Beauty: Neutrogena’s healthy skin history

Neutrogena is mining its rich history by presenting editors with some of its key milestones. Anyone remember the company’s clear glycerin soap? I do! (it still exists by the way).

Emanuel Stolaroff had a beauty supply company called Natone in the 1930s and 1940s that specialized in supplying to the film industry in the U.S.  While on a business trip in 1954, Stolaroff was introduced to a mild clear glycerin soap by a Belgian chemist–the soap was remarkable in that it left no residue and protected the skins normal pH. "The bar was the first introduction to skin care for many women," says Shannon de Laat, of RPR Marketing in New York, which does PR for Neutrogena, at a meeting today. It became a a favourite of dermatologists. Around 1962, the company changed its name to Neutrogena (Johnson and Johnson bought Neutrogena in 1994.)

That was then, this is now: In August, Neutrogena Healthy Skin is coming out with two new products, Radiance SPF 15, formulated with soy extract. It also has light-reflecting minerals to add an instant radiance. Lift & Firm SPF 15 contains Tetrol-E, derived from amino acids, and is designed to help tighten and improve skin elasticity. Both moisturizers offer broad spectrum protection and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They’re targeted to women 30-plus who are just entering the anti-aging skin care phase. Also late summer, for younger acne-prone skin, the company is introducing Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Gel Cleanser. "It cuts through the surface oil and delivers salicylic acid deep into the skin," says Ted Lachmansingh, Neutrogena Group Brand Director.

While many days I have my nose buried in beauty/science, today was one of those times when I enjoyed the lighter side of the job. Courtesy of Neutrogena, I was picked up in a 1960 vintage Bentley and taken to one of the prettiest spots in Yorkville, MoRoCo Chocolat for my meeting. That’s me (above) with the car in front of our offices.

From soap to cars, some classics just never go out of style.