The first thing that comes to our mind when we read the title of this article is: what does cruelty-free mean? To answer that in simple words, if a product says that’s it’s “cruelty-free” or has a bunny on it, it means that the product was developed in methods that did not involve it being tested on animals. See Is Neutrogena Cruelty-Free?
Coming back to the main question: is Neutrogena cruelty-free? The answer is – no, it’s not. The company not only allows but also pays for their products to be tested on animals. In addition to this, the parent company of Neutrogena is Johnson and Johnson, which is also not cruelty-free. Neutrogena is a very popular drugstore brand that is available not only in multiple stores in the united states but also in my stores worldwide.
They mainly focus on skincare (moisturizers, face washes, sunscreens etc) but now also have their range of makeup and hair products. It was founded in 1930 later acquired by Johnson and Johnson in 1994. Even in 2022, Neutrogena remains a brand that doesn’t follow the cruelty-free trend and is on PETA’s (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) list of brands to avoid.
Originally, the thought of being cruelty-free had mainly to do with the testing of products on innocent animals. But, after a while, it become more about using alternative products that did not require companies to slaughter animals. This issue appealed more to people who did not want animals to go through the pain of being tested by chemicals.
Further on, Let us now talk about how or why Neutrogena is not a cruelty-free brand.
Neutrogena’s animal testing policy
“Neutrogena doesn’t conduct animal testing of our cosmetic products anywhere in the world, except in the rare situation where government or laws require it.”
The above quote states that if the government asks for it, the brand gives it. to add to this, Neutrogena is sold in multiple stores in mainland China, which tells us that Neutrogena isn’t cruelty-free since animal testing is mandatory for most imported cosmetics.
Due to the brand’s choice to sell its products in China, it agrees to the government’s animal testing condition and also pays for its products to be tested on animals.
Although Neutrogena doesn’t conduct these tests themselves, the testing performed by the Chinese government (ie. third party) still makes them a brand that disobeys the cruelty-free policy.
Criteria for a brand to be considered cruelty free
It must not allow tests of any ingredients that are put into the product on animals
-It must not allow others to test their product (like in Neutrogena’s case: Chinese government)
It must not sell its products in a country that follows the animal testing policy (example: China)
Many cruelty-free brands choose not to sell their products in China due to the country’s animal testing policy. Regrettably, Neutrogena still chooses to sell its products in mainland china showing us that they rather mint hundreds and thousands of dollars over the welfare of innocent animals.
Neutrogena’s parent company: Johnson & Johnson
According to their policy –
“Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. does not test cosmetic or personal care products or ingredients on animals anywhere in the world, except in the rare situation where required by law or where alternative options don’t yet exist.”
This shows us that not only Neutrogena but any brand that comes under Johnson and Johnson (the parent brand), are not cruelty-free.
Conclusion
To conclude, We would say that since Neutrogena sells its products in Mainland China, it allows the government to practise animal testing using the brand’s products making it a non-cruelty free brand. Thus, people all over the world should switch over to alternative brands (cruelty-free brands) to condemn even the smallest use of the animal testing of products.
FAQs
Question 1 –
Is Neutrogena a vegan brand?
ANS) It is not completely a vegan brand, it has a few vegan products. I suggest their “vegan products” should be avoided.
Question 2 –
What is the difference between vegan products and cruelty-free products?
ANS) Vegan products are items that do not contain animal-derived products or might be used in the process. On the other hand, cruelty-free products are developed in methods that did not involve them being tested on animals.
Question 3 –
Why should you choose “cruelty-free products”?
ANS) Free products should be preferred by consumers as they are healthier and have fewer chemicals in them compared to non-cruelty-free products. A consumer by using these products not only contributes to the welfare of animals but also uses items that are better for your skin. It is also eco friendly as they do not use harsh chemicals and use sustainable products instead, creating not only a better but a greener option.
Question 4 –
What is the future of cruelty-free products?
ANS) In the year 2023, the market of cruelty-free products is expected to have a 6% growth according to market research future’s report.