Is Neutrogena Cruelty-Free? Animal Testing And Ingredients (2026)

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No. Neutrogena is not cruelty-free in 2026. Its owner, Kenvue, allows Neutrogena products to be tested on animals when a country’s law requires it. Neutrogena sells in mainland China where the law still requires animal tests for some cosmetics. That’s why PETA lists Neutrogena as a brand that tests on animals, and Leaping Bunny does not certify it.

Below, you’ll learn what Neutrogena’s animal testing policy says and where its products can be tested on animals. You’ll also see my verdict on five popular Neutrogena products, including Fresh Foaming Cleanser, Hydro Boost serum, and three Rapid Wrinkle Repair products, and my favorite cruelty-free swaps.

What Is Neutrogena?

Neutrogena is a U.S. skincare brand that started in 1930. It makes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and acne products. You’ll find them in drugstores and grocery stores in countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, and mainland China.

Who Owns Neutrogena?

Kimberly-Clark owns Neutrogena. It became the owner on November 2, 2026, when it completed its purchase of Kenvue, the company that makes Neutrogena.

Before that, Neutrogena belonged to Johnson & Johnson, which bought it in 1994. In 2023, Johnson & Johnson moved its over-the-counter health and personal care brands, such as Tylenol, Listerine, Band-Aid, Aveeno, and Neutrogena, into Kenvue, a new company of their own.

Does Neutrogena Test On Animals?

Yes. According to the company, Neutrogena products are tested on animals where a law requires it. But Neutrogena does not say which products were tested, in which countries, or in which years. Here’s what we do know about Neutrogena animal testing policy.

Neutrogena Animal Testing Policy

Neutrogena’s website links to Kenvue’s Position On Animal Testing, last updated June 18, 2024. It says Kenvue does not test its cosmetics on animals “unless required to do so to meet regulatory requirements.” It also says that for medicines and other regulated health products, animal testing is “more routinely required.”

When a test is required, Kenvue says it uses animals “only as a last resort.” It follows the “3Rs”: use fewer animals, cause less pain and stress, and replace animal tests when it can. Kenvue also says it has worked for 30 years on tests that don’t use animals, such as lab-grown skin and computer models.

Where Neutrogena Products Can Be Tested On Animals

Neutrogena does not publish a list of countries where it tests on animals. But the rules in three of the countries where it sells show where testing can and can’t happen:

Mainland China: This is the main reason Neutrogena is not cruelty-free. Since 2021, many everyday cosmetics can be sold in China without animal tests. But “special” cosmetics, including sunscreens, still need them before they go on sale. Officials can also test products after they reach stores.
United States: U.S. law does not require animal tests for cosmetics. But here, Neutrogena sunscreens and acne treatments are regulated as over-the-counter drugs. Kenvue’s policy says drug rules require animal testing more often.
United Kingdom: Neutrogena is sold in U.K. stores like Boots. The U.K. bans animal testing for cosmetics and the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, so Neutrogena cosmetics sold there can’t be tested on animals. Still, that doesn’t make the brand cruelty-free, because it allows testing in mainland China.

Is Neutrogena Leaping Bunny Certified?

No. Leaping Bunny and PETA certify only brands that do not allow animal testing at any stage, anywhere in the world, for any reason. Neutrogena allows it when a law requires it, so it does not qualify. Any Neutrogena cruelty-free claim you see online is not accurate. PETA lists Neutrogena among the companies that test on animals.

Is Neutrogena Safe?

Using my Label Verdict tool, I reviewed five Neutrogena products for safety and all of them got the Not A Fan verdict.

The following rating was applied to the ingredients:

Not A Fan: I recommend avoiding this ingredient altogether because, in my opinion, it carries meaningful safety concerns.
Better (Not In My Top Picks): I accept this ingredient only in Better products. There are some concerns that keep it out of my Best recommendations entirely.

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser Ingredients

I Read Labels For You opinion on Neutrogena Foaming Cleanser Ingredients

Pros: Mild glucoside surfactants and glycerin that helps your skin hold on to moisture while you wash.