Kenvue (formerly J&J Consumer Health) — Ethics Grade D

Kenvue (formerly J&J Consumer Health) receives an overall ethics grade of D (32/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Retail. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 55
• privacy: 70
• consumer: 15
• environment: 40
• humanRights: 50

Documented incidents (3)

• Talc Powder Asbestos Claims (high, 2023) — The company faces over 50,000 lawsuits alleging its talc-based baby powder was contaminated with asbestos and caused ovarian cancer. The company attempted to use a controversial 'Texas two-step' bankruptcy maneuver to limit liability.
• Benzene Sunscreen Contamination (medium, 2021) — J&J voluntarily recalled five Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreen products after internal testing identified low levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen, in the samples.
• Opioid Crisis Settlement (high, 2022) — The company reached a final $5 billion settlement with state and local governments for its role in marketing opioid painkillers and downplaying addiction risks before spinning off its consumer arm.

Documented good deeds

• Circular Economy Commitments — Kenvue has committed to making 100% of its plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025 as part of its 'Healthy Lives Mission'.

Ethical alternatives

• Seventh Generation — Focuses on plant-based ingredients and transparent chemical disclosure.