Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
For over a century, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) marketed itself as a trusted guardian of family health. However behind the wholesome branding lays a dark history of poisoning of vulnerable communities and palm oil related deforestation.
In recent years tens of thousands of legal cases around the world have been made against J&J for alleged asbestos-contaminated talcum powder that is linked to reproductive system cancers. J&J engaged in racist marketing campaigns that deliberately targeted vulnerable black communities, even while knowing the cancer risks. Meanwhile they source palm oil for their products from known rainforest destroyers.
JohnsonAndJohnson @JNJNews use “sustainable” #palmoil yet they continue with mass #deforestation #extinction 🦏🐘🦧 for #palmoil ☠️🌴🪔⛔️. Say no to their #greed and #greenwashing! When you shop #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/09/johnson-johnson/
Do u use JohnsonAndJohnson #soap and #cleaning products? “Sustainable” #palmoil they use is far from “clean”. It’s linked to #deforestation 🦏🐘🦧, all for a dirty ingredient nobody even wants! ☠️🌴🪔⛔️.#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/09/johnson-johnson/
Key Takeaways
- Johnson & Johnson markets itself as a health guardian but has a history of poisoning communities and palm oil deforestation.
- The company faces numerous lawsuits over asbestos-contaminated talcum powder linked to cancer, especially targeting black communities.
- J&J’s 2023 spin-off, Kenvue, continues revenue from brands associated with environmental harm and health risks.
- Despite claiming sustainability, J&J participates in palm oil sourcing that leads to deforestation and extinction of species.
- Consumers should be aware of their brand ownership and boycott J&J and Kenvue products linked to these issues.
- Learn how to boycott Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue in the guide below.
Table of contents
J&J’s spin-off company Kenvue
The baby powder scandal was a liability to the brand and so in 2023, J&J sold their consumer arm to a new company completely unknown to consumers called Kenvue. Whether you buy Tylenol, Neutrogena, or Johnson’s Baby Powder, you are funding a company known for poisoning consumers and destroying rainforests. Learn to decipher the hidden brand ownership changes and boycott J&J below,
View Johnson & Johnson’s recent palm oil deforestation
Global mega-brand Johnson & Johnson issued a position statement on palm oil in 2020.
‘At Johnson & Johnson, we are committed to doing our part to address the unsustainable rate of global deforestation, particularly in precious rain forests.’
However, despite this virtue signalling, the brand’s supply chain continues to slash and burn forests and release mega-tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, and killing hundreds of endangered species. Once these animals are gone – they are gone for good.
Data courtesy of Palm Watch, a multidisciplinary research initiative by the University of Chicago.
🛑 Consumer Guide: Understanding Kenvue, J&J, and How to Boycott
How do I boycott Johnson & Johnson?
To impact the company financially, you should avoid all products under their consumer portfolio, but prioritise Johnson’s Baby (the source of the talcum powder lawsuits around the world) along with Listerine, Neutrogena and Aveeno (their high-volume revenue drivers).
| Brand Name | Category | Primary Product Examples | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aveeno | Skin Care | Oatmeal moisturisers, body wash, eczema therapy | High Revenue: Popular for sensitive skin and baby care. |
| Band-Aid | First Aid | Adhesive plasters, wound care sprays | Iconic Brand: Market leader in plasters. |
| Benadryl | Allergy/Cold | Diphenhydramine, allergy relief, sleep aids | Major Brand: Widely used for allergies and itching. |
| Clean & Clear | Teen Skin Care | Acne washes, spot treatments | Youth Brand: Targeted at teenagers and young adults. |
| Imodium | Digestive | Loperamide, anti-diarrhoeal medication | Major Brand: Standard treatment for diarrhoea. |
| Johnson’s Baby | Baby Care | Baby powder, shampoo, lotion, oil | Highest Risk: Directly linked to talc/asbestos lawsuits. |
| Listerine | Oral Care | Mouthwash, mouth sprays, floss | Iconic Brand: Dominant player in oral hygiene. |
| Lubriderm | Body Care | Daily moisturising lotions | Body Care: Popular for dry skin relief. |
| Motrin | Pain Relief | Ibuprofen tablets, gels, children’s liquid | High Revenue: Major competitor to Advil. |
| Neutrogena | Skin Care | Face wash, sunscreen, moisturisers, make-up remover | High Revenue: Leading dermatologist-recommended brand. |
| Nicorette | Smoking Cessation | Nicotine gum, patches, lozenges | Specialty Brand: Leader in quitting smoking aids. |
| Pepcid | Digestive | Famotidine, acid reflux, heartburn relief | Major Brand: Common over-the-counter stomach aid. |
| Rogaine | Hair Care | Minoxidil foam, shampoo for hair regrowth | Specialty Brand: FDA-approved hair loss treatment. |
| Sudafed | Cold/Flu | Pseudoephedrine, nasal decongestants | Major Brand: Common cold and sinus relief. |
| Tylenol | Pain Relief | Paracetamol tablets, liquid, fever reducers | High Revenue: One of the company’s biggest money-makers. |
| Visine | Eye Care | Eye drops for redness, irritation, dry eyes | Iconic Brand: Most recognised eye drop brand. |
| Zyrtec | Allergy/Cold | Cetirizine, allergy relief tablets | Major Brand: Leading non-drowsy allergy medication. |
Who actually owns Tylenol, Band-Aid, and Johnson’s Baby now?
These well-known brands are now no longer owned by Johnson & Johnson owned by a company called Kenvue (pronounced Ken-view).
- Old story: For over 100 years, products were made by Johnson & Johnson (J&J).
- New reality: In 2023, J&J spun off its consumer health division into a separate, independent company named Kenvue.
- Current status: As of 2026, Johnson & Johnson owns ZERO of these brands. If you buy Zyrtec, Tylenol, Sudafed or Johnson’s Baby, you are now buying from Kenvue, not J&J.
- Future warning: A deal is pending to sell Kenvue to Kimberly-Clark (the maker of Kleenex and Huggies). If this closes in late 2026, Kimberly-Clark will own these brands.
- ⚠️ Critical Note: Johnson’s Baby is now owned by Kenvue. Whereas Johnson & Johnson is the pharmaceutical arm of the company. It may not be possible to identify and boycott pharmaceutical products, but it may be easier to find and boycott their consumer goods.
Why is there a lawsuit controversy with Johnson & Johnson?
The controversy centres on talcum powder (specifically the brand Johnson’s Baby Powder).
- The Allegation: Lawsuits claim the talc was contaminated with asbestos, causing cancer (ovarian cancer and mesothelioma).
- The Split: When Kenvue separated from J&J, they split the lawsuits geographically:
- J&J keeps the lawsuits for the USA and Canada.
- Kenvue takes the lawsuits for the Rest of the World (UK, Europe, Australia, Africa, etc.).
- The Result: If you live outside the US/Canada, Kenvue is directly responsible for the international lawsuits. If you live in the US/Canada, J&J is technically responsible, but Kenvue still makes the product.
Boycott step 1: Check the packaging for the manufacturer
Look at the bottom or back of the product.
- If it says: “Kenvue” or “Kenvue Inc.” → Avoid.
- If it says: “Johnson & Johnson” → Still Avoid (This is likely old packaging or a specific regional variation, but the product is still part of the Kenvue ecosystem).
- If it says: “Kimberly-Clark” → Still Avoid In late 2026, Kimberly-Clark is expected to take over ownership of the Kenvue/Johnson’s brand of consumer products.
Boycott step 2: Identify and avoid high revenue items
Avoid these items which generate a lot of revenue for the company.
- Johnson’s Baby Products (Powder, Wash, Lotion) – The source of the multi-billion dollar legal cases about asbestos.
- Tylenol and Motrin – Cash cows for the company.
- Listerine and Neutrogena – High market share brands.
Boycott step 3: Find alternative products
You don’t have to suffer to boycott as there are plenty of alternatives that are safe, free from harmful chemicals and palm oil free.
- Search this website for alternative products in different categories. Search for skincare, personal care and palm oil free makeup on Palm Oil Detectives.
- Use the premium version of the Yuka app: This allows you to filter out products with palm oil. Yuka gives you a simple rating out of 100 so that you can tell if the product contains any poisonous or cancer-causing chemicals in the ingredients.
- Make your own baby powder from cornstarch: A safe home-made version of baby powder will satisfy your post-shower urge to powder up without dousing yourself in carcinogenic chemicals.
Boycott step 4: Spread the word
Since most people don’t know about Kenvue, the most effective boycott is education.
- Tell friends: “Did you know Johnson’s Baby and Tylenol aren’t made by J&J anymore? They’re owned by Kenvue, which is being sued by thousands of people for causing reproductive system cancers.”
Disclaimer: Corporate ownership structures can change. This guide reflects the status of J&J/ Kenvue as of August 2026. Always check the “Manufactured by” label on the product for the most current information.
Johnson & Johnson/ Kenvue own a vast global stable of consumer health, personal care and pharmaceutical products….
Consumer health products
- Tylenol
- Motrin
- Zyrtec
- Benadryl
- Benylin
- BENGAY
- Zarbee’s
- Imodium
- Rhinocort
- Nicorette
- Pepcid
- Sudafed
- Listerine
- Band-Aid
- Neosporin
- Polysporin
- Caladryl
- Johnson’s (including Baby Powder)
- Desitin
- Penaten
- Maui Moisture
- Carefree
- Stayfree
- Compeed
- Rembrandt
- Mylanta
- Tucks
Medical devices
- Acclarent
- Biosense Webster
- Cerenovus
- DePuy Synthes
- Ethicon
- Mentor
Pharmaceutical subsidiaries
- Janssen
- Actelion
- Cilag
- Crucell
- Novira
Food Products
- Splenda
- Lactaid
- Benecol
Personal care and skincare
- Clean & Clear
- C&C By Clean & Clear
- OGX
- Neutrogena
- Aveeno
- Aveeno Baby
- Dr.Ci:Labo
- Neostrata
- Exuviance
- Dabao
- bebe
- Genomer
- Sundown
- Rogaine
- Women’s Rogaine
- Regaine
- Labo Labo
- Lubriderm
- PizBuin
- Le Petit Marseillais
Vision and optical
- Acuvue
- Abbott Medical Optics
- Tear Science
- Visine
More Information
The Chain: Repeat Offenders Continue to Clear Forests for Oil Palm in Southeast Asia
Discover more from Palm Oil Detectives
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Thanks for the info. I will no longer buy any products from Johnson & Johnson, though looking at that list I think I’ve only bought a few before.
Still they’re now banned in our house!
Keep up the great work x
Thank you for the information. I knew Nestle was a big offender but did not know about Johnson and Johnson. They will be off our shopping list!!