When you pick up a beauty product, you might wonder if animal cruelty was involved in making it safe for you. Many people care about this and want to buy from brands that don’t test on animals.
Today, we’re looking at Neutrogena, a popular skincare brand, to learn if they’re truly cruelty-free.
Is Neutrogena Cruelty-Free?
No, Neutrogena is not cruelty-free. While Neutrogena claims they don’t test on animals themselves, they allow their products to be tested on animals when required by law.
This is a critical detail stemming from Neutrogena’s animal testing policy that disqualifies them from being considered a truly cruelty-free brand.
According to Neutrogena’s own website:
“Neutrogena does not conduct animal testing of our cosmetic products anywhere in the world, except in the rare instance where governments require it.” Source
This exception is the key reason why Neutrogena cannot be classified as cruelty-free. While Neutrogena doesn’t conduct animal testing on its products itself globally, this exception for legally required testing is crucial.
Neutrogena, owned by Johnson & Johnson, is part of a larger corporation that is not a cruelty-free company.
As confirmed by PETA and other organizations that monitor animal testing, both Neutrogena and its parent company are on lists of brands that do test on animals, a common issue when parent companies are not cruelty-free.
Understanding Cruelty-Free Certification
When we say a brand is “cruelty-free,” this means they don’t test their ingredients or final products on animals at any stage.
This includes not hiring other companies to do testing for them. Some companies can be fully cruelty-free by adhering to these principles, even if they take different paths for verification, while others seek formal approval.
There are several respected certifications that help consumers identify truly cruelty-free products:
The Leaping Bunny Program
The Leaping Bunny is considered the gold standard of cruelty-free certifications. To earn this logo, companies must:
- Not conduct animal testing at any stage of product development
- Not buy ingredients tested on animals
- Agree to independent audits to verify their claims
- Renew their commitment yearly
PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies
PETA also certifies cruelty-free brands, though their process differs from Leaping Bunny:
- Companies sign a statement promising they don’t test on animals
- No independent audits are required
- Less strict verification process. While these certifications are helpful, it’s worth noting that a brand can be fully cruelty-free without being certified, provided they transparently meet all the ethical criteria; however, certifications offer consumers greater assurance.
Neutrogena is not certified by either of these organizations. In fact, PETA explicitly includes Neutrogena on their list of companies that DO test on animals, meaning you won’t find Neutrogena certified cruelty-free through them.
Does Neutrogena Test on Animals?
Yes, Neutrogena’s animal testing practices mean they do test on animals in certain circumstances. While they state they don’t conduct testing themselves, they make an important exception – “except in the rare instance where governments require it.”
From Neutrogena’s website: “The well-being of animals matters. Neutrogena does not conduct animal testing of our cosmetic products anywhere in the world, except in the rare instance where governments require it.”
This policy language reveals a critical loophole. When a brand says they test “where required by law,” it typically means they sell in countries that mandate animal testing for foreign cosmetics. This policy directly contradicts what truly cruelty-free brands do.
Truly cruelty-free brands, which have strict policies against animal testing, choose not to sell their products in markets where animal testing is required by law.
They prioritize their ethical stance over market expansion, aiming to be entirely cruelty-free.
The “Required by Law” Exception Explained
When a brand says they only test on animals “when required by law,” they’re usually referring to selling their products in countries that mandate animal testing for cosmetics that are imported.
The most significant example is China, where for many years, all imported cosmetics had to undergo animal testing before being sold to consumers.
This exception works as follows:
- A brand wants to sell products in a market like China
- Local regulations require animal testing on imported products
- The brand agrees to have their products or ingredients tested on animals, or may even pay to have their products tested by local authorities to test their products, to gain market access.
- The brand then claims they don’t test on animals except “where required by law.”
True cruelty-free brands make a different choice. They either:
- Don’t sell in markets that require animal testing
- Only sell through cross-border e-commerce (which may avoid testing requirements)
- Manufacture locally in countries like China to avoid import testing
This exception is important because it reveals a company’s priorities.
Brands that allow animal testing “where required by law” are choosing market access over a strict ethical stance against animal testing, which is incompatible with being completely cruelty-free.
Is Neutrogena Vegan?
No, Neutrogena is not vegan. While they may offer some products that don’t contain animal ingredients, the company as a whole is not vegan for two key reasons:
- Many Neutrogena products may contain animal-derived ingredients
- Their animal testing policy automatically disqualifies them from being vegan
For a product to be truly vegan, meaning its products are vegan in composition and ethics, it must not only be free from animal ingredients but also not be tested on animals.
Since Neutrogena allows animal testing in certain markets, none of their vegan products, even if formulated without animal derivatives, can be considered fully vegan by ethical standards.
Neutrogena doesn’t have certification from organizations like The Vegan Society or Vegan Action that verify their vegan products are free from animal ingredients and testing.
Is Neutrogena a Clean Brand?
No, Neutrogena is not considered a clean beauty brand. While “clean beauty” isn’t a regulated term, it generally refers to products made without ingredients that may harm human health, animal health, or the environment.
Neutrogena still uses several ingredients that clean beauty advocates avoid, including:
- Parabens
- Synthetic fragrances
- Chemical sunscreens
- Various other synthetic ingredients
While some Neutrogena products are marketed as being free from specific ingredients (like certain Neutrogena Naturals products), the brand as a whole doesn’t meet the standards of what most consumers consider “clean beauty.”
They don’t prioritize natural ingredients or avoid potentially harmful chemicals across their product lines.
Neutrogena in China: Animal Testing Requirements
Neutrogena has decided to sell its products in stores in mainland China, which has historically required animal testing for imported cosmetics. This is a key factor in why they’re not considered cruelty-free.
China’s animal testing laws have evolved due to recent changes:
- Until 2021, all imported cosmetics required animal testing
- As of May 2021, China relaxed some requirements for “general” cosmetics (like makeup and skincare)
- However, “special” cosmetics (like sunscreens and hair care products) still require animal testing by Chinese authorities.
- Post-market testing (testing after products are on shelves) is still possible, though less common now.
For a brand to sell cosmetics in China without animal testing, they must meet strict criteria:
- Only sell “general” cosmetics
- Not sell products for infants, children, or pregnant women
- Not include new cosmetic ingredients
- Have a policy to recall products if post-market testing is required
Since Neutrogena sells a wide range of products in China, including sunscreens (which fall under “special” cosmetics), it’s highly likely their products are still subject to animal testing requirements.
Johnson & Johnson’s Role and Testing Policies
Neutrogena is one of the brands owned by Johnson & Johnson, a multinational corporation with its own animal testing policies that affect all its subsidiary brands.
According to Johnson & Johnson’s animal welfare policy:
- They support the “3Rs” principles: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal testing
- They aim to minimize animal testing while meeting safety requirements
- However, they still conduct animal testing when “required by law.”
Johnson & Johnson’s policy states:
“Johnson & Johnson has achieved an overall reduction in animals involved in safety testing while increasing the value of the safety and efficacy data for drug approval submission to the Food and Drug Administration and other health authorities.”
As a pharmaceutical and consumer goods company, Johnson & Johnson tests more than just cosmetics. Their medical and regulated health products often require animal testing by law in many countries.
This broader corporate approach to animal testing influences how Neutrogena operates as well.
Unlike some parent companies that have acquired cruelty-free brands and allowed them to maintain their independent animal testing policies, Johnson & Johnson applies its testing policy across its brands, including Neutrogena.
Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Neutrogena Products
If you love Neutrogena products but are looking to switch to cruelty-free options, there are plenty of alternatives available. Here are some popular Neutrogena products and their cruelty-free counterparts, with many excellent products available.
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Cruelty-Free Alternatives:
- Jumiso Waterfall Hyaluronic Cream ($27) – Contains three forms of hyaluronic acid plus prebiotics and probiotics for skin microbiome support
- Trader Joe’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer ($9) – Budget-friendly option with similar gel texture and hydration
- Pacifica Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Cream ($19) – Good for sensitive skin
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Cruelty-Free Alternatives:
- Aprilskin IPMP Exfoliating Body Wash ($27) – Contains beta-carotene and salicylic acid
- Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar ($8) – Budget-friendly option with salicylic acid.
- Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser ($16) – Contains 2% salicylic acid.
3. Neutrogena Makeup Wipes
Cruelty-Free Alternatives:
- Clean Skin Club Makeup Wipes – Biodegradable and extra large
- Pacifica Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes ($7) – Plant-based and compostable
- e.l.f. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths ($4) – Budget-friendly option
4. Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen
Cruelty-Free Alternatives:
- Round A’Round Greentea Cica Sun Cream – Contains soothing cica and green tea
- Pacifica Sea & C Sheer Face Serum SPF 55 ($16) – Lightweight formula with vitamin C
- Sun Bum Face SPF 50 ($15) – Vegan and reef-friendly
These alternatives provide benefits similar to Neutrogena products but come from brands with verified cruelty-free policies. Many of them are also vegan and use cleaner ingredients than their Neutrogena counterparts.
How to Verify Cruelty-Free Claims
With so many brands claiming to be “cruelty-free” without meeting all the criteria, it’s important to know how to verify these claims yourself:
1. Look for Credible Certifications
The most trustworthy indicators are:
- Leaping Bunny logo (most rigorous certification)
- PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies logo
- Choose Cruelty Free logo (mainly in Australia)
2. Watch for Red Flag Language
Be wary of statements like:
- “We don’t test on animals except where required by law.”
- “We don’t test final products on animals” (may still test ingredients)
- “We’re working toward becoming cruelty-free” (not currently cruelty-free)
3. Use Reliable Resources
Several websites maintain up-to-date lists of verified cruelty-free brands:
- Cruelty Free Kitty
- Ethical Elephant
- Logical Harmony
- Conscious Bunny
4. Ask Direct Questions
If you’re unsure about a brand, email their customer service with specific questions:
- “Do you test on animals at any stage of product development?”
- “Do you hire third parties to conduct animal testing on your behalf?”
- “Do you sell in markets like mainland China, where animal testing may be required by law?”
- “Are your suppliers cruelty-free?”
Clear answers to these questions should help determine a brand’s true cruelty-free status.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing all the evidence, Neutrogena cannot be considered a cruelty-free brand. Their policy allowing animal testing where “required by law,” their presence in markets like China that mandate such testing, and their lack of cruelty-free certifications all confirm this status.
Furthermore, Neutrogena isn’t a vegan brand either, as many products contain animal-derived ingredients. They also don’t meet the standards of what most consumers would consider a “clean” beauty brand.
For consumers who prioritize cruelty-free products, the good news is that there are many excellent alternatives available. From budget-friendly drugstore options to high-end skincare, the cruelty-free market continues to grow rapidly.
FAQs
Does Neutrogena still test on animals?
Yes, Neutrogena allows its products to be tested on animals when required by law, such as for sales in markets like mainland China.
Is Neutrogena cruelty-free on PETA’s list?
No, PETA explicitly includes Neutrogena on their list of companies that DO test on animals.
Does Neutrogena sell in China?
Yes, Neutrogena sells its products in mainland China, where some imported cosmetics still require animal testing by law.
Do dermatologists really recommend Neutrogena?
While many dermatologists do recommend certain Neutrogena products for specific skin concerns, this endorsement is typically based on product efficacy and how they make Neutrogena products suitable for those concerns, rather than the brand’s animal testing policies.
Can Neutrogena products be considered vegan?
No, even if Neutrogena might formulate certain products without animal ingredients, the brand’s animal testing policies disqualify them from being truly vegan.
What certifications would Neutrogena need to be considered cruelty-free?
To be considered truly cruelty-free, Neutrogena would need to stop all animal testing worldwide, including in markets where it’s “required by law,” and obtain certification from organizations like Leaping Bunny or PETA.