Neutrogena Claims Not To Test On Animals, Sells Products In China

While some of their products, particularly in their new Neutrogena Naturals line, are labeled as "not tested on animals", this is misleading. They sell their products in China, where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics. Because of this, Neutrogena isn’t considered to be a cruelty-free brand.

At A Glance

• Finished products tested on animals: No
• Ingredients tested on animals: No
• Third party animal testing: No
• Tested on animals where required by law: Yes
• Sold in mainland China: Yes
• Certifications: None (On PETA's "do test" list)
• Parent company: Johnson & Johnson
• Parent company status: NOT cruelty-free

Official Statement

Here is the statement I received when I reached out to ask about their animal testing policy:

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.

And here is the statement as listed on their animal testing policy which can be found here:

We want you to feel good about how we make Neutrogena products. You can only do that if you have the facts. The fact is, Neutrogena doesn’t conduct animal testing of our cosmetic products anywhere in world, except in the rare situation where governments or laws require it. At Neutrogena, we won’t ever compromise on the quality or safety of our products or stop seeking alternatives to animal testing.

They’re also on PETA’s list of companies who DO test on animals:

Bottom Line

Neutrogena is not a cruelty-free company and they DO test on animals where required by law. For affordable and cruelty-free alternatives to Neutrogena, check out our guide on Cruelty-Free Drugstore Brands!

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