Who Owns Clean & Clear?

Clean & Clear's sustainability practices are integrated within Kenvue's corporate ESG framework. Kenvue publishes an annual ESG report covering environmental performance, responsible sourcing, and social impact across its brand portfolio.

On cruelty-free status, Clean & Clear is not certified by Leaping Bunny or listed on PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies database. Johnson & Johnson, the brand's former parent, historically tested some products on animals where required by law, particularly for markets like China that previously required animal testing for imported cosmetics. Kenvue has stated that it is committed to ending animal testing for its products and is working toward cruelty-free certification. However, as of 2026, Clean & Clear does not carry independent cruelty-free certification.

Clean & Clear is not certified vegan by The Vegan Society or equivalent organizations. Some Clean & Clear products may contain animal-derived ingredients, though the brand has not publicly disclosed which products are vegan. Kenvue has stated that it is reviewing its formulations for animal-derived ingredients across its portfolio.

On packaging sustainability, Kenvue has committed to making 100% of its packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025. Clean & Clear's packaging is primarily plastic, including tubes, bottles, and pumps. The brand has not transitioned to post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic at a rate publicly disclosed by Kenvue. Some Clean & Clear products are sold in recyclable PET bottles, but the brand's pumps and multi-material packaging components are not easily recyclable through standard municipal recycling programs.

Kenvue has set targets to reduce its carbon footprint, including a commitment to carbon neutrality for its operations by 2030. The company has implemented energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sourcing at its manufacturing facilities. Clean & Clear-specific carbon data is not separately reported.

On ingredient transparency, Clean & Clear discloses ingredients on product packaging and on its website, complying with FDA and international cosmetic labeling regulations. The brand has reformulated some products to remove parabens and sulfates in response to consumer preferences. However, Clean & Clear products still contain some ingredients that have been criticized by clean beauty advocates, including fragrance and certain preservatives.

Clean & Clear does not have organic certification, fair trade certification, or non-GMO verification. The brand is not listed on Open Beauty Facts with specific sustainability certifications. Kenvue's ESG report provides some information about ingredient sourcing and supply chain practices but does not provide brand-specific sustainability data for Clean & Clear.

Clean & Clear has received limited independent industry awards recognition in recent years. The brand's recognition is primarily based on its market position and longevity rather than recent accolades.

Clean & Clear has been recognized by Allure magazine in past editions of the Allure Best of Beauty awards, particularly for its Essentials line and acne spot treatments. The brand's Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser received recognition in the cleanser category. However, Clean & Clear has not appeared prominently in recent Allure Best of Beauty awards as the publication has shifted focus to newer and more premium brands.

In Asian markets, Clean & Clear has received recognition from beauty publications and consumer polls. The brand has been named among the best skincare brands for teens in publications including Cosmopolitan Philippines and Cleo magazine in various Asian markets. These recognitions reflect Clean & Clear's strong market position in Asia.

Clean & Clear's advertising has received industry recognition. The brand's "Clean & Clear, and under control" campaign from the 1990s was recognized for its effective targeting of teenage consumers. More recent Clean & Clear advertising campaigns have received recognition at regional advertising festivals, particularly in Asia.

The brand has not received recognition from major independent testing organizations such as Consumer Reports or Which? in recent years. Clean & Clear's budget positioning and teen focus place it outside the typical product categories evaluated by these organizations, which tend to focus on general skincare products.

Clean & Clear has faced limited product safety controversies. The brand has not been subject to major product recalls in recent years. Kenvue's quality control processes for Clean & Clear production have not resulted in publicly reported safety incidents.

The brand has faced criticism from clean beauty advocates regarding its ingredient formulations. Clean & Clear products contain some ingredients that have been questioned by consumer advocacy groups and clean beauty proponents. These include fragrance, which can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, and certain preservatives. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has rated some Clean & Clear products with moderate hazard scores, citing concerns about fragrance ingredients and potential allergens. Clean & Clear complies with all FDA and international cosmetic safety regulations, and the brand has reformulated some products to remove parabens and sulfates.

Clean & Clear's cruelty-free status has been a source of consumer concern. The brand is not certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA, and some consumers avoid Clean & Clear products due to uncertainty about animal testing practices. Kenvue has stated that it is working toward ending animal testing, but the lack of independent certification means consumers cannot verify the brand's cruelty-free status through recognized third-party databases.

The brand has faced criticism regarding its marketing to teenagers. Some consumer advocates have argued that Clean & Clear's marketing creates unrealistic expectations about skin appearance for teenage girls, contributing to body image concerns. The brand's historical advertising, featuring models with flawless skin, has been cited in discussions about beauty standards in advertising aimed at young people. Clean & Clear has not faced regulatory action related to its marketing practices, but the criticism reflects broader societal concerns about beauty advertising targeting teenagers.

Clean & Clear's parent company, Kenvue, has faced legal challenges related to its skincare portfolio. In 2023, Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue faced lawsuits alleging that certain Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen products contained benzene, a known carcinogen. While these lawsuits did not directly involve Clean & Clear products, they raised questions about ingredient safety across Kenvue's skincare portfolio. Kenvue has stated that its products are safe and comply with all applicable regulations.

The brand has also faced competitive pressure from the clean beauty movement, which advocates for products with simpler, more transparent ingredient lists. Clean & Clear's formulations, which include synthetic ingredients and fragrance, do not align with clean beauty standards. This has led to some negative consumer perception, particularly among Gen Z consumers who are increasingly interested in ingredient transparency and natural formulations.