Who Owns Aveeno?

Aveeno was founded in 1945 by Albert and Sidney Musher, brothers who were fascinated by the healing properties of oats and their potential benefits for skincare. The Musher brothers developed a proprietary method to finely mill whole oat grains into colloidal oatmeal, creating a fine powder that could be easily absorbed into the skin and provide soothing benefits. This founding vision demonstrated the Musher brothers' innovative approach to natural skincare and their ability to identify and harness the therapeutic properties of common ingredients to create effective skincare solutions that would appeal to consumers seeking gentle, natural alternatives to harsh chemical formulations.

The first Aveeno product was a bath treatment designed to relieve dry, itchy skin conditions. The product was particularly effective for conditions like eczema and other skin irritations. The brand name "Aveeno" was derived from the scientific name for oats, Avena sativa, reflecting the central role of oatmeal in the brand's formulations. This scientific approach to naming and product development established Aveeno's credibility and positioned the brand as a serious skincare company with a foundation in natural science rather than just marketing trends.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Aveeno expanded its product line beyond bath treatments to include lotions, creams, and other skincare products featuring colloidal oatmeal as the key ingredient. The brand built a strong reputation for gentle, effective skincare that was suitable for sensitive skin and various skin conditions. Aveeno products became recommended by dermatologists for their soothing and protective properties. This period of expansion demonstrated Aveeno's ability to leverage its core technology across multiple product categories while maintaining the brand's commitment to gentle, effective formulations that could meet the diverse needs of consumers with sensitive skin.

Johnson & Johnson acquired Aveeno in 1999, providing the resources and global reach to expand Aveeno's presence worldwide. Under Johnson & Johnson ownership, Aveeno continued to focus on natural ingredients and gentle formulations while expanding into new product categories including baby care, sun protection, and hair care. The brand introduced innovative products like the Daily Moisturizing Lotion line and expanded its use of natural ingredients beyond oatmeal. This strategic acquisition demonstrated Johnson & Johnson's recognition of the growing consumer demand for natural skincare products and Aveeno's potential to become a global leader in the gentle skincare market while maintaining its commitment to scientific innovation and product safety.