body such as skin, hair, nails, lips, external genital and anal areas, as well as teeth and mucous membrane of the oral cavity, in order to make them clean, protect them from harmful germs and keep them in good condition. They promote personal hygiene and overall health, well-being and appearance of those body parts. Toiletries form a narrower category of personal care products which are used for basic hygiene and cleanliness as a part of a daily routine. Cosmetic products, in contrast, are used for personal grooming and beautification. Pharmaceutical products are not considered personal care products.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BB cream</span> Type of cosmetic

BB cream is a marketing term that stands for blemish balm, blemish base, beblesh balm, and in Western markets, beauty balm, beauty blend... Products marketed as BB creams are generally designed to serve as a foundation, moisturizer, and sunscreen all at once.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Facial care</span>

Facial care is a comprehensive process that involves a variety of products and routines aimed at maintaining the health, appearance, and radiance of the skin. The effectiveness of a facial care regimen depends on various factors such as skin type, sensitivity, age, hyperpigmentation, and acne. To achieve the best results, it is crucial to choose products that are suitable for your specific skin type and address any particular skin concerns you may have. There are many different forms of skin care treatments and practices, each offering unique benefits for the skin. Some popular forms of facial care include facial steaming, facial massage, and the use of masks. These treatments can help to cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it looking and feeling refreshed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnson's Baby</span> American cosmetics brand

Johnson's Baby is an American brand of baby cosmetics and skin care products owned by Kenvue. The brand was introduced in 1893 with Johnson's Baby Powder. The product line consists of baby powder, shampoos, body lotions, massage oil, shower gels and baby wipes.

A Certified Organic Sunscreen, also known as Petrochemical-Free Sunscreen, is a third party certified sunscreen product consisting of certified and approved organic ingredients, with typically zinc oxide acting as the photo-protector. An organic sunscreen is verified and approved by a certifier to international or national organic standards, such as NSF/ANSI 305 and USDA organic, which define production and labelling requirements for personal care products containing organic ingredients. These standards are complemented by existing sunscreen regulatory bodies such as the FDA that regulate the efficacy of the sunscreen, safety and permitted ingredients. Generally speaking, sunscreen has photo-protective properties that reduce the risk of skin cancer and ageing with relation to the SPF value and proper application.

Lloyd Edward Cotsen was an American businessman.

References

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