A worldwide leader in premium dermatologist-recommended skin, hair and cosmetics products, Neutrogena- a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson- has its origin in a transparent bar of mild soap that earned recommendations from dermatologists and the medical profession. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Neutrogena products are distributed in more than seventy countries.
In 1930 Emanuel Stolaroff started a modest specialty cosmetic company named Natone. Initially, Natone was a supplier to beauty salons and by the Forties began manufacturing and distributing cosmetics for the retail market. Stolaroff met Belgian chemist Edmond Fromont in 1954 and admired a mild, clear soap developed by him. It rinsed quickly and easily from the skin, with no residue. A few minutes after washing with this soap, skin returned to its normal pH! Stolaroff immediately acquired the rights to distribute his patented formula in the US.
During this time Lloyd Cotsen entered the Stolaroff family after marrying his daughter Joanne. In 1962 the company name was officially named Neutrogena Corporation and Cotsen became president in 1967. The company listed on the NASDAQ in 1973 with an estimated market value of reported $1.2 million. At the helm, Cotsen made key decisions that influenced the future of the company—to promote the benefits of Neutrogena soap to the medical profession. As the beauty brand slowly gained acceptance by the medical profession, emphasis was on marketing the soap through dermatologists and luxury hotels and creating a line of safe, mild quality skincare. In 1973 the company went public and by 1980, entered the scalp care and haircare market with the launch of “Neutrogena Healthy Scalp”.
In 1982, profits reportedly reached US$3 million and Cotsen was named the CEO. The respect and credibility earned by Neutrogena Corporation led to its acquisition by Johnson and Johnson in 1994. As a part of the Johnson and Johnson empire, the dermatologist-recommended skincare brand preserved the “Neutrogena way” while drawing on the International network of Johnson and Johnson Family of Consumer Companies. In no time it entered newer markets including India, South Africa and China and continues to be a formidable player in the beauty business.
Neutrogena is committed to skin education with the launch of Neutrogena Heroes of Skin Health Equity initiative. “More than 68 million BIPOC Americans face disparities in skin health education, access to expertise and product for all skin types and tones, which we at Neutrogena find simply unacceptable” Roberto Khoury, general manager of Neutrogena, said in a statement. The first of what will be an annual event aims to honor the work of those “skin heroes” who use their platform and resources to bridge the gap in skin health and align with each of the brand’s four core pillars: advocacy, education, expertise, and transparency.
That said, Neutrogena is committed to sustainability. “We strive to avoid unnecessary and harsh ingredients and we prioritise ingredients that are not only safe for your skin, but also safe for the planet, throughout the lifecycle of our products. We are committed to ingredient transparency so you can make informed decisions for your skin health” is the brand message on its official website.
“Starting in 2022, Neutrogena is launching new packaging made with thirty per cent post consumer recycled plastic as part of our New Skin Balancing collection. We are also launching our first hundred per cent plant-based fiber, home-compostable cleansing wipe as part of the line… We are committed to increasing the percentage of PCR used in our packaging over the next few years. Our dedicated team is also working on innovations that will bring to market alternatives that reduce unnecessary plastic waste and carbon emissions. Be on the lookout for refills and single-dose products soon.”
To break down the barriers that stand between you and your best skin.
For people with skin. By people with skin.
Skincare, hair care, make up and sunscreen.
Emanuel Stolaroff (Founder)
Alex Gorsky (President and CEO)
Ashley A. McEvoy ( Company Group Chairman of Consumer Medical Devices)
Jennifer A. Taubert (Company Group Chairman of Pharmaceuticals – The Americas)
Joseph J. Wolk (Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer)
Michael E. Sneed (VP of Global Corporate Affairs and Chief Communication Officer)