Who Owns Stayfree?
Stayfree is owned by Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) globally and by Energizer Holdings (NYSE: ENR) in North America. Kenvue, the consumer health company spun off from Johnson and Johnson in 2023, is being acquired by Kimberly-Clark in a deal announced in November 2025 and expected to close in the second half of 2026. In North America (United States, Canada, and the Caribbean), Stayfree was sold to Energizer Holdings in 2013 for $185 million. Stayfree was launched by Johnson and Johnson in 1971.
Who Owns Stayfree?
- Parent Company: Kenvue
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: KVUE
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Stayfree | Kenvue | Wholly owned |
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases
Stayfree on AmazonHistory of Stayfree
- Founded: 1971
- Founders: Johnson & Johnson (internal development)
Stayfree was introduced by Johnson and Johnson in 1971 as a feminine hygiene brand specializing in menstrual pads. Johnson and Johnson's healthcare expertise positioned the company to enter the feminine hygiene market with a product designed to provide reliable, comfortable protection during menstruation.
The brand quickly gained market share in the menstrual care category. Stayfree's product line expanded to include various pad sizes, absorbency levels, and specialized formulations. The brand became known for its comfort, reliability, and innovation in feminine hygiene products.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Stayfree continued to innovate with new product designs and materials. The brand introduced ultra-thin pads, wings for better protection, and products designed for different activity levels. Stayfree maintained its position as one of the leading feminine hygiene brands globally.
In 2013, Johnson and Johnson sold its Stayfree, Carefree, and o.b. tampon brands in North America to Energizer Holdings for $185 million. Energizer later spun off its personal care business as Edgewell Personal Care, which continues to manage these brands in North America. The sale did not affect Stayfree's international operations, which remained with Johnson and Johnson.
In August 2023, Johnson and Johnson spun off its consumer health business as Kenvue Inc. through an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. Stayfree's international operations became part of Kenvue's portfolio. Kenvue reported revenue of approximately $15.5 billion in 2024.
In November 2025, Kimberly-Clark announced a $40 billion deal to acquire Kenvue. If the transaction closes as expected in the second half of 2026, Stayfree's global operations would transfer to Kimberly-Clark, which already owns the Kotex feminine hygiene brand. This would create an overlap in Kimberly-Clark's feminine care portfolio, potentially leading to brand consolidation or divestiture decisions.
About Kenvue
Who owns Kenvue?
Kenvue is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker KVUE. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake. Institutional investors hold the majority of shares. Johnson & Johnson fully divested its Kenvue shares in August 2023 through an exchange offer. Upon completion of the Kimberly-Clark acquisition, expected in Q4 2026, Kenvue will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
Is Kenvue being acquired?
Yes. On November 2, 2025, Kimberly-Clark announced a definitive merger agreement to acquire Kenvue for approximately $48.7 billion in cash and stock. Shareholders of both companies approved the transaction on January 29, 2026. The HSR waiting period expired on February 4, 2026. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2026, subject to foreign regulatory approvals.
What is Kenvue's revenue?
Kenvue reported FY2025 net sales of $15.1 billion, down 2.1% from $15.5 billion in FY2024. FY2025 net income was $1.47 billion, with diluted EPS of $0.76 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.08. In Q1 2026, net sales grew 3.2% and organic sales grew 1.2%. In Q2 2026, the company reported its third consecutive quarter of growth across all segments and regions.
Who is the CEO of Kenvue?
Kirk Perry serves as CEO of Kenvue. He was named interim CEO in early 2025 following the termination of previous CEO Thibaut Mongon, and was named permanent CEO in November 2025. Under Perry's leadership, Kenvue has delivered three consecutive quarters of net and organic sales growth and is executing a 2026 Restructuring Initiative targeting $250 million in pre-tax charges for supply chain optimization.
Is Kenvue still publicly traded?
Yes, Kenvue continues to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker KVUE as of August 2026. Upon completion of the Kimberly-Clark acquisition, expected in Q4 2026, Kenvue shares will be delisted as the company becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark.
When was Kenvue founded?
Kenvue was spun off from Johnson & Johnson in May 2023 via an IPO that raised $3.8 billion. J&J completed the full separation in August 2023 through an exchange offer. The company was created to operate independently as a focused consumer health company, allowing J&J to concentrate on its pharmaceutical and medical device businesses.
What brands does Kenvue own?
Kenvue owns Tylenol, Listerine, Band-Aid, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Zyrtec, Johnson's, Motrin, Benadryl, Sudafed, Pepcid, Imodium, Nicorette, Visine, and Calpol. These brands hold number-one or number-two market positions in their respective categories.
Where is Kenvue headquartered?
Kenvue is headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, USA. The company relocated from Skillman, New Jersey, where it was initially based following the spin-off from Johnson & Johnson. Kenvue is incorporated in Delaware and maintains manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and distribution networks across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
What is the Kimberly-Clark Kenvue merger?
The Kimberly-Clark Kenvue merger is a pending acquisition announced on November 2, 2025, under which Kimberly-Clark will acquire all outstanding Kenvue shares in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $48.7 billion enterprise value. The combined company would generate approximately $32 billion in annual revenue and $7 billion in adjusted EBITDA. Kimberly-Clark identified $1.9 billion in cost synergies and $500 million in revenue synergies. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2026.
- Founded: 2023
- Headquarters: Summit, New Jersey, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: KVUE
- Revenue: $15.1B (FY2025)
- Employees: ~22,000
Where Is Stayfree Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Summit, New Jersey, United States
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Mexico, Europe, Asia
Stayfree Categories & Tags
Stayfree Sustainability & Ethics
Stayfree's sustainability profile is shaped by its parent companies' frameworks and by significant scrutiny regarding chemical safety in feminine hygiene products.
Kenvue maintains 100% Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification for palm-based ingredients used in its products, including Stayfree. The company has established renewable electricity targets and reports on environmental performance through its Healthy Lives Mission program. Kenvue has developed a Sustainable Innovation Profiler tool to measure environmental performance during product development.
In North America, Edgewell Personal Care manages Stayfree sustainability through its own corporate responsibility framework. Edgewell publishes sustainability reports covering environmental impact, responsible sourcing, and product safety.
Stayfree products face inherent environmental challenges as single-use disposable products. The brand has not independently certified its products as organic, biodegradable, or plastic-free. Environmental groups have criticized the disposable feminine hygiene industry for plastic waste and landfill contributions. Stayfree has not published specific targets for reducing plastic content in its packaging or products.
Stayfree Recalls & Controversies
Stayfree has faced significant controversy related to chemical safety in its products, along with broader industry challenges.
PFAS Chemical Contamination Lawsuit (2024): In 2024, the Ecological Alliance filed a lawsuit in California claiming that Carefree panty liners, a sister brand managed by Edgewell, contain Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) known as a "forever chemical." The lawsuit alleges that Edgewell failed to warn California residents about PFOA presence, violating Proposition 65 requirements. The EPA states there is no safe level of PFOA exposure, and California has listed it as a chemical known to cause reproductive toxicity since 2017 and cancer since 2022. The lawsuit claims that products expose women to PFOA through direct contact with the vaginal area for 8 to 10 hours at a time. The case is ongoing.
Menstrual Product Safety Concerns: The feminine hygiene industry faces growing scrutiny about chemical safety and regulatory oversight. A 2025 study published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters found PFAS in reusable feminine hygiene products. While Stayfree products have not been specifically implicated in these studies, the broader industry concerns have affected consumer perception of all menstrual product brands. In December 2025, the FDA requested comments on guidance documents that could affect how menstrual products are regulated and recalled, creating regulatory uncertainty for manufacturers.
Environmental Impact: Stayfree and other disposable menstrual pad brands face criticism regarding the environmental impact of single-use products. Environmental groups have questioned the sustainability of disposable pads, which contribute to plastic waste and landfill. Stayfree has not published specific targets for reducing the environmental footprint of its products or packaging.
Chemical Transparency: The PFAS lawsuit has amplified broader consumer demands for full ingredient disclosure in feminine hygiene products. Stayfree and other brands face pressure to provide detailed information about product ingredients and potential health impacts. The brand has not independently certified its products through organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or Made Safe.
Brands Owned by Kenvue
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsBand-Aid
Owned by Kenvue
American adhesive bandage brand invented in 1921, owned by Kenvue Inc. Band-Aid is the leading adhesive bandage brand in the United States and is sold in more than 100 countries.
wound-careadhesive-bandagefirst-aid
Beauty Personal CareListerine
Owned by Kenvue
American antiseptic mouthwash brand owned by Kenvue, pending acquisition by Kimberly-Clark in 2026.
mouthwashantisepticoral-hygiene
Beauty Personal CareNeutrogena
Owned by Kenvue
Dermatologist-recommended skincare brand owned by Kenvue, specializing in cleansers, acne treatments, sun protection, and anti-aging products.
skincaredermatologistacne
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsTylenol
Owned by Kenvue
American brand of pain relief medication and analgesic drugs, flagship product of Kenvue Inc., the consumer health company spun off from Johnson and Johnson in 2023. Kimberly-Clark is acquiring Kenvue in a deal expected to close in Q4 2026.
pain-reliefmedicationpharmaceutical
Frequently Asked Questions About Stayfree
Sources & Further Reading
- Stayfree Official Website
- Kenvue Investor Relations
- Kenvue Healthy Lives Mission Report
- Kimberly-Clark Acquisition Announcement (November 2025)
- Energizer Holdings / Edgewell Personal Care
- Scripps News: PFAS Lawsuit Claims
- California Proposition 65 PFOA Listing
- Environmental Working Group: PFAS Fact Sheet
- WARC Awards: Stayfree Take Back Your Time Campaign
- FDA Menstrual Product Safety
Competitors to Stayfree
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Procter Gamble | USA | 1983 | Mass market | Global | Womens | |
| Essity | USA | 1964 | Value | United States | Womens | |
| Procter Gamble | USA | 1936 | Mass market | Global | Womens |
Learn More About Competitors
Beauty Personal CareAlways
Owned by Procter & Gamble Company
Procter & Gamble's feminine hygiene brand launched in 1983, holding approximately 27% global market share in menstrual pads and sold in more than 100 countries.
feminine-hygienemenstrual-padspanty-liners
Beauty Personal CareCarefree
Owned by Essity AB
American feminine hygiene brand producing panty liners and feminine care products, now owned by Essity, a Swedish global hygiene and health company.
feminine-hygienepanty-linerspersonal-care
Beauty Personal CareTampax
Owned by Procter & Gamble Company
American feminine hygiene brand known for tampons and menstrual products, owned by Procter & Gamble since 1997.
tamponsfeminine-hygienemenstrual-protection
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Stayfree competes with 3 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Independent Alternatives to Stayfree
Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by Kenvue, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsPharmacy Direct
Owned by Chempro Chemists
Australian online pharmacy operated by Chempro Chemists from Molendinar, Queensland. Offers prescription medications, health products, and wellness items through digital platforms and mail-order delivery.
online-pharmacymail-orderdigital-health
Privately Owned
Pharmacy Direct is privately owned, unlike Stayfree which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsGoodRx
Owned by GoodRx Holdings, Inc.
American healthcare technology platform providing prescription drug price comparison, discount coupons, and telehealth services to help consumers find affordable healthcare options.
prescription-savingshealthcare-technologydrug-prices
Publicly Traded
GoodRx operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsHerbalife
Owned by Herbalife Ltd.
Global nutrition and weight-management brand owned by Herbalife Ltd. and sold through independent distributors in more than 90 markets.
nutritiondietary-supplementsweight-management
Publicly Traded
Herbalife operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsRetavase
Owned by EKR Therapeutics, Inc.
Retavase (reteplase) is a prescription thrombolytic medication indicated for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Administered as two 10-unit intravenous bolus injections 30 minutes apart. Currently marketed by Chiesi USA.
pharmaceuticalthrombolyticreteplase
Privately Owned
Retavase is privately owned, unlike Stayfree which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsTirosint
Owned by IBSA Institut Biochimique S.A.
IBSA Institut Biochimique SA's branded levothyroxine softgel capsule (Tirosint) and liquid solution (Tirosint-SOL), FDA approved for hypothyroidism, formulated without dyes, gluten, lactose, alcohol, or sugar, providing an excipient-free alternative to conventional levothyroxine tablets for patients with sensitivities or absorption issues.
levothyroxinehypothyroidismthyroid
Privately Owned
Tirosint is privately owned, unlike Stayfree which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsAlcon
Owned by Alcon Inc.
Independent publicly traded global eye care company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in surgical equipment, contact lenses, and ophthalmic products. Spun off from Novartis in April 2019.
eye-carecontact-lensesophthalmic
Publicly Traded
Alcon operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Kenvue Stock Information
Jobs at Kenvue
Latest News About Stayfree
Related Articles About Stayfree
View more articles
Industry Analysis
Beauty Brand Acquisitions: What Changed After the Sale?
When big companies buy indie beauty brands, what actually changes? We examine real cases from CeraVe to Drunk Elephant to find out what happens next.
Who Brands StaffFeb 6, 2026
Beauty BrandsAcquisitionsBrand Ownership
News & Updates
Monthly M&A Roundup: August 2026 Brand Ownership Changes
August 2026's biggest deals: EA's $55B Saudi PIF buyout closed and delisted from Nasdaq, Aon agreed to buy USI for $17B, Nvidia reportedly agreed to acquire Hugging Face for $12.9B, Charter completed the Liberty Broadband and Cox transaction, Ferrero bought Purely Elizabeth, Samsonite acquired BEIS, LVMH raised its Loro Piana stake to 94%, and Essity bought Kenvue's Brazil feminine care business. Full breakdown.
Who Brands StaffSep 1, 2026
M And A RoundupAcquisitionsNews
Consumer Education
What Is a Conglomerate Stock and How Does It Work
Berkshire Hathaway owns 90+ businesses. P&G owns 60+ brands. What is a conglomerate stock and how does it work? Discover how holding companies create and destroy value. Explore our database.
Who Brands StaffJul 1, 2026
ConglomerateHolding CompanyBerkshire Hathaway
People Also Searched
Discover popular brands and companies in the Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals category and related searches from other users.
Brandpharmaceutical
Abbokinase
Abbokinase (urokinase) is a thrombolytic medication historically used for pulmonary embolism and catheter clearance. Originally marketed by Abbott Laboratories, now owned by Microbix Biosystems as Kinlytic. FDA-approved since 1978.
Brand in Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
thrombolyticurokinase
Branddermatology
Accutane
Prescription isotretinoin brand developed by Roche and approved by the FDA in 1982 for severe nodular acne. Roche discontinued the brand name in the United States in 2009; the drug continues as Roaccutane in international markets.
Brand in Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
acne-treatmentprescription
Brandpharmaceutical
Activase
Activase (alteplase) is a prescription thrombolytic medication manufactured by Genentech, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roche. Used to treat acute ischemic stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism.
Brand in Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
thrombolyticstroke-treatment