J&J to launch Neutrogena cosmetics line

Toiletries company Johnson & Johnson is extending its Neutrogena brand with the roll-out of a new cosmetics line in the UK.

The Neutrogena Cosmetics range, which is already well established in the US, includes foundations, powders, lip colours, concealer sticks, mascara and blush. The new line will be both hypo-allergenic and fragrance free.

At the moment the brand offers only skin and haircare products in the UK, including a facial cleansing range, T/Gel shampoo, UV ageing repair treatment, clear pore gel, lip salve and the new Norwegian formula hand-cream.

Earlier this year, Neutrogena launched a new range of shampoos and conditioners in the UK, supported by a TV and a press campaign starring actress Jennifer Love Hewitt as the new face of Neutrogena.

J & J has recently appointed Stefano Curti to the new role of European marketing director for Nutrogena. Curti was previously the European marketing manager for the J&J brand pH5.5 (MW September 28).

At the time of his appointment Cutti told Marketing Week that new advertising for Neutrogena will break in the first quarter of 2001. The new campaign will be handled by the brand’s agency BMP DDB.

The company declined to comment on the roll-out of the cosmetics line.

J&J’s third-quarter sales announced last week reported a 14 per cent gain in net profits to &£78m. The consumer products segment of the company, which includes Neutrogena skincare products, reported earnings of &£1.2bn, up by 1.1 per cent from a year ago.