If you’re looking for clean beauty brands like Neutrogena (but want formulas and companies that better align with your values) there are plenty of alternatives worth knowing about.
Neutrogena has been a drugstore skincare staple for decades, known for everything from face washes and acne treatments to moisturizers and sunscreen. But the brand has recently faced renewed criticism following comments made by its former longtime ambassador, actress Hayden Panettiere.
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Before her death in August 2026, Panettiere spoke publicly about the end of her relationship with Neutrogena, claiming her decade-long contract with the company ended after she discussed her experience with postpartum depression. Her story has since resurfaced, prompting criticism of the brand and calls from some consumers to reconsider their support.
And for those of us who already pay close attention to the ingredients, packaging, and ethics behind our beauty products, it brings up a bigger question: What are some better alternatives to Neutrogena?
While “clean beauty” doesn’t have one standardized definition, at Sustainably Chic we look beyond marketing claims. We prioritize thoughtful formulations, ingredient transparency, responsible sourcing, cruelty-free practices when possible, and brands making meaningful efforts to reduce their environmental impact. Below are 10 clean beauty brands to consider if you’re ready to swap out your Neutrogena skincare.
Is Neutrogena a Clean Beauty Brand?
We wouldn’t consider Neutrogena a clean beauty brand based on the criteria we typically use at Sustainably Chic. That doesn’t mean every Neutrogena ingredient or product is inherently “bad.” In fact, the brand makes several dermatologist-tested products and offers fragrance-free options that may work well for many people.
However, some Neutrogena formulas contain ingredients that shoppers specifically seeking clean beauty may prefer to avoid. For example, the brand’s Liquid Neutrogena Facial Cleanser currently lists ingredients including BHT, phenoxyethanol, synthetic dyes, and other conventional cosmetic ingredients. It’s also worth remembering that natural doesn’t automatically mean safer, and synthetic doesn’t automatically mean harmful. We prefer looking at the complete formulation rather than labeling individual ingredients as simply “good” or “bad.”
For this guide, we’re focusing on brands offering greater ingredient transparency and formulations that more closely align with what clean-beauty shoppers are typically looking for.
Why Are People Looking for Neutrogena Alternatives?
Ingredient preferences aren’t the only reason some shoppers are reconsidering Neutrogena. In 2026, comments from Neutrogena’s former ambassador Hayden Panettiere received renewed attention. Panettiere said the company ended its longtime relationship with her after she publicly discussed experiencing postpartum depression.
According to Panettiere, she was told that discussing her postpartum depression violated a morality clause in her contract. Neutrogena has not publicly confirmed that account or explained why the partnership ended.
For consumers who consider a company’s treatment of people alongside ingredients and environmental impact, the controversy may understandably factor into where they choose to spend their money. Fortunately, Neutrogena isn’t your only option.
10 Clean Beauty Alternatives to Neutrogena
1. Cocokind
Best for: Affordable everyday skincare
Cocokind is one of our favorite places to start if you want accessible skincare without making your routine overly complicated. The brand focuses on straightforward formulas and is particularly transparent about its ingredients and environmental footprint.
Why we like it:
- Transparent ingredient lists
- Accessible price point
- Sensitive-skin-friendly options
- Thoughtful packaging initiatives
- Easy-to-build everyday skincare routine
Try instead of: Neutrogena cleansers, moisturizers and serums
2. OSEA
Best for: Luxurious clean skincare
OSEA has been making seaweed-based skincare since the 1990s and is a longtime favorite in the clean beauty space. Its formulas combine botanical ingredients with more modern skincare actives, making it a lovely alternative if you’re looking to upgrade from conventional drugstore skincare.
Why we like it:
- Seaweed-based formulas
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Climate-conscious initiatives
- Beautiful body care selection
- Longstanding clean beauty brand
Try instead of: Neutrogena moisturizers and body care
3. Three Ships
Best for: Transparent, affordable clean skincare
Three Ships is a great Neutrogena alternative if ingredient transparency is high on your list. The brand takes a refreshingly detailed approach to skincare, sharing where many of its ingredients come from through product Source Maps and an extensive ingredient glossary.
Why we like it:
- Excellent ingredient transparency
- EWG VERIFIED™
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Uses upcycled ingredients in select formulas
- More accessible price point
Try instead of: Neutrogena cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and anti-aging skincare
4. True Botanicals
Best for: High-performance clean skincare
If you’re looking for a more luxurious alternative, True Botanicals combines botanical ingredients with performance-focused formulations. The brand is particularly popular for facial oils, serums and anti-aging skincare.
Why we like it:
- Ingredient-conscious formulations
- MADE SAFE® certified products
- Botanical oils and extracts
- High-performance formulas
- Strong ingredient transparency
Try instead of: Neutrogena serums and anti-aging skincare
5. Obakki
Best for: Natural skincare with an artisan-focused approach
Obakki is a beautiful alternative to conventional skincare brands if you’re looking for thoughtfully made products with a strong focus on natural ingredients, craftsmanship, and responsible sourcing. The brand works directly with artisans and small-scale producers around the world, and its beauty collection includes botanical skincare and body care made with ingredients like shea butter, plant oils, and other naturally derived ingredients.
Why we like it:
- Natural and botanical ingredients
- Direct relationships with artisans & producers
- Emphasis on traceable, responsible sourcing
- Small-batch and traditionally made products
- Thoughtful approach to packaging and waste
Try instead of: Neutrogena moisturizers, facial oils & body soaps
6. Mad Hippie
Best for: Affordable serums and skincare actives
Mad Hippie is another approachable clean beauty brand that doesn’t require spending $100 on a face serum. You’ll find vitamin C, retinol alternatives, exfoliating treatments and everyday skincare staples.
Why we like it:
- Accessible pricing
- Ingredient transparency
- Vegan options
- Cruelty-free
- Excellent selection of serums
Try instead of: Neutrogena Vitamin C and anti-aging products
7. Erleia
Best for: Plastic-free & low-waste skincare
Erleia is a great Neutrogena alternative for anyone who wants to cut down on plastic in their beauty routine. The AAPI woman-founded brand puts sustainability at the center of its skincare, with many of its solid products packaged in plastic-free paper tubes lined with plant-based wax.
Why we like it:
- Plastic-free packaging
- Biodegradable and compostable paper tubes
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulas
- Organic ingredients used throughout the collection
- AAPI woman-owned
Try instead of: Neutrogena moisturizers, face oils, masks & body care
8. Attitude
Best for: Affordable minimalist skincare
ATTITUDE is a great option for anyone trying to make their entire bathroom a little more ingredient-conscious. Beyond facial skincare, the brand makes body care, hair care, sunscreen and household products.
Why we like it:
- EWG VERIFIED™ options
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Broad personal-care range
- Plastic-reduction initiatives
- Accessible pricing
Try instead of: Neutrogena skincare, sunscreen and body care
9. DIME Beauty
Best for: Clean, results-focused skincare
DIME Beauty is a great option if you love the results-focused side of Neutrogena but want a brand with stricter ingredient standards. Founded by a master esthetician, DIME combines familiar skincare actives like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides with its own DIME Clean™ standards.
Why we like it:
- Transparent ingredient lists
- Leaping Bunny certified
- EWG VERIFIED®
- Uses glass and recycled packaging
- Skincare made in the USA
Try instead of: Neutrogena serums, moisturizers & anti-aging skincare
10. Honest Beauty
Best for: Affordable, easy-to-find clean beauty
Honest Beauty is one of the easiest Neutrogena swaps if you still want skincare that’s relatively affordable and readily available. The brand uses what it calls Clean Conscious™ formulas, with ingredients evaluated for safety and efficacy and audited by toxicologists.
Why we like it:
- Toxicologist-audited ingredients
- NO List™ of 3,500+ restricted chemicals and materials
- Made without synthetic fragrances
- EWG VERIFIED®
- More affordable than other clean brands
Try instead of: Neutrogena cleansers, moisturizers & everyday skincare
What to Look for When Switching to Clean Skincare
You don’t need to throw away everything in your bathroom and replace it overnight.Instead, we recommend replacing products as you finish them and paying a little more attention to what you’re buying next.
Look for brands that clearly disclose their ingredients, explain why they’re using them, and avoid relying solely on vague terms like “natural,” “green,” or “non-toxic.” Third-party certifications can also be helpful. Depending on what matters most to you, you may come across certifications and standards such as EWG VERIFIED™, MADE SAFE®, USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny, B Corp, or COSMOS.
Just remember that these certifications verify different things, and a brand doesn’t necessarily need a certification to make a great product. Certifications can be expensive, particularly for smaller companies, so transparency matters, too.
Our Finale Thoughts on Neutrogena
Neutrogena may be one of the most recognizable names in skincare, but it’s far from your only option.
Whether you’re reconsidering the brand because of the recent Hayden Panettiere controversy, its ingredients, its environmental footprint, or simply because you want your beauty purchases to better reflect your values, there are plenty of clean beauty brands worth exploring.
And you don’t need a perfectly “clean” bathroom cabinet to make more thoughtful choices. Start with the product you’re about to run out of, find an alternative you genuinely enjoy using, and go from there 🙂
