The Truth About Neutrogena's Animal Testing Policy

Neutrogena is trying to minimize their animal testing by using words like “rare situation” and “seeking alternatives”. However, as they state in their policy, the fact is that they do test on animals “where governments or laws require it”. They also sell their products in stores in mainland China, which means that they were likely tested on animals by the Chinese authorities.

In order to sell cosmetics in mainland China, companies like Neutrogena must pay to have their products tested on animals. Most likely, their products have been tested on animals in China, which means they can’t be classified as a cruelty-free brand.

Throughout their policy, Neutrogena is trying to mislead customers. They repeat the word “fact”, implying that the fact is they don’t test on animals. Since they make an exception where required by law, and they most likely paid for their products to be tested on animals in China, this is extremely misleading.

They also don’t mention their suppliers.

From Their Website

You can find Neutrogena’s animal testing policy directly on their website. In the footer at the bottom, click on “Product Testing”, and it will take you to the following page:

From Our Correspondence

When we reached out to Neutrogena about their animal testing policy, we received the following response:

“Thank you for contacting Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., makers of Neutrogena®. We appreciate your interest in our company.

The Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies does not conduct testing of our cosmetic or personal care products on animals and we do not ask others to test on our behalf, except when testing is required by law or specific government regulation. When it comes to the development of medicines, medical devices and other regulated health products, where animal use is often required, our policies reflect the highest animal welfare standards and meet or exceed all applicable local and national laws and regulations.”

It’s important to note that although Neutrogena claims not to “ask” others to test on animals, they can’t claim that others do not test on animals on their behalf. What does this mean? Although they confirmed that Neutrogena itself doesn’t test on animals, they’re not able to confirm the same when it comes to their suppliers or any third-parties. A cruelty-free brand must confirm all three of these.

About Neutrogena

Neutrogena is a popular American drugstore brand, available in most drugstores. You can find their products at Walmart, Target, Ulta, CVS, and Walgreens, among others. They mainly focus on skincare, but they also offer makeup as well as hair care products. Neutrogena was founded in 1930 and was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1994.

Is Neutrogena owned by a parent company that tests on animals?

Neutrogena is owned by Johnson & Johnson, a company that tests on animals. Not only is Neutrogena not cruelty-free but neither is their parent company.

Is Neutrogena sold where animal testing is required by law?

Yes, Neutrogena is available for sale in countries with mandatory animal testing. This means that their products were likely tested on animals.

Is Neutrogena certified cruelty-free by any organizations?

No, Neutrogena is not certified by any organizations.

Is Neutrogena vegan?

Neutrogena might offer some vegan products, however because this company is not cruelty-free, we recommend avoiding any products they offer even if they are vegan.

How do you determine that brands like Neutrogena are not cruelty-free?

Most brands don't publicly display their full animal testing policies. We contact brands directly with our questions in order to get their complete policy. If any brand states that they, their suppliers, or any third party test on animals, the brand is listed as "not cruelty-free."