Neutrogena aims to give science-backed skincare at an affordable price. The brand claims to be moving towards a more sustainable and ethical future of skincare, but will this include cruelty-free and vegan policies we can trust? We doubt it.
Neutrogena is not 100% cruelty-free or vegan, as its products are sold where animal testing is required by law. It also cannot be considered vegan as it is not cruelty-free.
24 years later, when Stolaroff patented a clear liquid soap called Neutrogena and began the mission to make science-driven skincare for everyone, the brand really began shaping into what we know today.
After a rebrand, cementing a relationship with the dermatology community, and expanding into hair care, Neutrogena went on to create many innovative products that are still a staple for many today.
This dermatologist-recommended brand might have cleaned up its formulas in the past few years, but we’re still waiting on some kind of initiative when it comes to its cruelty-free and vegan policies.
However, if you are looking for alternatives to Neutrogena in the same price range with the same quality, click here.
Neutrogena Ethical Overview
Neutrogena is Not Cruelty-Free
Test any of its products or ingredients on animals
NO
Purchase any ingredients tested on animals within its supply chain
Unclear
Distribute its products to any countries that require animal testing by law.
YES
Neutrogena might not be testing its products in its own labs, but this brand still allows others to do it by selling in mainland China.
The brand is also owned by Johnson & Johnson, which is well known to not be cruelty-free either for the same reason.
Does Neutrogena Test on Animals?
Neutrogena has never been considered cruelty-free. Today they don’t do any animal testing themselves, but that isn’t the problem.
For over two decades, the brand has been shipping to mainland China where animal testing is required by law.
Neutrogena is clear with its animal testing policy, and there is currently no talk about pulling out of China any time soon.
What Is Neutrogena’s Cruelty-Free Status in 2023?
Here is a screenshot of Neutrogena’s official statement regarding its cruelty-free policies and vegan products, taken from its website:
Neutrogena Has No Cruelty-Free Certification
The first step to getting cruelty-free certification is being 100% cruelty-free, and Neutrogena isn’t there yet.
Right now, the biggest thing holding Neutrogena back is the fact that they are still selling in mainland China.
While any brand can claim to be cruelty-free, we can only know if they have certification from a reliable organization to prove it.
Leaping Bunny certification proves that:
Neutrogena Is Sold Where Animal Testing is Required By Law
Yes, Neutrogena distributes its products in China, where animal testing on cosmetics is required as products arrive at the border.
China has a shocking track record. It is the country with the most animal testing globally, with over 20 million animals used per year.
However, if you live in China or are concerned about its cruel beauty policies, there are a couple of loopholes.
Here's how to find cruelty-free cosmetics in China: Are Cosmetics Made in China Cruelty-Free?
Neutrogena is Not Vegan
Neutrogena has been removing animal-derived ingredients from its formulas, but even if that is the case, the brand can’t be considered vegan.
Neutrogena is still not 100% cruelty-free and, therefore, not vegan.
Does it have products that are free of animal-derived ingredients? Yes.
Are these products considered holistically vegan? Not in our opinion.
Neutrogena's most common animal-derived ingredients are beeswax, lanolin, collagen, carmine, and glucosamine.
Vegan Alternatives to Neutrogena
Brand | price range | 100% vegan | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
$5 - $15 | Yes | PETA | |
$3 - $24 | Yes | Leaping Bunny | |
$20 - $80 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny | |