“Safety is a little word but it has a big meaning for our skin, hair and baby care products,” says Susan Nettesheim, vice president, Product Stewardship, speaking after the company’s annual report for 2012 was released.
Controversy
Back in 2011 the manufacturer were scrutinised by pressure groups after claims that its baby shampoo contained potentially harmful ingredients.
At the time it told this publication that it was in the process of reformulating its products, and in 2012, was commended by the same groups that had put pressure on them for making the change.
Transparency
Also last year, the US-headquartered manufacturer created and launched a website where consumers can view its ingredient policies and learn about the scientific standards of its five-level safety assurance process.
The website, ‘Our Safety and Care Commitment’, is dedicated to helping consumers better understand how J&J ensures the safety of beauty and baby care products, and the ingredients that go into them.
“The safety of our beauty and baby care products begins with our five-level assurance process, and we continually re-evaluate ingredients to be responsive to the latest scientific developments and to [consumer] feedback,” says a company statement.
Research
This is evidenced in the aforementioned removal a number of commonly used ingredients from J&J baby and beauty consumer products in 2012 due to concerns expressed by consumers.
“As a leader in scientific research about baby care products for over 100 years, the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies pioneered much of the research that our industry relies on,” adds Nettesheim.
“Our deep and specialized knowledge of the special needs of both adult and baby skin informs the formulations and ingredients selected for our beauty and baby care products.”